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Shuffle In, Hearts Out: It’s Just About… Life.

April 14, 2013 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

shuffle pic for blog The color Red. It means stop. It means anger. It means power. More importantly, it’s the color of your heart. And today, more than 2,000 hearts poured onto the streets of Baltimore to give their love, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other, all for one purpose… the kids.

Anyone who has a child knows this fact to be true: the moment they are born, life is no longer about you. Life is about them, always and forever. You helped create the miracle, they share your soul, so when their soul is hurting, so is yours. When their heart is troubled, yours is too. When they are sick, or hurt, or suffering, you share their pain. When this happens, it’s the Ronald McDonald House which is a beacon of light during the darkest of times, especially when your child, your miracle must be hospitalized, or go through treatment and all you want to do is to be nearby. It’s a proven fact, children heal faster when surrounded by those that love them the most… their family. Love is life’s best medicine.

And today, there was plenty of good medicine to go around, because love was in the air, and a lot of money was raised because of it. Today was the second annual Red Shoe Shuffle to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore. The House provides the home away from home for the families of children who are sick, hurt or suffering. These precious miracles might require surgery, hospital stays, or treatment which means their families need to find a way to stay close. That’s where the House comes in. At little or no cost, it keeps love close at hand, because the families of these children now have a place which provides comfort and care, a place to call home.

The Red Shoe Crew is a group of young professionals associated with the House. Their mission, to engage, empower and inspire Young Professionals in Maryland to participate in philanthropic and leadership endeavors, and to build awareness of the Ronald McDonald House. To put it more simply, they lend heart and soul to the house that love built.

I serve on the Board of Directors for the House in Baltimore and couldn’t be more proud to be part of a such a terrific group. Everyone understands the purpose and the challenge at hand, stay true to the mission of the House and find ways to raise funds to make sure it remains the same beacon of light for the families who need it most. Apparently we are not the only ones who feel this way. Thousands donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore every year, their money and their time. Every bit helps, every bit makes a difference in the lives of those miracles. Today I was part of a much larger team from my office, New York Life Baltimore, 29 strong, but today’s walk was only a few hours in time. For the families, for the children who need it most, it’s more than just hours they face, it’s days, weeks, months, years, or perhaps a lifetime of challenges.

As I neared the final leg of today’s walk, I started thinking about this affirmation… you always get what you give. I disagree, it’s much more. When you give, you don’t just get back, you are transformed. To become more, you must help other to do the same, and in this case provide the opportunity for those children to become more, to heal, to get better, by providing a caring, loving place for their families to be close at hand. Sometimes the journey for these children has a happy ending, sometimes it does not. We can’t change the outcome, but we, through the House, try to make the journey as pleasant as we possibly can.

Today’s walk was the standard 5K, a little more than three miles in length. That’s nothing. Nothing compared to the hearts of the walkers, hearts growing many miles wide as the walkers made their way through the streets of downtown Baltimore. They say G-d gives you two hands in life, one to help yourself and one to help other people. The Red Shoe Shuffle is the perfect synergy of both. Walking gives you exercise that’s good for your heart, and your heart in turn touches those you have helped the most, the families whose children are faced with a tough journey and who need a place to stay, to make sure they get the best medicine the world has ever created, love.

As I made my way through the final steps of today’s walk I saw one of the race helpers holding a sign. I look for those things now – my own heart has been growing since I started this blog three months ago – and I needed to stop and take a picture. Do me a favor, scroll back to the top of and take another look at the sign, it is posted at the top of this blog. The sign says Thanks for giving up your Sunday morning to lift up someone else. I can assure you myself and 2,000 other people didn’t give up, instead we donated, our Sunday morning to participate, and we did much more than lift up someone else. We did the same for ourselves, it was like walking on air, knowing that your gift of time, of money, of body, can mean so much more for the young miracles who need it most.

That’s why we give. That’s why we love. Today, that’s why we shuffled.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Comments

  1. Amy Fingles says

    April 15, 2013 at 9:38 am

    So nice to have met you yesterday. What a great day and a great cause. I could feel the love and support as I walked. I am so excited to start following your blog and to be inspired by your encouraging words. I wish you and your family the very best.

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      April 15, 2013 at 1:05 pm

      Thanks Amy! It was a great event. Glad to meet you. Thanks for following the blog. 🙂

      Mark

      Reply

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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

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I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

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This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

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A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

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This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

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There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

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