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Mike’s Journey: One Canadian’s Story of Living With & Beyond Cancer

A Journey Living with Cancer

Written by his big sis, Stephanie Zubcic, 10 days before his 31st birthday.

My kid bro’s journey living with cancer started on December 15th, 2011. He had been experiencing lower back pain and lower abdominal pain for a day or so when my dad urged him to visit the local emergency room. Within one week he was diagnosed with Stage 4 testicular cancer and scheduled to have emergency surgery right before Christmas. Mike was only 29 and had just bought his first house with his beautiful girlfriend, Sarah.

A few months later Mike was told by his oncologist that the cancer had spread to his stomach, liver and chest. He needed to prepare for 6 months of the most aggressive chemotherapy available. This photo is of my brother and his lovely girlfriend Sarah (whom we affectionately call “SuperD” because she really is a superhero!) last May when he first began losing his hair as a result of aggressive chemo. Mike had just turned 30 years old a couple of weeks before this photo was taken at the lake.

Over the course of last summer into the autumn months he endured 240 hours of aggressive, gut-wrenching chemo in total. And not a day went by that his loving girlfriend, SuperD, failed to be by my SuperHero’s side.

Together they overcame financial hardships, emotional challegnes and relationship stress that far exceeds what any 30 year old guy and his 26 year old girlfriend should ever have to endure. And, sadly, that was not the end of Mike’s journey living with cancer…

On December 20th, 2012 my brother found out that the chemotherapy had not been fully successful; there were still tumors in his chest. He was scheduled to have thoracic surgery in January, followed by more medical tests. February 14th, 2013 he returned to the cancer clinic only to learn he was battling not one but two cancers: Mike was diagnosed with lymphoma as well. In the past few months he has undergone another rigirous course of chemotherapy while his girlfriend was also hospitalized for gallbladder surgery. Tomorrow, my kid bro begins a month long course of radiation therapy. And, so, his journey to live with cancer continues…

My Kid Bro’s Journey Living Beyond Cancer

As a big sister, I have tried to do all I can to be a loving source of support and humour throughout my kid bro’s journey living with cancer. I returned to my home town last year to there with him during his chemotherapy hospitalizations. I snuck an inordinate number of Harvey’s hamburgers into oncology. I coerced nurses attempting to withold anti-nausea medications into doing things my way, or else. I rented funny movies and even learned how to fish! (It’s my bro’s favourite pastime.) But, now, I need your help.

I want to send my kid bro and his girlfriend on a “Survive and Thrive” adventure: www.SurviveThrive.org There is nothing in the world Mike enjoys more than nature. He loves to camp in Algonquin Park, fish, hike, canoe… This is where he feels most alive. What’s unique about the “Survive and Thrive” adventures is that it is a travel expedition specifically designed for cancer warrior’s like my SuperHero kid bro and his caregiver. If you haven’t seen Strombo’s post about it, check it out right now and you will see why I want my kid bro to have the opportunity to not just survive but also to thrive beyond cancer: http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/health/a-rafting-trip-helps-cancer-patients-survive-and-thrive.html

I had a really soulful conversation with Mike, the Founder of Survive and Thrive Adventures. He let me know there is still space available on the August excursion for my kid bro and SuperD but there are no funds available to support them. I really want to send my kid bro and SuperD on this ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE! All I need is to raise $5,000. The money raised will cover the cost of travel to Las Vegas, travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, food, supplies, excursion fees and medical insurance.

Please Help My Kid Bro Survive & Thrive!

My baby brother was born on a beautiful, sunny day on May 18th 1982. It is still one of the happiest memories of my entire life. Looking back, I never could have imagined that thirty years later my kid bro would be diagnosed with two cancers and be fighting for his life. So, this year, I want his birthday to be special — I mean, really special. But, for that to happen, I truly need your help. All it will take to help my kid bro *Survive & Thrive for LIFE* is for 1000 SuperHeroes to donate $5.00 to www.survivethrive.org/donate/

Please, make a $5 donation in the name of my SuperHero, MIKE ZUBCIC, today and help a big sister out.

With Heartfelt Thanks & Love,
Stephanie XOXOX

Living Mountie Pride

Time Reflecting

As I stop and think quickly about the time that has passed and on the impact of cretin decisions I have made in life looking back it is wonderful to remember the great memories and hardwork that went into laying the foundation of a Turnaround in football faith for Mount Allison University. When I was a football player there we went through some difficult times, the program had been rocked my controversy, the funding was dismal, and the on field results were less than inspiring. I know what it is like to loose a football game 70-0, or even 63-3 courtesy of Saint FX and Acadia University, the mid 2000’s football teams of Mount Allison University was built on heart, courage, perseverance, determination and willpower.

3 Years Without Victory

I use those words to describe a team that suffered 34 straight losses, 3 straight seasons in a row without a victory just thinking about it makes me quiver however I never stopped living or being proud to be a Mountie. In those seasons we sustained and held on when everyone wrote us up, laughed and or just plain felt sorry for us. Sports commentators such as Alex J Walling of TSN at the time was calling for our program to be axed, and respected regional sports writers like Montey Mosher for the Chronicle Herald would sometimes try to find a silver lining of hope, as here remembered the success of the past but even than would sometimes echo a similar message it was hard for some many, overwhelming for some many quit the team and or just stopped showing up.

