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The Sunday Series (32), with Mark Brodinsky

June 29, 2014 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

The mission: to move and inspire you with the heroism of others. Those who show tremendous courage in the face of adversity, those who give hope to others who need it the most, those who show us all how to live a life fulfilled. This is The Sunday Series.

The Sunday Series (32): #JennStrong

nestor kissing jenn

A gift. Sometimes it can come from the most unexpected place, sometimes from a giver you never meet and sometime it might save a life.

Just ask Jennifer Aparicio.

On a warm June night, the gift of life slowly dripped into Jenn’s own body, to create a new beginning.  One-hundred days before that moment, life turned on a dime, but on this night Jenn was cashing in. The chance at not just a new life, but any life. A life saved and the chance to journey onward.

It was mid-March when Jenn felt pain and soreness just under her right armpit, maybe a weird reaction to a spider bite she received while she and her husband Nestor were on a vacation in Australia. But upon closer inspection the couple thought it might be something much more. Sometimes intuition is like a premonition, in this case it was. It was much more. But what it was, no one could be sure. And that was a problem.

“They didn’t even say leukemia in the beginning”, says Jenn. “They just said your blood, all your counts are really low, we want you to go to the emergency room right now and we want you to get admitted. We want you to see a hematologist. Go to the emergency room, they will have a hematologist there to look at your blood.” Then the doctors had Jenn and Nestor put on surgical masks and told them to pack a bag. Jen says, “I didn’t think I was coming home, but they said grab a few things and plan to spend the night, not knowing it would be forty-one nights.”

aparicio masks

After an extremely painful bone marrow biopsy the doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore diagnosed leukemia.  Initial diagnosis day was the afternoon of March 20th and as fate would have it, just hours before, Nestor was announcing his return to Baltimore radio, his greatest love. Now the love of his life was in trouble. It’s crazy how life presents you with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows almost at the same moment – and then asks what are you going to do now? The juxtaposition of life events can bring even the strongest to their knees, but the Aparicio’s were not letting this news destroy them. They talked about how they would tell their family and then their friends, co-workers, their large social media following on Facebook, ( https://www.facebook.com/nastynestor?fref=ts), and Twitter, (https://twitter.com/NestorAparicio), and Nestor’s radio audience, (http://wnst.net/). They decided to go public with almost everything, though they held back a lot. “People think we’ve shared a lot. We’ve shared just a teaspoon of what has really happened, literally”, says Nestor.

nestor and jenn in bed

And so much has happened. As soon as the diagnosis was made intense chemotherapy began, literally the next day. And though the initial hospital stay lasted five weeks, Jen says it was a blessing to be there. “The good part of being admitted”, says Jenn, ” is they are on top of your medication to avoid the nausea and the headaches. I never got sick at the hospital.” She also never felt sorry for herself. “It’s funny, in the beginning I never said, why me, I just didn’t think it mattered. All that mattered was how are we going to fix it, how are we going to get through this, what’s our next step?”

I sat next to Jenn on a couch in the Aparicio’s downtown Baltimore condominium for this interview, as she spoke these words you could feel they are at the heart of how she and Nestor decided to handle this journey. They are turning adversity into advantage, for themselves and just as importantly for other people. That’s how you live a life, to take the obstacle you are up against and use it to make life better for others, in this case to save lives.

Nestor says, “She got this disease which probably would have killed her 40 years ago, probably would have killed her 30 years ago and maybe would have killed her 20 years ago. You know when they looked at her on March 20th, they weren’t saying you’re among the people that are positively going to beat this. They were saying we gotta figure this out and now they’re saying she’s going to be fine. The hardest part is beating the cancer and then having a match. That’s the daily double. And I’m telling you the one thing we are going to do the rest of our lives is get people registered, (to be swabbed), so that if it’s your daughter, your niece, your nephew, your uncle, our neighbor, your friend… that they will have a chance to live.”

