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The Sunday Series (98), with Mark Brodinsky

February 28, 2016 By markbrodinsky 1 Comment

This week, this Sunday, I’m going to tell you a story and for the first time in 98 weeks of this Sunday Series, I’m going to ask you to lend a hand, not for me, but for the girls, and by doing so maybe we can all help save a life.


We overcome. We persevere. We fight through it all to become something more.

But sometimes we all still need a hand.

To get better than we were the day before takes work, there is no substitute no matter what. Few actually go it alone. There’s almost always someone, maybe many joining the fight and sometimes one stands out from the crowd, despite the obstacles life puts in their path.

Everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


lazers better pic

The Sunday Series (98): This One’s For The Girls

Turn your magic on, to me she’d say,
Everything you want’s a dream away.
Under this pressure, under this weight
We are diamonds taking shape.

  • Adventure of a Lifetime, lyrics by Coldplay

We all want the best for our kids, our “diamonds”, the ones we hope to help take shape and shine. There’s good education, good parenting, (no rules, no rule book, what you believe is best), and then there’s the team.

They say there is no “I” in team. There isn’t one, but there are lots of little ones, little “i’s”, all focused on one goal. Organized sports, the kind our kids play makes the “I’s” come together in life, any parent of any child who gets their kids involved knows this. They also know the meaning of practice, to be the best there is no secret. Talent will never get you there alone. It’s all about the grind if you want to shine.

My daughter Emily has learned it this year, certainly more than any other, as she has attended Sunday after Sunday of indoor pitching clinic in an attempt to refine her skills as a pitcher in the LT Lazers Girls Softball League. I give the kid credit, the 7:45am wake-up call each and every Sunday in the dead of winter isn’t always a pleasant one, but she and her friend Lindsey, who attends as a catcher, have made it nearly every week. The power of practice. It was Vince Lombardi who said “practice does not make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect. The girls get up and get there and get to work, but it’s their coach Michael Steinbacher who really makes the difference, as does his daughter Kate.

Coach Mike is a no-nonsense guy and I for one am 200% glad he is, because he is making a difference in these kids lives, pushing them to improve, telling them when they are not doing it right, making them work at it until they do, praising them when they get it – striving to make them better than they were the week before.

It’s working, I can tell, because I’m there every week as well. Over the span of four months, Emily, who for a few years has been a work in progress on the mound, now has a game plan in her head, more muscle memory in her body and a strategy for what she needs to do to throw a strike.

There’s also power that comes from watching your peers get it right as well, especially when you learn their story.

The best pitcher on our team, is also the one who has had to fight more than most to get where she is today. Since she was 4-years-old Coach Mike’s daughter Kate has battled juvenile diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes, (T1D), is a life-threatening autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults. There is no way to prevent it, and at present, no cure. And mind you, it’s a lot more serious than most people think. (http://jdrf.org/)

Coach Mike: “Just before Kate‘s 4th birthday she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and hospitalized for 3 days while we learned how to manage the disease by counting carbs and giving shots of insulin.  Type 1 diabetes means her body no longer produces insulin to turn the carbs she eats into energy for her cells and reduce her blood sugar and it does not product glycogen needed to raise her blood sugar when it is low to keep her brain active. Too much sugar in the blood displaces the oxygen needed by the body’s muscles and tissues causing them to die, while not enough sugar in the blood will put a person in a coma and cause brain damage, so that fine balance of keeping your blood sugar between 80 and 120 is critical to good health.”

Counting carbs is not the only challenge. Since she was 4, the Steinbacher’s have had to give Kate insulin and since she was old enough to do so on her own, Kate has had to prick her finger 5-times-a-day to measure her blood sugar and endure 4-shots-a-day of insulin. When Kate was 7 the doctor told the family physical activity could help keep Kate’s blood sugar under control, so the Steinbacher’s had Kate playing soccer, basketball and softball, whatever it took to keep their daughter active year-round.

kate ready to pitch kate with fake bat

“By 8-years-old Kate decided she liked pitching,” says Mike “and started to learn the techniques to wind mill.  She continued to played rec ball every spring sometimes having to come to the bench between innings, feeling her blood sugar was high and checking her finger, then getting a shot of insulin before going back onto the field, or eating a candy bar to bring her blood sugar up.

