Kurtis Loftus and I are 10 episodes deep into our KNOT Strong podcast, and last weekend we did a special Father’s Day show, in which our daughters (we each have two) made special appearances. It was one of my favorite casts yet. Check it out and if you enjoy the show, subscribe to our YouTube channel. We’re doing one show per week! Let us know what you think!
I Did a Thing… Introducing the KNOT Strong Podcast
I wanted to share a new project I’ve been working on—a podcast. A few months ago, my friend, Kurtis Loftus reached out with a “wild idea” to start a show focused on men’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
For those who don’t know him, Kurtis is an accomplished creative—a former marketing firm owner, endurance athlete & two-time world-record-holding surfer, and founder of Jacksonville Beach’s “Deck the Chairs” event and arts program. He’s also a Christian and longtime mentor in recovery.
Kurtis and I share a lot—surfing, faith, creativity, and, most recently, cancer. He’s been fighting (and winning) a battle with stage 3 prostate cancer while I’ve been on my own journey, and that connection led us to co-host this podcast together. We’re diving into topics like perseverance, fear, love, motivation, and the human spirit.
Episodes are about 45 minutes long, and we’re planning to start bringing on guests soon, experts and other men with their own stories. We’re not doing it for money—just hoping it helps even one person who might need it. You can check it out here, below (this particular episode dives into my cancer experience): If it resonates, feel free to subscribe.
Bryce Canyon National Park
We almost skipped Bryce Canyon because we woke up to snow which turned into sleet, rain and then fog. We started to head to Moab, then we were like, “Nah, we’re here, Bryce National Park is just ten minutes away. Let’s go see what we can see.” So glad we did! That place is wild! Some pretty crazy rock formations! And the fog / snow made some for interesting photos, bringing out some interesting hues. Anyway, it was rad! 5-stars!
Snow Day in Hatch, Utah, Near Bryce Canyon
Whoa!! Gretchen and I were staying in a place called Ruby’s Inn in a classic little western town called Hatch (Utah), at the footstep of Bryce Canyon National Park, and we woke up to a (mid-May) snowstorm! We’re such Floridians that we had almost nothing packed except t-shirts and shorts, lol! We actually had to buy some second-hand clothes at an outfitter because we were going whitewater rafting in Moab the very next morning! 36 degrees!!! Live and learn. Boy, some of those snowflakes were bigger than just about any I’ve ever seen- the size of quarters!
Zion National Park
Wow! Zion is something else! Gretchen and I recently took a trip out west to celebrate my birthday (May 1st), our 30th Wedding Anniversary (May 13th), and my Remission from Cancer! We did a National Parks tour, flying into Vegas, then driving up to the Grand Canyon and back with a lot of stops along the way. It was an 8-day itinerary that included Zion, Bryce, Moab, Canyonlands, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell/Page, and more! Gretchen and I did the first half of the trip alone, then were joined by our daughters about halfway through on the backend of the trip. Zion was one of the most spectacular places we visited. We did a solid hike there checking out the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails. Check out the pics!
Celebrating Remission
Friends,
I have neglected to share the great news I received around New Year of this year following the completion of 12 rounds of chemotherapy, which ended on December 26th. For those who do not know, I have been battling Stage 4 colon cancer for the past year after being diagnosed in February 2024. I had a summary PET scan on January 6th and received the results the next day. My wife, Gretchen, who saw them first, came home in tears of joy to share the news: no evidence of cancer anywhere in my body!
Later that day, an oncology team member confirmed the results, and we met with my lead oncologist just a few days later. She reaffirmed the great news: there are no active cancer cells in my body, and I am officially in remission!
Given the aggressive nature of this cancer, Dr. Changella recommended continuing oral chemotherapy (pills) and transitioning to immunotherapy infusions to reduce the chances of recurrence, either locally or elsewhere. While I was initially disappointed to continue any kind of treatment, she reassured me that this is standard practice (“maintenance”) and a proactive step forward. I’ll now have follow-up scans every three months or so, eventually transitioning to six-month intervals.
