Mistaken Identity

Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope

By: Don & Susie Van Ryn, Newell Colleen & Whitney Cerak, Mark Tabb

Narrated by: Lillian Thayer

A grief reversed. A hope deferred. Mistaken Identity tells the unprecedented story of Laura Van Ryn and Whitney Cerak: one buried under the wrong name, and the other in a coma being cared for by the wrong family.

Five lives were lost in a tragic car accident, and the sole survivor was rushed to the hospital, where she remained in a coma for five weeks. Everyone believed that Laura Van Ryn was in a coma, and that Whitney Cerak had died in the crash—until Whitney woke up.

This shocking case of mistaken identity stunned the country and made national news. Would it destroy a family? Shatter their faith? Push two families into bitterness, resentment, and guilt? In Mistaken Identity, the Van Ryn family and the Cerek family describe their ordeal and explore the bond sustaining and uniting them as they deal with their bizarre reversal of life lost and life found.

Mistaken Identity weaves a complex tale of honesty, vulnerability, loss, hope, faith, and love in the face of one of the strangest twists of circumstances imaginable.©2008 Don Van Ryn, Susie Van Ryn, Colleen Cerak, Whitney Cerak, Newell Cerak; (P)2008 Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Best book ever

What a great story. This is the 2nd time for me. I read it the first time and listened the next. Still an amazing story.

God’s grace is amazing

This is a beautiful story of two families’ testimonies during a very difficult situation. I was moved to tears at times and encouraged by their trust in the Lord.

This Book Changed Me

I have listened to over 60 books on audible and none habe been "true stories" this is a story that I knew about from media. I am so glad I was able to hear the whole account. I loved the story, the message and the narrator. I will be looking for more true stories for my next read.

Worth a credit !! One of my fave !!

Love the story .. A heartwarming and touching story about family . I just find it odd that their own parents didn't recognize their own daughter ..

sad but wonderful story

unreal what happens to these families, but the strong faith they have is wonderful! i must hear story.