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It Takes 2, THE WORLDWIDE LAUNCH: It’s Just About… Life.

September 26, 2013 By markbrodinsky 4 Comments

newsmall2013 08 15 It Takes Two (v2)

I believe our lives and our hearts can be as big and as deep as the ocean. With that belief in mind, today I throw a pebble in the water…and make a wave.

It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Journey is officially published and launched into worldwide distribution. A dream realized, yes. But the dream doesn’t end here, remember it’s the journey not the destination. Today, the next journey begins. You, me, together making a difference. The book is just the beginning, a way to share my heart, a way to give back, a way to be transformed, my life and yours.

This is how the Acknowledgement of It Takes 2 begins: “The Roman Poet Horace says: adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which, in prosperous times, would have lain dormant. If not for Debbie (my wife), her illness, her fight, her courage, and her inspiration, I never would have gone back to my roots to write, to share emotion, love, and perspective in a way which has transformed me and apparently others who have been touched by our story.”

A little more than a year and a half ago we were thrust into the nightmare of a major decision. Cancer forced our hand, and my wife forced herself to make the sacrifice too many have had to make before, to save herself and our family. It took guts, determination, fight, courage and a ton of love, not just inside our own home, but from the hundreds who helped us along the way and from the thousands who followed our journey every step of the way on the pages of my online journal. If you don’t know the story, or even if you do, when I’m done here, at the bottom of my blog, click on the link and buy the book.

I wrote a book! I think my heart just skipped a beat. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I wrote Debbie a letter in the beginning of the year, as I embarked on a program called, Living Your Best Year Ever, telling her she wouldn’t recognize the person I would become by the end of 2013. I am on a journey to become more, by helping others, by sharing, by inspiring, giving back. A huge step in that direction has happened. I am an author. I am sharing a story of courage and a message of hope. And together, you and I, well the possibilities are endless. Just believe. If we show a little love, heaven knows what we can change.

A portion of proceeds from sales of It Takes 2, will be going back to a number of cancer organizations, not just those who treat, but those focused on support, education and prevention. It took two to battle the beast, it will take many, many more than that to put a stop to this illness that threatens the health of women all over the world. We need to find a way to kick this bitch down the block, so women can live their lives without fear. Women give and sustain life, they should be rewarded, not threatened by some illness and forced to fight for their own lives.

Before I wrap it up here, I just want to say one more thing, and I wish I could say it in person to each and every one of you who followed the journal and who follow and respond to this blog, (between the two we number over 200,000 views now), you have touched my heart and given my life purpose in ways you can never begin to imagine. More importantly, you have helped me find my why and my way. This blog is a labor of love like nothing I have ever felt,. It gets me up early in the morning, before the sun and it keeps me up late at night, with the moon high in the sky and the minutes sometimes ticking past midnight. And I love every minute of it. And I love you for paying attention.

When you find your passion and your purpose, you never again work a day in your life. That is my ultimate goal, and because of you, I’m getting there.

The book link is coming. So will my next book, in the not-too-distant future. My goal is to turn The Sunday Series into a book in 2016. Right now, I will be happy if you will read this one. Go ahead, come with me, toss a pebble in the water… and make a wave.

And now, the link. It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story: http://www.spouses-story.com/

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark Brodinsky, Author

 

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Comments

  1. Gina Millstein says

    September 26, 2013 at 6:58 am

    Dear Mark,
    I just purchased your book on Amazon.com. I am so excited to read “It Takes 2” . The delivery date is next Tuesday. I will most likely read it in 1 day!
    I am proud to call you and Debbie my friends. Both of you define the words, courage, kindness, and decency. I witnessed your wife, surrounded by so many friends and family members and it left a permanent mark on my heart and in my brain. It is a reminder to all, to treat everyone with thoughtfulness, less judgement and more genuine care. She deserved every bit of love and support that she needed.
    Now, it is your turn. You are giving to the world. I think I have bigger hopes for your book than you may have! My wish is that your book reaches other countries and is translated into their languages.
    Revel in the amazement of all that you have accomplished. You created a goal and you achieved it with so many accolades. Now is the time to allow your friends and family to take your goal .. your story and share it with the world.
    It will be remarkable to see how your daughters will grow up and how impressive they will continue to be. They have 2 very special parents. Very special, indeed.

    My very best to all of you…best of health always
    Gina Millstein

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      September 26, 2013 at 7:01 am

      Gina, thanks so much for your support. Your comments are beautiful and heartfelt. Thanks again, hope to see you soon!
      My best to your family, Mark

      Reply
  2. Mark Brodinsky says

    September 26, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Thank you for sharing. Please visit this blog as well.

    Reply

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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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