Picoult once again spends a great deal of time describing the serious suffering that Kate undergoes through the course of her treatment. These descriptions also serve to make Sara a more sympathetic figure as she attempts to rescue Kate from this suffering—but, at the same time, it highlights how continuing to push for Kate’s survival causes pain not only for Anna, but Kate herself. Even so, Anna’s cord blood provides a glimmer of hope for Dr. Chance and the Fitzgeralds, once again raising the possibility that Sara’s efforts are worth it.