How Does Roberto Canessa Have To Survive

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On October 13, 1972, a plane crash in the Andes left a group of survivors stranded in one of the most hostile environments on Earth. They faced extreme cold, avalanches, and the constant threat of starvation. Among them was Roberto Canessa, a young medical student who later became a fetal cardiologist that saved hundreds of lives, whose resourcefulness and resilience would prove crucial in leading the survivors to safety. Over the course of 72 harrowing days, Canessa's strength and determination were tested to their limits, as he and his companions struggled against seemingly insurmountable odds. This life-altering experience, detailed in his autobiography "I Had to Survive," not only pushed Canessa to his limits physically and mentally, but …show more content…

Determined to honor the sacrifices of the deceased, he pursued success and lived with a profound sense of purpose. In later years, he brought his children to the gravesites in the Andes, saying, “Just as I promised you, I made the most I could out of my life. And I wanted you to meet the fruits of your sacrifice.” (Canessa 160) This visit was a powerful testament to his enduring gratitude and the deep respect he held for those who died. It symbolized his pride in fulfilling what those lost souls would have wanted—a life lived to its fullest potential, their sacrifices never forgotten. Another way that Canessa was inspired by those who died was through their selfless actions before they passed away. When the plane crashed into the Andes mountains, Roberto, a medical student at the time, immediately took on the role of a caregiver, assisting as many passengers as he could. One particularly poignant moment involved his friend, Flaco, who was severely injured. As Roberto’s daughter recounted, “Flaco’s legs were badly injured. Dad asked if he was okay, and Flaco answered, ‘Yeah, go help the others.’ Two hours later, Dad checked on him, and he had bled out” (Canessa 210). This moment had a profound impact on Roberto, serving as a powerful inspiration for his …show more content…

This newfound resilience led him to embrace risks throughout his life, propelling him into the demanding field of fetal cardiology. He thrived under pressure, asserting that near-death experiences and the accompanying adrenaline fueled his best work. Reflecting on his time in the Andes, Roberto vividly recalled, “The fear of death is something that you can feel, something you can almost smell, because sometimes it's right in front of you, giving off a sensation of anguish and desperation. But it also forces you to keep a cool head, clear mind.”(Canessa 94) For most, such dire circumstances might prompt a desire to give up. However, for Roberto, the fear of death became a driving force, propelling him to survive against all odds. In the Andes, Roberto’s rudimentary cardiology skills were put to the ultimate test. He faced the pressure of saving lives with limited resources, yet this pressure sharpened his resolve and capability. As he stated, “On the mountain, cardiology was the area in which I was most useful. I wanted to get to the very root of the matter, and that's how I came to fetal cardiology.”(Canessa 167) His determination to tackle the root of his friends injuries, taking those necessary risks in order to save them led him to this highly specialized and challenging field. Roberto's survival in

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