It is literally finding a donor for the bone marrow transplant, and getting the transplant completed that saved Jen’s life. The donor is anonymous, the Aparicio’s believe, actually are pretty certain, the donor came from overseas. But if not for swabbing to register bone marrow donors and find a match, miracles like Jenn’s might never happen. That is why there are websites like, (http://bethematch.org/), to educate others and encourage others to get swabbed, get registered and save lives. As the website so eloquently states, “The cure for blood cancers like leukemia is in the hands of ordinary people”.

jenn and nestor with cat

You and I can make a difference. It’s why Jen and Nestor have teamed up with There Goes My Hero, (http://theregoesmyhero.org/), to get the message out to the masses, to hold drives where others are educated and can donate time, money and themselves, by getting registered.

there goes my hero

There Goes My Hero founder and leukemia survivor Erik Sauer on the radio with Nestor Aparicio and Marlon Brown of the Baltimore Ravens at Hightopps in Timonium

Fifty-thousand people are diagnosed with leukemia each year in the United States. Jenn has an extremely rare form of leukemia that has characteristics of both lymphoblastic and myelogenous leukemia. But no matter the type, if a stem cell, or blood marrow match cannot be found, too many won’t make it. Jenn and Nestor witnessed plenty of stories of hopes lost, lives devastated, others losing loved ones, as they spent what seemed like weeks-on-end at the hospital.

Even family members are not always the answer to finding a cure. “Your siblings only have a 25% chance of being a match”, says Jenn.” My sister, even if she was a match, we probably wouldn’t have used her bone marrow, because she was diagnosed with MS a few years ago.” Nestor continues, “so the ask for people is to get swabbed and that’s something everybody can do, or give a donation to causes like There Goes My Hero, or come out and support our events. You know this is a lifetime sentence for us. We’ll be doing this forever, keeping this scoreboard of how many lives we can save, because I saw what happened last night in that hospital room and it’s miraculous, that’s all I can say.”

There’s also the miracle of support. “Everybody said the same thing”, says Nestor, “blank check…what can I do to help you, what can I do for you right now. I said to Jenn, the thing that’s going to save your life is this swabbing, and that’s it, that’s the reason I was supposed to be back on the air (radio) now. I felt like by coming back on the air I could do a lot more good for causes like this and I want to live in the moment and do the most I can and the best I can do. Hence the name of the show, The Happy Hours. This is why I call the show The Happy Hours, because I want to make people feel good.”

jenn makes a muscle

Life takes you strange places, the journey has twists and turns you can never anticipate, but when they come, it’s all in how you react to them. I asked Jenn about her biggest takeaway from all of his and her answer is on target – “Mindset is everything. Remaining positive is what’s gotten us through. I mean I have some down moments, but ya know I was diabetic for 23 years and never knew my blood type until I got my transfusion and it was B-Positive. And I put that on my Facebook page and I said that’s not only my blood type, but my mantra. Be positive.  I’m thankful for where I am, I’m lucky to be where I am.” (https://www.facebook.com/jennesa1?fref=ts )

be positive

It’s not just Jenn’s blood type, but her answer to that question, which proves why the campaign for her is called, #BmorePositive and #JennStrong.  There I was sitting on the couch next to a vibrant, articulate, beautiful cancer survivor, who less than a day before had a bag of stem cells dripped into her body to create a new life, to save her life and the life she shares with Nestor.

jenn in boston

From earlier days, a trip to Boston

In turn Nestor shared similar sentiments about his takeaway from this experience – “There’s a Rush line, ‘we’re only immortal for a limited time’, right?  I identify with music, I would say we have not at all lived our lives, you know. We are watching the World Cup right now, but we know what it’s like to sit in Germany and watch the United States play Italy, cause we did it. We see people put pictures up of Bora Bora, we know what it’s like, cause we’ve been there. We see people that wish they could go to a Super Bowl, we’ve been to ten. We’ve done a lot of things and then first thing I think we did afer the night Jenn got sick, I went over to the hospital and I said let’s talk about what we’re going to do when you get better. We started putting a bucket list together.  Live like you were dying right, do it now, don’t wait, right now, like the Van Halen song, Right Now.”

in limo

Now is the moment. Now it’s your turn. Get swabbed, share hope and help save a life. Be the same person Jennifer Aparicio is showing the whole world, #JennStrong.

jenn strong

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark Brodinsky

You can stream the full interview with Jennifer and Nestor Aparicio from Nestor’s show, The Happy Hours: http://bit.ly/1lxIb7t, http://bit.ly/1veZueh, http://bit.ly/1veZx9W

Watch Nestor’s video tribute to Jenn on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p0W6Je0L2Y&feature=youtu.be

Listen to Nestor Aparicio online, anytime @ http://wnst.net/

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger (Huffington Post), Emmy Winner

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

http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6

Connect with Mark: markbrodinsky@gmail.com, or leave a comment here on the blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
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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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