Life & The Sunday Series

Find your why and find your way. Become more.

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • The Higher Shelf!
  • Home

Need inspiration to find your why and your way?

Join the Tribe Today!

Jennifer Granek: It’s Just About… (Helping Another) Life

October 12, 2015 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

brian and jen

We all know it can happen in the blink of an eye. We just think it won’t happen to us. But life happens.

For nearly the past two weeks Brian Granek’s life has been happening as a series of life-changing ups-and-downs, literally from one moment to the next. His wife Jennifer, the mother of his three children, the love of his life, lies in a medically induced coma, after a fun-filled 40th birthday vacation suddenly turned into a fight for survival. Life happened and now it’s impossible to tell what the future will hold.

Jill Suffel, Jennifer’s sister-in-law says Jen is an “adventure lover” and during their trip to Costa Rica to celebrate Jen’s upcoming birthday, the couple planned to go ATV riding through jungle-like terrain.

It seems like an eternity now, but Jill says it was just twelve days ago, October 1st, when her cellphone rang.  It was Jill’s mom telling her Brian had just called and something had happened. There had been an accident on the during the ATV ride and Jen was unconscious.  Less than an hour later Jill says her phone rang again, this time it was Brian. “He told me there’s been an accident”, Jill says, “it’s really bad, it’s really bad, it’s really bad, he kept repeating it over and over. He was crying and telling me to please take care of things at home.”

granek family larger

Jill’s next responsibility was one no one would want to tackle. The Granek’s three children, Riley, Cameron and Landon were staying with Jen’s mom and it was Jill and her husband David who had to go over there to break the news about Jennifer. Jill says Jen’s mom didn’t know what to say, “she felt panicked”, says Jill, “she couldn’t catch her breath – the next morning Jen’s mom and dad and Jill and Brian’s parents were on the first flight out of Baltimore headed for Costa Rica.

In the meantime, Jill had spoken to Brian again and he kept telling her again it was bad, “he was scared” says Jill and he said no one really knew anything except that Jen was unconscious and after being transported to a nearby medical center, she needed to be airlifted to CIMA Hosptial San Jose. Realizing Jen had suffered a traumatic brain injury the doctors acted swiftly to drill a small hole in the side of her skull and relieve the pressure on her brain. For a while it was touch and go – and as recently as last Wednesday it seemed dark, with little hope of recovery. But the past few days have brought better news for Jen’s condition, though still critical but stable, Jen is showing some signs of a comeback. The comeback everyone who knows and loves her knows she can make. Her body is slowly tolerating a rise in temperature and the latest CAT scan showed the swelling in her brain subsiding a bit.

Jill says Brian is by Jen’s side constantly, “he has good days and bad days and his days depend on Jen’s days. One little blip on the radar throws him off”, she says, “and he is very guarded and tries not to get too excited about the little improvements.” But Jill says Jen’s parents have a very positive attitude and her own parents are “guarded and anxious”, though feeling much better after the positive and more stable news from this past weekend.

Jill & Brian

Jill & Brian

And it’s the future, not the past, which is the concern on everyone’s mind. As Jill explains “a traumatic brain injury brings with it so much uncertainty, no one knows what’s to come and that’s the scariest part.”  To alleviate those fears, or at least to provide some financial foundation for what the future might hold, the Granek’s good friends Scott and Lori Baylin have started a Give Forward Funding page for Jennifer. The current goal is to raise $100,000 to help pay to airlift Jen back home to Maryland and the “unknown” future costs of medical care for the family.
(https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/nhcb/help-bring-jen-home-)

jennifer granek

Currently it’s Jill and David who are caring for Jen and Brian’s children and they are only aware of part of the story. Jill says Brian recently talked to them on Facetime : “mommy was in an accident and she hurt her head. We can’t put a cast on her head and the only way for her head to heal is to keep her asleep. She needs to keep sleeping until her head starts to heal.”

Jill says the children and her own two boys, Ben and Logan have all been great living under one roof. Jill says,”the kids have made it easier on her then it could have been. All five children have stepped up to the plate and are just amazing.”

