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.
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.
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.
