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The Sunday Series (77), with Mark Brodinsky

August 16, 2015 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Live in gratitude and never take it for granted. We’re talking about life of course. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about what you do to make something happen. 

Be grateful, be transparent, challenge yourself and most importantly turn adversity into advantage, and then share your tale so the world can be moved and inspired.

Everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


jake modeling pic

The Sunday Series (77): JF For A Cure

It’s right there on the screen saver on his phone, the same message Jacob Friedman says he looks at about 100 times a day: God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight.

For anyone fighting against a life challenge these are words to live by. For the 17-year-old from Clarksville, Maryland the weight he carries has been the battle he is waging from the inside out: Crohn’s Disease. Jake is one of about 700,000 Americans dealing with Crohn’s, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It seems everywhere you turn you hear of someone, especially those in their prime, (Crohn’s is most prevalent among ages 15-35), fighting to feel right every day of their lives.

For every person Crohn’s can be a different animal –  for those reading this who have the disease or know of someone who does – you live this first-hand. The consequences can become so severe Crohn’s can claim a life, or leave you in a day-to-day existence of pain and in constant fear of the next attack.

For Jake, a stellar student and accomplished athlete, the diagnosis was another in a series of health challenges he’s faced since he was young. Upon diagnosis of severe Crohn’s Jake says, “the first thing I thought is ‘oh gosh, not something else’. I haven’t had the easiest life medically, I wasn’t scared but in shock – something else happening to my body.” Since he was little Jake has battled back against food allergies, severe asthma and just a few years ago a lung infection that nearly claimed his life. But in every case, Jake has overcome, facing every health demon head-on. He is a three-sport athlete and a star player on his River Hill High School varsity lacrosse team, never allowing the Crohn’s, including cramping and fatigue, to force him to miss a game, or a day of school. Jake took on a vigorous academic course load to earn a 4.0 during his most recent sophomore year.

It’s not about what obstacles life places in your path, it’s about breaking through, your resolve, your spirit, seeing the glass as half full and perhaps the best medicine of all, the unwavering support of those who love you the most…your family.

Max, Paul, Jake & Rosanne

Max, Paul, Jake & Rosanne

Jake’s parents, Rosanne and Paul, have elected to take the road less traveled in dealing with the disease, mainly focusing on a strict diet they learned about from their own extensive research into Crohn’s and a strategy called SCD: Specific Carbohydrate Diet. This process allows Jake to forgo most medications and focus on food and what he puts into his body, to handle the day-to-day symptoms of the disease. So far it’s been working and now Jake is working to make a difference.

Jake's Veggie & Fruit Smoothies (2 x Day)

Jake’s Veggie & Fruit Smoothies (2 x Day)

Jake says: “once I started to feel better, this opened up a lot of doors in my life, it allowed me to do other things. Crohn’s is different for everyone, there are those who have it a lot more severe than I and others who are very sick. I started brainstorming about ways to raise money for them. The first thing that popped into my mind was t-shirts. The shirt I designed has a logo, (with Maryland Flag colors), on the front:  JF For a Cure. JF are my initials but also stand for Just Fight. I started to advertise and market these shirts and donate 100% of the profits to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.” (http://www.jfforacure.org/)

just fight for a cure

Jake has managed to turn his mission into a non-profit organization and so far, even with minimal marketing outside of word-of-mouth, Jake has sold enough t-shirts to raise $1,500 to be donated to the CCFA, (http://www.ccfa.org/). And as he begins to look at his academic future, Jake says he knows he will continue to spread the message. “Right now I’m looking at a lot of colleges”, says Jake “and wherever I end up I will bring the Just Fight message with me to raise more awareness and money and hopefully help find a cure. I’m thinking about a career in the medical field, possibly even as a gastroenterologist.”

And why not? Who better than someone who lives it first-hand, who knows what it’s like to face the daily challenges of Crohn’s, to become the medical professional who can help others along their way as they deal with the disease. Jake’s mom Rosanne says its Jake’s attitude, vision, determination and desire to give back that make him a winner.

jake and display

“You think that your children learn the most from you, but I learn the most from him”, she says. I think I’ve learned a lot about strength and perseverance. And I think he’s taught me a lot about positivity, the glass half-full mentality and turning negative into a positive. He’s taught me all that. Like Jake says anything is possible, just keep plugging away. He’s amazing, he does it all. Despite his health battle he’s social, he does very well in school, he plays sports, he volunteers. I’m really proud of him.”

And then there is  the special connection between mother and son. Rosanne recalls when Jake was dealing with health challenges even as a little boy, at age 2 or 3, he would ask her ‘why was I born this way?’ She says she told her son, “God gave you this because he knew you could handle it.” And it was the recent moment, years after posing these questions to his mom, Jake noticed a message posted up in his high school locker room. He sent the message to his mom in a text: God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight.

“Oh my gosh”, says Rosanne, “he remembers what I used to say to him.”

The same message which is now part of Jake Friedman’s mission – carry the weight for others – and Just Fight For A Cure.

jake and stick

Until next time, thanks for taking the time

Mark

(Order a Just Fight For a Cure T-shirt by e-mailing jfforacure@gmail.com)

Now you can download and listen to The Sunday Series stories on iTunes! (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Speaker, Emmy Winner, Field Sales Leader: 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.spouses-story.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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