Join Michael and mom as they talk to Samira Daswani, savvy business woman, cancer survivor, host of the podcast Patient from Hell, and the founder of the incredible resource for ALL cancer survivors and caregivers: Mantacares.com https://mantacares.com/ .Samira is funny, wise, generous, beautiful. When she was faced with Breast Cancer at age 30, she realized she did not fit into the standard box, the normal cancer protocol. She questioned everything , asking all the how, what, why questions, and coming up with her own alternative solutions. The first solution was her all encompassing medical p ..read more

Join Michael and mom, ashlee, as they chat about a recent Instagram comment from someone looking for purpose. Purpose is sometimes obvious, sometimes not. Sometimes BIG, sometimes simple. It changes and evolves.... Both Michael and ashlee share how purpose gets them out of bed, passion gives them meaning, helping others gives them even more love. #cancer #BMT #love #GVHD #purpose ..read more

Michael and Mom talk cancer (specifically hepato splenic t-cell lymphoma) and chronic graft versus host disease, the two rare diseases that Michael lives with. Our dear friends at Lumanity asked us to answer a few questions and share our two perspectives, unique experiences, living with a rare disease diagnosis, on this special day, Rare Disease Day, February 29th, 2024. Join Michael and Mom for a spirited, real conversation on the challenges and the surprising benefits, as well ..read more

Join Michael and ashlee (mom), as they talk to Weston Lord. Weston has survived 2 bone marrow transplants, 4 "tussles" with cancer, and many complications, including GVHD, like Michael. In Weston's own words: "Over the years, I have come to terms with the fact that the struggle is good. Overcoming adversity, triumphing over what we thought was impossible leads to the greatest growth in personal development." Listen to this honest conversation that will inspire you to be better, to live for the day, to appreciate the wind in your face and the warm apple pie with your loved one ..read more

Join Michael and mom (Ashlee) as they laugh, share some of the more humorous moments post knee replacement surgery, plus, the continued love and gratitude. As always, they somehow find the joy in the most challenging of moments. The beauty in the pain... even while delaing with physical pain and the painful reality of losing part of Michael's health insurance. Listen, smile, be moved, and hopefully gain a little perspective as Michael and mom talk knee surgery ..read more

Join Michael and mama Ashlee as they talk PTSD, those cancer fighting words, toxic positivity, and as usual, LOVE! By the way, this episode was recorded BEFORE Michael underwent a complicated knee surgery, but the lessons, the perspective, are universal, timeless.... for now ..read more

Join Michael and Mom as they talk to THE Dr. Erica Harris! Survivor, BMT recipient, double lung transplant recipient. She is a motivational speaker, a mindset health expert (Rise, Survive and Thrive Alive), Tex x speaker, podcast host, retired chiropractor and MOM of two boys! She is smart, funny, down to earth, wise beyond her years, and is open and willing to share all she has learned with US. somehow, surviving FAR beyond all odds.... We were so grateful to connect with her on so many levels.... PLEASE check out her website: https://www.risetoday.com It was an honor and JOY to speak with th ..read more

Jeff Boothman shares his cancer story with Michael and ashlee, and how he turned his struggle into a self-help "manual" in the form of his new book: HOW TO BE A CANCER PATIENT. No one teaches you how to deal with this life changing diagnosis, but Jeff shares his wisdom and knowledge, having been through all the struggles himself. He is full of amazing information all laid out in an often witty, concise way. Find Jeff's book on Amazon and his website: https://jeffboothman.com ..read more

Join Michael and Mom as they talk to Brian Burkhardt from the Oliver Patch Project. Brian shares the story of how his son's cancer diagnosis brought his family, his community, and the pediatric cancer world together through milestones that are celebrated with colorful, artistic patches. The patches symbolize strength, while keeping love and positivity in the forefront. An exciting new development, the official Patch Day, June 24th. You can find more about the Oliver Patch Project on their website: https://www.oliverpatchproject.org/ You can also find them on Facebook and instagram. Michael, as ..read more

Join Michael and mom as they talk candidly to Rob Long, former football star at Syracuse, brain cancer survivor, literally beating every odd, and now Executive director of Uplifting Athletes. He turned his very dismal brain cancer diagnosis into a new path, to help others going through rare disease. Uplifting Athletes raises money and awareness to fund research for rare diseases, enhances student athlete life skills development and rare disease patient engagement. In Rob's words: "As a rare disease survivor I have the opportunity to help others as so many have helped me." Michael and ashlee lo ..read more