If Chef Hans Rueffert were any less tenacious, you might say he he was cut down in his prime--but as hard as he's fought, it's clear he believes his best days are still to come.

After years of running his family's gourmet restaurant at the Woodbridge Inn in Jasper, GA, and producing his own TV specials and cooking shows, Chef Hans' career reached a high point when he was selected to compete on "The Next Food Network Star" out of more than 8,000 applicants. Just two weeks after placing third in the competition, Hans was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer.

Two years and endless surgeries and complications later, Hans is not just surviving when the doctors told him not to expect too much. He's still following his passion and supporting his young family--his wife Amy and their children, Finn, 9, and Ella, 7--during this trying time. 

His new cookbook, "Eat Like There's No Tomorrow," is more than a collection of recipes--it's a story and a prayer. Hans employs his classical culinary training alongside vivid writing and compelling photography to explain why food, for its ability to bring people together, may just be the thing most worth living for.

"Eat Like There's No Tomorrow" is self-published and is available at www.hanscooks.com for $24.95.