I’m Randy Milanovic and I’m incredibly fortunate.
My doctor asked me if I had a will shortly after confirming his diagnosis: stage 4 cancer.
It was the September long weekend of 2009. The uncertain battle for my life began at that moment. Five months into my battle, my doctor came to my hospital room to share that he couldn’t find the cancer anymore. The endless rhythm of chemo treatments appeared to have worked. I cried. He cried. The nurses cried. That corner turned, we began the arduous task of recovering from a disease that had left me 60 lbs lighter, incredibly weak, and so frail I dared not fall. With that, we set out a plan to rebuild my strength in preparation for the journey home.
At first, I took walks. Around the house. Around the yard. Around the block. Eventually around the pond in our community. Having regained enough strength to be stable, I asked my sister to take me to Canadian Tire where I bought two Pelican Kayaks. “Two?” she asked. Yes, I replied. You don’t think I’m going by myself, do you? Afterwhich she loaded them on the SUV because she was stronger than I at the time.
Before and after that fateful year, I explored a lot of our world, from the historic and dark alleyways of Taipei and the ruins of ancient Istanbul to the beautifully warm and welcoming beaches of Indonesia. I’ve looked out over distant peaks in the Canadian Rockies and watched the leaves fall on the Canadian Shield. I’ve stood face-to-face with a massive Grizzly Bear while hiking and photographed a rare 3-toed American Woodpecker.
I take nothing for granted. I’m aware of the frailty of life. Not only my own, and your own, but of our earth and it’s creatures. I’m aware of the razor-thin layer of plant life atop lifeless sediments and endless bedrock and how fragile our world truly is. I make time to mentor those less experienced and share my talents and knowledge with clients, friends, and strangers alike. I work with incredible clients who welcome my approach to coaching and empowering, understanding the value of not asking me to do it for them. I welcome opportunities to learn, gain certifications, expand my knowledge, and write books. I find joy and fulfillment in hiking and paddling with people who appreciate the intrinsic beauty of nature, our wilderness, and its critters.
I live in the moment. Because every moment counts. Every memory counts.
Recently, I’ve explored the art of photography, which is more challenging – and rewarding – than I originally thought possible.
I’ve authored books.
Each has earned a multitude of 5-start reviews.
I’ve beaten stage 4 cancer.
In September of ’09, my doctor delivered the diagnosis, following with, “Do you have a will?”
At the deepest point in my battle, I fell. Not in a physical way, but in a dream-like falling way. My friend and client David sat by my side with his hand on my shoulder as I drifted down, down, down. It wasn’t a good down.
Falling deeper, a curious thing happened. The pain went away. I’d been in such unbearable pain since being admitted to Emergency. It felt like my bones were being broken, one by one, over and over. But at that moment, nothing.
My mind cleared and I heard myself scream, “I haven’t accomplished enough yet!”
Upon hearing those words, I began to drift again. This time upwards, back into the pain. With that, I entered the battle for my life.
In 2014, the Financial Post Magazine featured me in a 2-page spread titled, Keep running that touched on my experience. I hope you check it out.
In my teens, I was a street kid. At one point – starving – I raided a fall garden, weeping silently as I ate a handful of carrots. All the while, cautious not to leave a mark or get caught in case I needed to return. I made it back home at 17, just a few months before my mother passed away.
Whether it was surviving the streets or the monumental battle with cancer, I’m both surprised and comforted by how tenacious I can be. Those experiences set me on a path that points me towards doing everything I can to help others excel.
And, I’ve gotten a few things done.
Calgary Small Business of the Year Finalist 2013
Calgary Breakout Business of the Year Finalist 2013
E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee 2015
Founder, Kayak Marketing
Founder, SEO Audits
Syndicated Author on Social Media Today
Authored four books and 500+ articles.
HubSpot Platinum Certified Partner 2018
Founder, FlowwwSites
A logo I created was recognized in the top 300 in the world.
An article I wrote for Social Media Today has received over 63,000 shares.
A blog post I wrote on Kayak Marketing has attracted 72,000 views (so far).
I’ve discovered a new love.
Since my cancer recovery in 2010, I’ve started speaking and learned that I enjoy it. In 2011, I became a HubSpot Certified Partner and have earned a long list of marketing and automation certifications. Previously, I spent 30+ years as a professional visual designer.
And, I’ve found a new passion.
On the chance you might be a craft beer fan, I have a little project I’m sure you’ll love.