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The Sunday Series (31), with Mark Brodinsky

June 22, 2014 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

You have a voice, you have a story, everyone does. On Sunday, I share yours. Courage, hope and inspiration: The Sunday Series.

The Sunday Series (31): From Sea to Shining Sea

4k for cancer journey picture

I want to ride, ride like the wind, to be free again. – Christopher Cross

Those who can are doing it for those who can’t. It started in early June and you can bet as you are reading this their wheels are turning, as groups of college students are biking across America with the goal of offering support and funding for young cancer victims along the way. It is hope for the future and these kids are giving up their summer to do just that, bring hope to tomorrow, hope to those who sometimes feel as if there is none, those young adults fighting the big “C”.  It is inspiration at its finest. It is the 4K for Cancer, a four thousand mile ride to help in the battle against the beast.

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults was founded by Doug Ulman, who at the age of 19 was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his back and is now a three-time cancer survivor. As with so many great ideas, the Ulman Cancer Fund started with a simple discussion around the dining room table, as Doug, several family members, friends and neighbors dreamed up the plan for this organization to help young adults with cancer. Since 1997 the organization has been providing crucial support to thousands of young adults in need. The 4K for Cancer is one of its premiere events.

riding alone

One of those making this year’s ride is 22-year-old Natalie Fischer. Natalie and 24 other college-age students are part of Team Seattle, they are making the ride from Baltimore to the Great Northwest. They left on June 1st and as of this writing are in Chicago, as they pedal with a purpose across this great land, to their final destination in Seattle on August 9th. “There are a lot of different reasons I joined”, says Natalie. “I enjoy biking, I’ve done triathlons before this and I’ve always dreamed about riding across the country. I interned at the Ulman Cancer Fund two summers ago and I participated in the triathlon, that got me into the biking aspect. The other and most important reason is three of my grandparents have had cancer, one grandmother had breast cancer, the other two had colon cancer. Having them in my life and knowing what they have gone through definitely gets me up the tough hills and helps me face other challenges.”

team seattle

Team Seattle

The challenge for these young adults is not just the ride, but to raise money as well. Everyone who participates is expected to raise $4,500 each. Natalie says her fundraising is at the $6,500 level and these young adults can keep raising dollars while they ride, from people they meet and from those who might be inspired to go online and donate to the cause.

natalie and friends

Natalie and friends

You can hear the enthusiasm and purpose in Natalie’s voice as she talks about the ride. “A lot of people consider our journey across the country almost like their fight against cancer,” she says. “Knowing we are fighting right along with them, (on our ride), gets them going especially on the tougher days.”

And there are some tough days. On the two different occasions I spoke to Natalie she was completing rides of 102 miles and then 105 miles in a single day! The riders start early about 5am, have a short window to get their duffel bag and backpack into the van which travels with them, and then for everyone to check their golden treasure…their bike, to make sure it is in proper working order, including brakes and tires, because sometimes things break down.

One of those breakdowns has left an indelible scar on the hearts, minds and souls of all the riders in the 4K for Cancer Cause.

Natalie explains: “On Friday, June 13th, Jamie Roberts was in a tragic accident. She and another girl on Team Portland were hit while changing a tire on the side of the road near Lexington, Kentucky). The other girl was injured and is doing OK, but Jamie was not so fortunate, she did not survive the accident. It has been very difficult for all of the 4K for Cancer teams, but through Jamie’s passing we have a renewed passion for our ride and have grown much closer as a team. We now ride for Jamie and all those she rode for in addition to our own.”

4k for jamie

In Honor of Jamie – Team Seattle

It was this turn of events, after my first discussion with Natalie, which led me to postpone the Sunday Series last week, while the riders and their families dealt with the news. All of the riders shut down for 48 hours, in honor of Jamie. Brock Yetso, CEO of the The Ulman Cancer Fund issued this statement: “Jamie’s selflessness, her commitment to serving others and her deep devotion to her friends, family and fellow riders was apparent to everyone who knew her. All of us at the Ulman Cancer Fund extend our deepest condolences to Jamie’s family, whose grief must be boundless at this time. We, and all of our 4K for Cancer riders, will carry Jamie’s memory with us in our hearts as we continue serving the mission that Jamie cared so deeply about.”

jamie roberts

Jamie Roberts as Team Portland took a break in Pittsburgh

Natalie says Jamie’s death has drawn everyone on the team closer, if that’s even possible. She says she was “blown away” how close everyone had become even a few days into the ride. The turn of events in the past week has just made that bond even stronger.

The ride continues, though with a heavy heart for the loss of one of their own. But just like the fight against cancer, to give up now would be like giving in. The goal is to finish the ride and improve the lives of young adults battling every day to fight the disease. The slogan for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults: Cancer Changes Lives… So Do WE!

And these brave young adults riding across America are making it happen for their peers, who like the riders, are facing uphill challenges everyday. Those dealing with illness have a destination…to be cancer-free. But unlike those riding cross-country in their honor, these cancer victims are not always sure of the path to get where they want go, it can be scary, uncertain and sometimes result in an untimely end.  The riders hope to give these fighters direction, support, hope, encouragement and precious dollars to secure their path to freedom.

team seattle in prayer

Team Seattle

If you are so inspired, you can do your part as well. Join Natalie and her team, honor Jamie and her memory and help more than 100 other young riders from Team Seattle, Team San Francisco, Team San Diego and Team Portland, all on a summer tour to help do more: (http://4kforcancer.org/), (http://ulmanfund.org/), (https://www.facebook.com/4kforcancer).

And don’t just take my words for it….you can also follow Natalie’s words on her own blog: (http://nat-attack14.tumblr.com/)

To all those riders making their way along the 4K – G-d’s speed, ride safe, be strong and thanks for being there.

riding holding hands

Until next time thanks for taking the time.

Mark Brpdinsky

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Emmy Winner

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story

www.amazon.com/author/markbrodinsky

Feedback, ideas or if you just want to connect: markbrodinsky@gmail.com

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

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.

Aileen Braverman

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!

Beverlee Rendelman

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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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