The good news is that the oral chemo and immunotherapy have much milder side effects compared to last year’s chemo infusions. I can expect my energy, immune system function and red blood cell counts to return to more normal levels.
On that note, I’ve also returned to full-time work (as a Creative Director / Project Manager) following a year of part-time work—a huge blessing for Gretchen and me. I’ve also started a more consistent and robust exercise routine and have stopped taking appetite stimulants. In short, I’m beginning 2025 with great optimism and much gratitude.
Looking back to February 2024, when I first received the (bad) news, I resolved to do everything I could to fight the disease while also immediately turning everything over to God, who assured me in a very real-world, unambiguous way, that I’d be okay. While doctors have reminded me that I may never be “cancer-free,” I feel extremely confident and hopeful. Life is a gift and I’ve never taken any of it for granted (well, at least not since my twenties, anyway, lol1
I will still need to monitor my kidney health (they suffered some collateral damage as a result of the cancer at the onset), so I’d appreciate your continued prayers in that regard.
Looking ahead, I envision 2025 as a year of recovery and regaining my strength. Actually, my strength is already pretty good, I just need to work on my breath/lungs for running. I plan to follow my doctors’ advice, but I truly don’t expect the cancer to return anytime soon. I’m eager to fully enjoy work, return to the gym, run on the beach, surf, and care for my own yard again (thank you, Martin Barkoskie, for your help last year!). Gretchen, the girls, and I are also planning a special vacation out west in May to celebrate my recovery, my birthday, and Gretchen and I’s 30th wedding anniversary.
This year-long+ journey has taught me so much. I’ve grown spiritually, learned to trust God more deeply (rather than depending on myself so often), and I’ve learned more about the incredible, real power of prayer. I’ve become more empathetic, affectionate, and open. I give hugs and share my feelings more freely than I used to. I’ve learned how you can battle through the toughest, most grueling physical challenges in part by “embracing the suck”, (a philosophy employed by the Marines and Navy Seals), remaining hopeful through difficulties in knowing that the future always holds the possibility of improvement.
Our church, family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from all over have been a tremendous source of support. Gretchen and I are so deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and encouragement we’ve received this year. It’s truly been overwhelming. No need was ever unmet. Please know that we thank God for all of you, every day!
Looking to the future, while I don’t know what all of God’s plans for me are, I can assure you that no matter what it looks like, I will continue to put my full trust and faith in Him and the truth of His words. And to anyone facing similar challenges, I encourage you to lean on His infinite love, power, grace, and mercy.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support. I hope this is my last health update for a long while, but I’ll share any significant news if needed.
With gratitude and love – Tim
My Ultimate Explorer Journey Ends One Round Short of the Final
Friends, I regret to share that my journey in Outside Magazine’s Ultimate Explorer competition ended one round short of the Final last Thursday. I placed 4th in my Semifinal Group despite the incredible support from all of you and giving it my all. Gretchen and I are truly amazed and humbled by how many of you worked so hard to take me from 80,000 competitors to the final 64—and almost to the final eight! Just realizing that we have so many people who love and care for us– friends and family who would commit so much to try and will us to victory, means more to us than winning ever could.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who invested their time, energy and resources to help us. Know that all donations were directed to the National Parks Foundation, as worthy an organization as you will find, and one that happens to be in serious need now.
We also want to thank all of you who’ve supported us throughout my healthcare journey this year in so many practical and encouraging ways. Please continue sending your prayers—this is a challenge that I am winning, one in which I will prevail.
I entered this competition as an idea for how Gretchen and our family might celebrate the end of my chemo treatment in December and our 30th Anniversary in May. Rest assured, we still intend to commemorate these milestones in a very special way. This year has been unforgettable for so many reasons, and we’re so grateful to have all of you by our side this entire time.
MADE THE ULTIMATE EXPLOER SEMIS!