Mike continues: “In the summer of 2014 Kate decided she wanted her freedom from carrying needles and taking multiple shots per day so we got her an insulin pump.  The pump attaches to her stomach with a small plastic needle (canula) and runs a tube supplying her continuously with insulin.  She still needs to prick her finger 5 times a day, but the meter then tells the pump how much insulin to give.  Kate still has to count her carbs at every meal, but the pump compensates automatically when told how many carbs she had.  Instead of taking 4 shots a day, she now needs refill her pump once every 3 days. Her blood sugar numbers came under greater control and her love for softball also expanded.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ36YSRnWWE
Kate plays every game with the pump attached to her waist. But what’s truly keeping Kate pumped is her desire to improve. She should serve as inspiration to any kid, any girl, any boy, who doesn’t deal with health issues, but thinks they can’t overcome adversity to become a better player. Kate works to make her skills better every season. This fall, her first year after starting travel softball, Kate was the best pitcher and player on our team. She finished Fall Ball with 22 strikeouts in 20 inning and a .588 batting average, leading her team in batting Average, on-base percentage, RBI’s, innings Pitched, ERA, and strikeouts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5D5GaIDhNM
And let me tell you something, it’s not because Kate is the coach’s daughter. I know because I’m there at every game. Mike will just as soon as pull his own daughter off the mound if she’s not performing, as he will any other girl. He will just as soon criticize her for a lack of awareness on the field as he will any other player. Coach Mike is fair, he’s forthright and he makes it fun. Most importantly he is making these girls better… team sports and a good coach can do that. A solid coach who can make you a better player can be as important as a good parent who is trying to make you a better person. Because guess what…they’ve all got the same goal in mind…helping you get through life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8XtGpMR1Hw
According to sports psychology author Jim Taylor, Ph.D., sports can enhance brain development and raise IQ as well as build confidence, develop focus, and teach kids about emotional control. “Kids learn essential life skills, such as hard work, patience, persistence, and how to respond positively to setbacks and failure,” Taylor says. It’s so important for girls, especially teenage girls who can be tough on themselves and on each other, they might need this more than any other group.
mike helping regan mike instructs lindsey ty about to hit

And that is why today, I am asking you for a hand and it’s two-fold. Our Lazers LT Fastpitch Softball Team (The Blue Team, 14U), is looking to play several tournaments this year, as well our spring league, and we need uniforms and equipment. It’s an expensive undertaking. The LT Lazers are part of the Lutherville-Timomium Rec Council, a non-profit, which has been in existence for nearly two decades. We need donations to keep the cost down for the families who want their girls to participate. But there’s more.

In honor of Kate, we will take 10% of every donation made to our team and contribute it to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, in the hopes that one day maybe we find a cure and Kate and the millions like her will no longer have to face this daily battle of life. Medicine makes it better, but currently there is no escape from the daily grind of the balancing act for blood sugar survival.

There is a GoFundMe link below and we would appreciate even the smallest donation you can make. We can promise you can hold us accountable to our pledge and I will update you on donations to the JDRF fund. We hope you can help: gofundme.com/44rgj6u4

stretching

In the end, it’s just about life. Having fun, getting better, making a difference. It’s hard work, good leadership, teamwork, and some inspiration from those who overcome against all obstacles to be the best. When that happens we all win.

Our goals, our challenges, our mission to make these kids the best they can be is no different than the desires of any parent, any family, any coach who wants to see nothing more than these diamonds taking shape.

On this day, at this time, this one’s for the girls. We thank you in advance.

mike with stick

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark
(markbrodinsky@gmail.com)

gofundme.com/44rgj6u4

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Speech Writer, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors

Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

Huffington Post: (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/)

The Profile: (http://www.talkinggood.com/profiles/MarkBrodinsky)

The Podcast: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

USHEALTH Advisors: (http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Bonnie Brodinsky says

    February 28, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    Mark
    As your mom and working for a diabetes specialist for the past 28 years, I certainly know from
    our patients, both young and old the challenges that are faced by anyone with diabetes. It is
    extremely difficult for young individuals to go the extra mile to keep the disease under control
    and they are to be commended when they do!

    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.

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!

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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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