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The Sunday Series (28), with Mark Brodinsky

May 25, 2014 By markbrodinsky 7 Comments

To inspire, have courage, keep hope alive. All of these are traits of winners, those who are leading the way, showing us all how it’s done, overcoming obstacles and helping in any way they can to be change makers. These are their stories, in my words… The Sunday Series.

The Sunday Series (28): Wheels of Giving

Ten years, thousands of miles, and to think it all began one day at lunch.

“There’s a group at my office, (GP Strategies), that rides”, says Jill Eisenberg, “and I had not been on a bike since age 12 or 13. My co-workers ride at lunchtime, I just started riding with them.” And once the wheels started turning, Jill learned she couldn’t be stopped. Working as a graphic designer, Jill quickly learned that riding became a great way to break up the day. “It’s fun to put in saddle time”, says Jill. “Lunchtime is usually 12-15 miles. Bike riding is extremely relaxing, by myself or with a group, it’s a great way to clear my head. Sometimes someone might ask me for an idea and I go out and ride and think about it.”

Sm Group Lunch

The daily rides got Jill thinking about bigger and better things, about challenging herself to do more, ride more, farther, faster and break through barriers. She did several bigger rides, including a 100-mile ride with a team from work, in an event called Seagull Century. Then Jill learned about a ride for Multiple Sclerosis. 100-miles one day, 50-miles the next through Maryland’s beautiful eastern shore. At first Jill saw the event and the ride as simply another challenge to take on, a shot at proving to herself she had the stamina and discipline to get it done. But as she learned more about MS and met some of the participants, everything changed.

Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is a disease that affects the central nervous system, (CNS), and everything we do relies on the proper function of this central nervous system. But with MS, immune cells violate the connections of the CNS creating dysfunction, which can be mild, moderate or severe. There is no cure, only treatment…but events like Bike MS, are going a long way to improve those treatments, with people like Jill and thousands of others leading the charge. (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS)

And it was on one of these rides about four years ago that Jill met Mike. Mike was diagnosed with MS in his early 30’s and was taking part in Bike MS. Jill was on the 100-mile route of the race when she came upon Mike. The two started talking and Jill realized he would need some encouragement to make it to the finish line, for the race leg he had chosen was not the 100-mile course, but a 65-mile trek. Jill stayed with Mike for every pedal the rest of the way and Mike told Jill his whole story of dealing with the disease. The two finished the 65-mile race together, and a new friendship blossomed.

Inspired by Jill and her dedication to cycling, the next year Mike said he wanted to tackle the 100-mile ride. The temperature for the ride that year, at 95 degrees, presented a significant challenge to both of them, especially Mike. Jill says every 10-miles she would ask him how he felt. Despite the heat and fatigue, Mike said he could make it. Slowly, methodically, the two pedaled together and reached the finish line, one of the final participants to cross, but it hardly mattered, a major obstacle had been overcome. And every year since then Mike has finished the 100 mile course.

Events like the Bike MS are literally changing the lives of those battling the disease. Over the past decade Jill says she has witnessed tremendous strides in the research and treatments, some of it funded with the money raised by events like Bike MS. “The money we raise in Maryland is really doing great things”, says Jill. “In the last ten years it, (treatments), have gone from daily shots to oral medications, so the person with MS can now take a pill with less side effects. MS affects things we don’t think about, that we take for granted and the money raised is also funding more research, funding services for people who need assistance, ride shares, new beds and more.” The drugs to treat MS can be expensive and not all is covered by insurance, events like Bike MS seek to alleviate the financial burden as well.

bikeMS

And Jill is a leader among those raising dollars to fight for those afflicted. Over the past ten years, Jill and her team, which now stands at 35 participants, have raised more than $20,000. In 2011, Jill was named Volunteer of the Year for the Maryland MS Chapter. It’s all about going above and beyond what is expected, put the extra in front of ordinary to become extraordinary. Jill has found a cause she loves and does so by pouring her heart into it every year. “I know that I am extremely fortunate”, says Jill. “I have good health, a healthy family, and because I’m healthy and I am able to give back, I should.”

DesignConnection Team
Team Design Connection

Bike_MS-NYC2

It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us. Jill Eisenberg is learning this first-hand as she and so many others help in the fight to create this world… a world free of MS and a world which is better because of those called to rise and make change happen. For Mike and countless others like him more than 100,000 riders are changing lives and transforming their own. Jill trains, riding a few times a week at lunch and longer rides on the weekends, just to prepare for the bigger races like Bike MS. It’s dedication and discipline. Taking small consistent steps to enact massive change. It’s an example for all of us to follow. Find your passion, what you love to do and use your ability and talent to change the lives of other people. This is the essence of significance.

You can play a significant part for Jill’s team as well, if you would like to donate, or even join the team, go to (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/TeamDesignConnection), or (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/jilleisenberg).

And to think how great change began with a simple break for lunch. A lunchtime ride, which turned into the ride of a lifetime.

jill profile

Until next time thanks for taking the time,
Mark

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Financial Services
The Book: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
#1 Best Seller on Amazon
www.amazon.com/author/markbrodinsky

For feedback or ideas for the Sunday Series: markbrodinsky@gmail.com.
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Comments

  1. Chuck says

    May 25, 2014 at 9:30 am

    Thanks to Jill and Mike. Love the line….. To the world you may only be one person…. To to one person you may be the world. How can you take what Jill does and change our world for one person?

    Thanks Mark for putting our world in prospective. !

    Reply
    • markbrodinsky says

      May 27, 2014 at 9:38 am

      Thanks Chuck!

      Reply
  2. Mike Tomlin says

    May 27, 2014 at 11:31 am

    Great read Mark.

    Jill is indeed a great person, one of the most humble and most generous people that I know.

    I am glad to know her.

    Reply
    • markbrodinsky says

      May 27, 2014 at 9:28 pm

      Only the best make the Sunday Series!

      Reply
  3. Karen Frazier says

    May 27, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    Jill you are an inspiration!

    Reply
    • markbrodinsky says

      May 27, 2014 at 9:27 pm

      Agree Karen!!

      Reply
  4. StephenS says

    May 28, 2014 at 1:33 am

    Jill is amazing and an inspiration to everyone! Thanks for sharing her story.

    Reply

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Mark Brodinsky
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Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

Blog Reviews

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

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!

 Jenny Schloss 

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