CONFIRMED! I made it to the Semi-Finals of the Ultimate Explorer competition! Voting has already re-opened (October 4th) and it ends next Thursday, October 10th! The Final then runs from October 11th to October 17th. There are 8 groups of 8 people in the Semis, just 64 of us left. This is after 2 months and a competition that started with close to 80,000 competitors. THANK YOU EVERYONE for your votes and support in helping me get this far! You can vote every day for FREE! Below is my voting/profile link!
Vote Link: https://ultexplorer.org/2024/tim-hamby-yIWY
MADE IT TO THE QUARTERS!
Friends and fam- I just wanted to report that I won my Group and made it to the Quarterfinals in Outside Magazine’s Ultimate Explorer competition! Votes now reset for the Quarters starting Sept. 23rd. The Semifinals begin Oct. 4th, and the Final, Oct. 11th. You can still vote for free everyday (the vote/profile link is in my bio). If you wish to purchase votes (with all funds going to the National Parks Foundation), then wait for the 2-for-1 vote days!
Thanks to all who helped me get so far in this comp! Gretchen and I appreciate your valuable time, generosity, and support. We’re getting excited about potentially being in position to win, although it’s going to be tough these last three rounds! It’s been a wild ride and we appreciate NEFL showing out in this national comp!
P.S. A lot of folks have been asking me about how many people I am/have been competing against in this competition. As a Quarterfinalist, I’m now in the Top 1%. There are currently 768 people left of the nearly 80,000 who started the contest. We are divided into 64 Groups of 12 people each. I am in first place in my Quarterfinal Group of 12, with 2 rounds left (the Semis and the Final).
Almost There – Top 5!
I received confirmation on Thursday that I had made it into the Top 5 in my Group in Outside Magazine’s Ultimate Explorer competition and I’m still leading my Group. If I maintain the lead and win it this week, then I move on to the Quarters against other Group Winners on Sept. 23rd. The votes reset at that time as they do for the Semis and Final from Sept. 23rd – Oct. 17th.
Thank you, again, EVERYONE, for your overwhelming support! Here’s the link if you’d like to vote for me (still free, every day) or just to follow my progress: https://ultexplorer.org/2024/tim-hamby-yIWY. As I‘ve maintained, there’s an option to purchase “extra” votes with funds going to the National Parks Foundation (it’s a fundraiser for them), but don’t feel like you have to do that for me (only if you have a heart for NPF!). Also– if you do wish to contribute, then it is probably best to hold off until Sept. 23rd or the two weeks following when the votes reset for each of the final three rounds. It is also always best to wait for one of the many days when “purchased” votes are 2 for 1.
Thanks so much again, all! – T&G
Top 10: Still Climbing!
IT’S OFFICIAL: TOP 10! Whoa! I’m still moving along in the Ultimate Explorer competition, and have moved into the Top 10 in my Group! Only two more weeks to survive to get to the Quarterfinals! I’ve been fortunate to be in first place in my Group the whole way, so I believe I can likely make it to the Quarters on Sept. 23rd. From there, things get most challenging when votes reset for the Quarterfinals, Semi-Final and Final from Sept. 23rd – Oct. 17th. On behalf of Gretchen and myself, we thank you again for voting (you can vote again for free every 24 hours), and sharing my profile (https://ultexplorer.org/2024/tim-hamby-yIWY). Thank you too to all those who have generously purchased “extra” votes, with all funds going to the National Parks Foundation, for which this fundraiser was created. (Don’t feel like you have to “buy” votes for me though– only if you have a heart for the NPF!)
TOP 15 – Movin’ On!
TOP 15 – MOVING ON! THANK YOU, AGAIN, FRIENDS! – Gretchen and I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for all of our friends and family who have propelled me to first place in my Group in Outside Magazine’s “Ultimate Explorer” contest. Thank you for voting, re-voting (you can vote again every 24 hours), and sharing my profile (https://ultexplorer.org/2024/tim-hamby-yIWY). Some of you have even generously purchased votes (funds go to the National Parks Foundation).
