Holocaust survivor and author Inge Auerbacher was saved from tuberculosis with the help of streptomycin nearly 50 years ago. She recently befriended the discoverer of the medicine, which is the subject of her latest book.
After making it through the Holocaust and the Terezin concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, Auerbacher, who was born in Germany and now resides in Jamaica, learned that she had contracted TB. She was eventually given streptomycin, which was an experimental drug at the time. When her illness flared up again, she was given it for a second time, along with some other medications.
Although the discovery was originally attributed to Selman Waksman, it was later found that Dr. Albert Schatz was the force behind it. He was a graduate student under Waksman at Rutgers University when streptomycin was discovered.
When Auerbacher heard about Schatz, she felt compelled to thank him for saving her life. She sent him a letter, not knowing what to expect.
“I was nervous,” she said. “He did not disappoint me. He became almost like my father. We became very close to each other.”
As their friendship grew, Auerbacher and Schatz decided to write a book detailing the discovery, which took place on October 19, 1943, and how it saved one person's life. Schatz passed away in January of 2005, before “Finding Dr. Schatz” was printed. However, Auerbacher said his family liked the book and that she is still very close with them.
“They are just crazy about the book,” said Auerbacher, who firmly believes in the Talmud quote “Whoever saves a single life is as if one saves the entire world.” “They're lovely, lovely people and they made me a part of the family.”
Auerbacher said that it was important to her that this book be published so that she could pay tribute to Schatz.
“He saved my life. I'm trying to save his in a way. I'm an example of the millions he saved,” she said. “I'd like to keep his memory alive. This book is to honor his life, his gift to the world - the gift of life that he gave to so many people.”
Prior to “Finding Dr. Schatz,” Auerbacher authored three other books. They are “I Am a Star - Child of the Holocaust,” “Beyond the Yellow Star to America” and “Running Against the Wind.” The first two books detail her own life while the third tells the story of Mary and Martha DeSaussure, who were twin sisters living in Brooklyn who were track runners in the Police Athletic League.
Auerbacher's love of writing developed while she was sick, saying that it was an activity she could do that didn't require much energy.
“I wrote all my life. As soon as I could write, I wrote,” the Queens College graduate said.
Along with her writing and her experience working as a chemist for 38 years, Auerbacher frequently lectures about her thorough and enriching life. She has spoken in various states and has even gone to Germany to give many talks.
“I'm really fighting all the time for human rights and the dignity of all human beings,” Auerbacher said.
For her efforts, Auerbacher has been recognized numerous times. Among her list of honors are the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1999), the Louis E. Yavner Citizen (1999) and Queens College of the City University of New York Alumni Star (1998).
Auerbacher's books can be order through major book sellers or via her website, www.ingeauerbacher.com. More information on Auerbacher and her work can also be found by visiting her website. She can also be reached by e-mailing ingeauerbacher@yahoo.com.
The Write Stuff – Author meets scientist whose medicine cured her TB
By Jessica Lyons
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