A cancer survivor exploring the Canadian Wilds
Taking it one moment at a time.
The Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
Following his diagnosis, the doctor asked me if I had a will. “No”, I replied, “but I guess I better get one.” Now, if you know me, you’ll agree that I’m not the type to roll over and play dead.
I fought that cancer – hard – enduring six months of chemotherapy treatments, along with a pair of painful bone marrow punctures, and stayed in my air-tight room at the hospital until the cancer was gone.
Then, having had my fill of hospital life, I headed home to begin my recovery. The disease had left me 60 lbs lighter and extremely frail. Strengthening my body was my priority. I began with walks. Around the house, around the yard, and around the block.
Eventually, I trekked the 1.2 km pathway around a nearby pond. A great blue heron flew past and landed near me. Its featherless shoulders caught my attention and I studied it for a while from the pond’s edge.
Water is Life
One afternoon nearly a year after D-day (diagnosis), I asked my sister to take me to Canadian Tire where I purchased two kayaks. “Two?” she asked. “Yes”, I replied. “You don’t think I’m going out alone, do you?” Then I watched as she loaded them onto the roof of her SUV…because she was stronger than me.
Then to the lakes, I went.
Before that fateful year, I had explored a lot of our world.
Singapore, Brussels, Rome, Paris, Monaco, Pisa… Dark alleyways in Taipei. Ruins in ancient Istanbul.
The beautiful beaches of central Canada, Indonesia, Mexico, and even Florida. I lost count of the countries visited past 20.
The Canadian Wilds
Since then, I’ve kept my wandering closer to home.
The Canadian wilds draw me like a magnet. Snow-capped peaks, glassy lakes, mountain sunsets, prairie sunrises, aurora, flora, creatures, and weather all capture my imagination and fill me with awe.
And, there’s no denying that I felt very much alive sharing a hiking trail with a gigantic Grizzly bear in the fall of 2021.
Moments
I’ve accepted that every experience I’ve ever had has been but a single moment in my life.
The cancer diagnosis, chemo treatments, raisin cinnamon bagels for breakfast, and even walks in the park…moments.
I hope you enjoy sharing my moments.
Throughout it all, I’ve been working.
In 2013, I published my first book.
Over time, a few more. All have earned 5-star reviews along with readers in 13 languages.
#1 in Category
#1 in Category
#1 in Category
#7 Best Seller
On top of beating cancer…
In 2014, the Financial Post Magazine featured me in a 2-page spread titled, Keep running that touched on my business success post-cancer.
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
Top 1% Global Mentor, ADPList
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 discovered speaking and sharing.
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.
I tasted craft beer.
On the chance you might be a craft beer fan, I have a little project I’m sure you’ll love.