I wanted to share a little insight on how the contest works. Each week, the 5 competitors in each Group with the lowest votes are eliminated. The rest move on until there is only one competitor left in each Group. The winner in each Group (along with a wildcard winner) advance to Quarterfinal Groups where the VOTES RESET! Top competitors in each Group advance to Semifinals. VOTES RESET! Top Semifinal from each Group advance to Finals. VOTES RESET! Grand Prize Winner is determined October 17th. I’m in a great position now, but the competition heats up as we approach the Quarterfinals on September 23rd, when votes reset. Each time the votes reset, things get more challenging. So, if you’re feeling like you’d like to contribute, then Sept. 23 – Oct. 17 would be the best time for that. But we appreciate all of your votes, time and energy!
Hey Now, Hey Now, Don’t Dream It’s Over!
Gretchen and I caught Crowded House this week at The Amp in St. Augustine this past Thursday, the first concert I’ve attended this year! We had a great evening out! Here is their hit, “Don’t Dream It’s Over”. I was bummed that they did not play a single old Split Enz song, but they were excellent, nonetheless!
Kaelyn’s First Project in the Movie Biz
Check it out! A few scenes from my youngest daughter’s first go in the film production business! (She is a senior in the Honors Program at FAU, majoring in Multimedia Studies/Film Production). She’s interning at Flickhouse Studios in Miami. See her credit as 2nd AD on this short film project, “Young Kingdom” that recently wrapped in Miami!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_Ge_nYJdMN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Ultimate Explorer Update 8-24-24: I’ve Advanced to Round 2!
Friends,
THANK YOU, THANK YOU! IT’S OFFICIAL!
Round 1 of Outside Magazine’s “Ultimate Explorer” contest concluded yesterday, and I finished in first place in my group of 107 competitors! Gretchen & I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote and re-vote for us (you can vote again every 24 hours); who shared my profile (https://ultexplorer.org/2024/tim-hamby-yIWY); and those who did exactly what I asked them not to do– buy us extra votes! (You guys are nuts!). That said, I’m sure the National Parks Foundation appreciates it as much as we do, as the whole thing is a fundraiser for them.
My next challenge is to try and continue to hold my lead against the 20 others who advanced from my group. There’s a couple of more rounds to go, and near the end, votes reset. So, Gretchen and I would just humbly ask that you continue to re-vote for us to win this dream vacation as often as you think about it. Thanks again, everyone for your love and support! We are so excited to be in the running to potentially win this!
In Memory of Ed Bondi: A Life of Design, Faith, and Family
Friends who were familiar with my real-estate-focused Integrated Marketing, Branding & Public Relations Firm, Renaissance Creative (1996-2011), I wanted to share some sad news about my close friend and former business partner, Ed Bondi. Ed passed away last weekend in Colorado, shortly after his 77th birthday. He was battling kidney disease and other health issues, including a difficult recovery from hip replacement. A fighter and a rebel at heart, he was also a cancer survivor for over 20 years.
Ed was one of the most well-respected, creative, and talented individuals I’ve ever known. A registered architect, extremely talented graphic designer, and brilliant marketing strategist who helped create the branding and marketing programs of many of Northeast Florida’s largest and most successful communities, his iconic work in the form of logos, entry monuments, signage, clubhouses and more is evident all throughout Jacksonville, the State of Florida, and beyond.
Ed was a beloved personal mentor who taught me so much about design, marketing, business, and life that I cannot begin to convey it all here. He focused relentlessly on doing great work– work that truly stood out and rose above. He knew that was the key to winning more work, attracting the best talent, and driving buzz. He helped us win hundreds of marketing and design awards over the years and contributed to our firm being named one of Jacksonville’s Best Places to Work, and one of its Fastest Growing Companies for 5 years in a row, during one stretch.
