Wild Ride

A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships

By: Hayley Arceneaux

Narrated by: Hayley Arceneaux

The youngest American to ever orbit the earth—cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux—shows us all that when we face our fears with hope and faith, extraordinary things can happen.

“A potent reminder to all of us that nothing on earth—or in the heavens, for that matter—can keep us from becoming commanders of our own destiny.”—Marlo Thomas, actor, author, and national outreach director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

WINNER OF THE CHRISTOPHER AWARD

In this boldly optimistic debut memoir, Hayley Arceneaux details how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to grab hold of a life greater than she’d ever imagined. With her signature upbeat messaging, Arceneaux recounts her odyssey, from her cancer diagnosis at age ten and the yearlong treatment that inspired her goal of working with pediatric cancer patients, to living through her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis, to getting her lifelong dream job at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a physician assistant. She was sure she’d finally attained the life she wanted, and then the amazing and unimaginable happened: She was invited to go to space as a St. Jude ambassador.

Throughout the book, Arceneaux encourages readers to fight for the life they want, saying, You have to hold on, because you don’t know what great thing can come and change your life. Take the chance and you will feel, and learn, and grow, and become even more you. Following your dreams can take you to dreams you didn’t know you had.

Arceneaux’s uplifting story is the inspiration we all need today. She offers wisdom and lessons in courage to anyone fighting against the odds. And through it all, she reveals how resilience and faith can help us grab hold of the life we’ve always wanted and live it to the fullest.

Critic reviews

“Hayley brings the same optimism and determination to launching into space that she did overcoming childhood cancer. Her passion for life and adventure in the face of obstacles is both moving and inspiring. If challenges loom between you and your dreams, read this book and take notes!”—Cady Coleman, retired NASA astronaut

“In her gripping and inspiring first memoir, Hayley Arceneaux exhibits just the right stuff that made her an overnight national darling and a shining role model for anyone who has faced adversity: bravery, resilience, optimism, faith, humor, honor—and enough heart to power a fleet of spaceships to the cosmos and beyond. Wild Ride is a potent reminder to all of us that nothing on earth—or in the heavens, for that matter—can keep us from becoming commanders of our own destiny.”—Marlo Thomas, actor, author, and national outreach director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

“Wild Ride is an inspiring story of hope and inspiration that demonstrates that kids with cancer can go on to achieve great things. It’s a shining example for anyone looking for the motivation to keep moving forward despite their own personal challenges. Hayley Arceneaux’s vivid narratives made me feel like I was back in space. Great job, astronaut!”—Captain Scott Kelly, U.S. Navy (retired), former NASA astronaut

Incredibly Inspiring!

I have listened to this book twice now, and I’m inspired each time to live my life more fully. I would highly recommend.

Nice Story

Haley wrote about her experiences with cancer and it was truly touching. You can't help but admire her and the loving support her family gave her. She talks about how this experience shaped her life. Setting some goals, she worked hard and achieved them. Tenacious she didn't let one closed-door stop her from her dreams. One could say she is a traveling junkie in a good way.

This story is a lighthearted read with positive undertones. She does a good job narrating her story.

Awesome story

Such an amazing and inspiring journey this author shares with us. Although the message is apparent throughout, she really sums her life’s journey in a thoughtful and inspiring message that everyone could benefit from reading.

Excellent book

Really good book, and very well read.

Although I followed the mission closely, this was a great insight into Hayley's life, and I didn't want it to end.

it was a very inspirational story.

it was a story told in a very personal way. had a friendly atmosphere to it.