And Jill says she knows Jen is amazing too. “I truly believe in my heart of hearts – I truly think Jen is so tough and so strong…she’s awesome. I can’t imagine her any other way besides pushing forward and working to get through this.”

In the face of adversity and one of the greatest challenges of his young life, Brian has turned to Caringbridge to share details of Jen’s battle and to share his own thoughts and emotions as he watches over his bride, still in a coma, and her day-to-day battle back from this serious accident, one which has forever changed their lives.

jen and brian

Maybe it’s best to let Brian describe it himself from a recent Caringbridge Post, which proves that well beyond the doctors, the machines, and the medications, it’s love – which is life’s most powerful healing force:

I will tell you a story. It’s a love story about two teenagers that fell deeply in love in the summer of 1993. They went to University of Maryland together and she taught him that you actually have to do work before you play and party. They graduated together and moved apart for almost four years. Their love kept them strong while apart and they were married on the 8th anniversary of their first date. Their wedding night was the first night they spent in their new home. They made three beautiful children and have amazing and loving friends and family.

Today, I spent much of the afternoon wiping my own tears off of Jennifer’s arm as I held her hand and sat helpless and stared at the love of my life laying in a hospital bed in a foreign country. I don’t like this horrifying, hellish chapter of our story…and I can assure you, it won’t be the end of our story. We have many more memories to create and milestones to reach with our family and friends. My wife is the sweetest, kindest, strongest person that I know. Please continue to pray for Jennifer and our family. Thank you for all the positive energy and well wishes. We have a long way to go. Again, please hug and kiss your loved ones often.

Love, Brian

Remember you can share your own thoughts on the Caringbridge website:(http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jennifergranek)

And you can donate at the Giving Forward link:
(https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/nhcb/help-bring-jen-home-)

Until next time, thanks for taking the time – and praying for Jennifer Granek’s full recovery.

Mark

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Huffingon Post Blogger, Speaker, Speech Writer, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors
(http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2: Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615878040?ref_=cm_sw_r_awd_wLVgwbGR00J47)

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

Join the Tribe! Enter your name and e-mail to get posts from It’s Just About… Life & The Sunday Series sent directly to your e-mail inbox. It’s free and spam-free.

 

 

 

 

 

Related

{total}Tweet
{total}+1
{total}Like
{total}Share
{total}Pin

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • Life Is A Highway: Observations of Life
  • The Sunday Series (27), with Mark Brodinsky
  • A Rose Is A Rose: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (123), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (71), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Next Time in Heaven: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (30), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Higher Shelf!
  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (151), with Mark Brodinsky

Comments

  1. Emily Longer says

    October 12, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    Very Very moving, and heart breaking. Praying for her recovery and sending strength to her sweet family

    Reply
  2. linda shriver says

    October 20, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    I wanted to know if there are any updates on Jenifer? Jen would come into our office once a month for work, she was such a nice person! Praying for her family!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Search over 500 posts, including The Sunday Series

Get all My Latest News & Offers
Introduce yourself with your name and email below

#1 Best Seller on Amazon

Click to order your copy today!

The Book Trailer

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

Connect with Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

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 

Recent Comments

  • Patricia Storey on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Abby Scherr on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Sheila Hyman on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky

It’s Over: It’s Just About… Life.

I don’t care what the forecast is. I don’t care what the temperature is. I don’t care if it snows, rains, or is below zero. It’s over. At 12:57 today — the vernal equinox – Spring, 2014. The winter of our discontent, storm after nuisance storm, the polar vortex, (actually only the 34th coldest winter […]

#10, My (Our) Story: It’s Just About… Life.

When you speak from the heart, everyone who has one buys in. I’m hoping I’m right. On April 13th, 2012, my wife Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer. On the pages of Caringbridge.org, (search debbiebrodinsky), I started a journal documenting the journey, which three surgeries, multiple recoveries, and plenty of emotional moments later, will lead […]

Categories

  • Life
  • Sunday Series
  • Uncategorized

Pages

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • Resources
  • Storytelling
  • The Higher Shelf!

Connect With Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Categories

© 2023 Life and The Sunday Series. All Rights Reserved.

Built Masterfully on WordPress and Maintained by the Blogging Experts