More than anything, Ed was a man of impeccable character, integrity, and faith. He lived by the Biblically-based idiom, “Always take the high road”. I remember him explaining that inherently, that would always be the harder road, but the one worth taking in the long run, given eternal perspective. I never once in my life saw Ed deviate from that path, or stray from any of his core values. He was a devout Christian who trusted God for everything, and he lived with an unyielding sense of gratitude, even in the most challenging times.
Ed was driven and had an exceptionally strong work ethic, but he was a family man who was also so happy when he finally decided to retire to Colorado Springs with his wife Cindy. He loved being out in nature, and I know how much he enjoyed being able to slow down, relax, and get out in it with his wife and sons Matt and Eric, in the years following his stellar career. RIP, Ed. We love you, we’ll miss you, and we’ll see you again.
Help Me Win “The Ultimate Explorer” With Your Vote!
Friends,
My wife, Gretchen and I would like to ask you for a HUGE favor! Will you vote for us to win $10,000 and a national parks expedition in a Winnebago RV in Outside Magazine’s “Ultimate Explorer” contest! The National Parks Foundation, Coca-Cola and Nature’s Valley area also sponsors. It’s a straightforward competition. The person with the most votes wins! You can vote EVERY DAY! There’s an option to buy votes, but please do not do that. Simply clicking and voting whenever you happen to think about us, is all we are asking. I’d like to take Gretchen on this trip for her irreplaceable role in helping me with my battle against cancer this year, and in celebration of our 30th anniversary coming in May.
As people who know me understand, I’m an outdoors addict. I’ve already made it through the application part of this contest, and am competing against a group of 107 in Rd. 1, so am off to a great start, but will no doubt need the help of friends / family to get enough votes to defeat some “outdoor influencers”. But I’ve always believed “You don’t know ‘till you go!”, so give us a click(s) and a vote, and wish us luck! Thank you so much for any time you take to do this. Here is my profile link: Here’s my profile link: https://ultexplorer.org/2024/tim-hamby-yIWY
Reflections
Something about Grandma and Grandpa Chapman’s backyard… just a really fine spot for reflection.
Deer Island, Taveres, FL
Recently, Gretchen and decided to pull the trigger on a jaunt to Grandma and Grandpa Chapman’s down in O-Town. It had been a long while. We got to take out papa’s new canal cruiser and relax in the beauty of old Florida, from Apopka to Mt. Dora and Tavares. It was quiet, breezy and beautiful, and a welcomed change of scenery from our own backyard. I think the only things missing were our nephew, Blake, and a couple of his 7-pound bass he’s so good at catching.
Check out the third pic by the fence line. Happened to catch this Bigfoot out of the corner of my eye! Definitely squatchy country out here, and this thing had to be 8′ tall. Skunk Ape for sure! You could smell the musky odor from the boat. If my girls and all the cousins were there, we could have done a full proper investigation with footprints and hair samples. As it was, we’re just going to have to let the photo evidence tell the story.
Black Water
Old Black Water
Keep on shinin’ your light
Gonna make everything, everything
Gonna make everything all right
And I ain’t got no worries
‘Cause I ain’t in no hurry at all
Health News – Alive & Kicking
Recently (on June 15, 2024 – International Surf Day), I shared some news on my Instagram about my health. It had been 5 months since I had set foot in the ocean, and I wanted to offer an explanation and why my posting had slowed considerably since that time. Now that the news is out, I thought I probably needed to say something about it here, as well.
In February, I was diagnosed with stage-4 colon cancer. I’ve always enjoyed perfect health, then last August began having very unusual headaches. I went to the doctor and learned that my blood pressure was sky-high. Another test showed abnormal kidney scores. The doctors assumed this might be due to my heart. After many tests, they determined that my heart was extremely strong and that there were no circulatory or blockage issues; so they deemed it hypertension (which I thought was weird, because I’m not a high-stress guy).
They tried to control it with medication for months, to no avail. Finally, they took a closer look at my kidneys, and after viewing the test results, the cardiologist called me at home on a Sunday evening and told me to go to the ER, as I was nearing stage 4 kidney failure. As it turns out, there was cancer behind my abdominal wall, impeding some of my urological function. My kidneys were working fine, but the blockage was preventing everything to drain out completely, and little by little, it was backing up into my kidneys, damaging them. I ended up spending 27 days in the hospital from mid-February to mid-April. It was grueling. I had a stent placed in one kidney, which was subsequently removed, but now I have two temporary nephrostomy tubes that I will likely need to continue to use until late summer, keeping me out of the water until that time.
The specific cancer I have was determined not to be genetic in nature or due to any kind of faulty gene or familial pre-disposition (great news for my daughters), but rather from an external source, so it could be anything. I’ve always taken care of my yard with chemicals, had a side-gig doing epoxy garage floors, took three rounds of the (Pfizer) Covid vaccine, and of course, PFAS are everywhere, so it’s just hard to say where it came from and it really doesn’t matter.
It is a very aggressive cancer, but its aggressiveness also makes it a great candidate for chemo. I am about to hit my 4th of 8 rounds, and am doing ok. I’ve lost 15+ pounds mostly due to the initial hospital stay.
They say this cancer is not curable, but manageable with chemo, for years. They approximated 5, although, because I am otherwise “young and healthy”, perhaps I could do better than that, and said there’s always a 1% chance of a miracle or other unknown. I say God is the only person who can put a timeline on my life and I fully expect Him to heal me completely. I have an incredible support network of family, friends and church, and especially my wife, Gretchen, who I could never navigate this without (God bless her!), and despite the shock of this all, I feel very blessed and nothing but gratitude.
I have chosen to avoid talking about this on my social channels beyond a basic explanation. I have a page on caringbridge.org for anyone who wants to follow my progress or hear more details. I won’t allow myself to be defined by cancer, this year, or any other. I have no fear of death, I never have, and I am not putting any limits on my ability to overcome this. My intent is to keep going about the routine of my life in the ways I always have with perseverance, optimism and faith. I have already had a long life full of joy- one I intend to keep living and experiencing to the max, according to God’s plan for me.
I have always understood that life can, and does change on a dime, so while I am really surprised by all of this, I understand that’s how it goes sometimes. This is just like any other challenge or adversity that we all face at different times in our lives (and I’ve faced my fair share). They are experiences that help us grow, and make us stronger.
Times like these, while unfortunate and uncomfortable are actually rare moments of opportunity to demonstrate our true faith, and I believe in seizing on those. I’m on a positive path forward. I’m not looking behind, only ahead and looking forward to getting back into the ocean before the end of the year. Trust that I am still alive & kicking an plan to be out in the water again by Fall! Here’s some throwback pics to celebrate International Surfing day and a recent (mid-May) pic from my b-day ( it was a big ‘un, ya’ll!)
Peace, Love & Blessings!
The Church | “Reptile” at The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall 10/17/23
Here’s another classic from The Church’s recent show at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall: “Reptile”. These guys and their music just never get old. They are such amazing musicians and songwriters.
The Church | “Under The Milky Way” at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall 11/17/23
I recently had the privilege to see the Australian alternative guitar rock band, The Church, live at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. They were so good! They were touring behind a new album but also played some of their old hits. Here’s one of their all-time tunes: “Under the Milky Way”.
So much of the Church’s music has a melancholic feeling, almost like Pink Floyd in some ways, just really interesting and great listening music. I think this song, which has a pop element to it, may be their most popular, ever. It still sounds just as fresh as it did 2-3 decades ago. Check out their new album, “The Hynogogue”. It is also fantastic! I haven’t been able to quit listening to them!
Fall Surf: Half-Day Off Friday!
I had a half-day off this past Friday and it was a great day to take it… a beautiful gray, fall morning with only one other person out! The sun popped out at around noon, just before I got out. I couldn’t find a barrel that stayed open, but there were a few fun ones out there, anyway!