Blake Nill’s Dominating Teams

The Mount Allison University Varsity Football program took a deep step down from grace on the field. Achievements of teams from the mid 80’s and 90’s became a distant memory there was a big void left in the 1999 and 2000 seasons as the program was shaken up by coaching changes, a management overhaul and quick collapse in institutional support. At the same time the arrival of Blake Nill and the Saint Mary’s University Football Huskies became the story of the decade early on, they were the big bad boys of east in Canadian university football, they successfully compiled a roster that was CFL worthy in size, age and athletic dominance. Many of the changes made to the academic/athletic varsity eligibility requirements in the CIS were made because of those teams formed I am confident and sure. They had a dynasty winning several AUS championships and wining multiple National CIS Vanier Cup titles.

As a young teenager and football player I had a front row seat to those incredible teams Blake Nill put together from the top down it was a well runned organization with the complete support of the city of Halifax behind them Saint Mary’s University football became the best of the best in the country at the time their only real competition was the Laval Rouge Or. During my senior year with success I had on the field and in the classroom I was recruited early by Saint Mary’s University as a top Nova Scotia recruit. In my conversations with Blake Nill, he said he wanted me to develop and eventually fill the role Sabsitan Clovis an All-Canadian at the time he was a Strong Side linebacker, with great athletic ability I knew I going into that program I would do well. I verbally committed to Saint Mary’s University, in January 2003 it was an easy decision however things would eventually change.

Embracing The Struggle

Meanwhile Mount Allison was in a struggle to simply put a team on the field. A coach was hired named Scott Fawcett, he had CFL experience was a great manager, and knew how to organize and control a team, his arrival and recruitment ability saved Mount Allison University. He sold the opportunity to turn around a program, went after all the top players in the country and landed several of them. Although the teams did not have on field success, I believe those teams endured the struggle and kept the ship a float while bigger and better things where coming ahead the arrival of Kelly Huges, Bradley Daye and Gary Ross under the Steve Lalonde administration in 2007 paved the path for the success the team currently is having this I am also very confident and sure.
The Foundation Is Made

I strongly bewasn’t for Doctor Kenith Ozman former president of Saint Mary’s University and Halifax City Councillor coming into the fold, there is a strong chance that the 2004 and 2005 seasons might have never of happened. Together with the alumni, community and a handful of impact high quality football players the Mounties

Why Mount Allison

When I decided to go to Mount Allison University I turned down a verbal commitment to attend Saint Mary’s University, at the time the countries best football program, and home to one of Canada’s best business programs, The Sobey’s School of Business. I decided to attend Mount Allison with the support and encouragement of my Grandmother who wanted me to leave Nova Scotia for post secondary school. Mount Allison was also a well respected top liberal arts school and I knew I would get a great education. I was actively recruited to play University Football, I finished my senior as the Defensive MVP of the province, started at Linebacker for the Nova Scotia provincial team

so followed my High School Coach and Football mentor Alan Wetmore who was the Defensive Coordinator at the time. It was a

Understanding Anger

Understanding Anger

Anger is an emotion that tells us when something is wrong. We can feel angry when something is beyond our control or feels unfair, when we feel we can’t reach a goal, or when someone is hurt or threatened under too much stress. Anger can involve a wide range of feelings. Sometimes the results of these feelings end in violence, the repercussion of these acts have a grave impact not only on the individual who commits the crime but on society a whole. Not all these acts are trialed, passing the homeless man on the street, or the beggar downt

I know the emotion of anger very well, we all do, the difference is some of us grow and learn from it versus allowing the emotion to control us.Within my community there is a lot of anger, however at the same time an amazing amount of love, support and compassion. I’m proud of my Halifax, Nova Scotia (former city) roots but I’m a nationalist and always dreamed of exploring the word,

The Best Of Me

I haven’t been very active sharing my thoughts the last few years, I’ve been in the field with my head down working embodying the mantra “less talk, and more action” . That level of laser focus has brought forward many positive results but as the saying goes “great achievement is usually followed by great sacrifice” and my situation is no different, it’s not easy being away from the ones you love, the opportunity cost of time is real.

The magnitude of events which have transpired throughout 2020 has left me somewhat speechless. Seeing people I love and care for hurt and struggle hasn’t been easy, I’ve taken great inspiration from the strength showed by so many. As the leaves fall and we prepare for winter I’m reminded of the beauty that comes from letting things go, somethings are better left not carried.

Fear, doubt, indecision, stress, worry… are all very human emotions that we have within us, coming to grips with a global climate shift, social injustice, war, the Covid-19 pandemic all these things must be acknowledged.

It’s been a constant reminder all year to not take any day for granted and to live with gratitude. I wanted to take this moment to write this post to thank my friends, mentors and family who through the years have believed in the best of me. I definitely have many shortcomings, to many to list although I know there are many who wouldn’t mind naming them I’m sure.

I’m constantly learning, trying to find ways to improve, to get better and be a credit, not a debt to society. I’ve loved, loss, and have truly tried to live life to its fullest. I’ve embraced challenges and overcame obstacles I thought were once insurmountable. We never know what the future has around the corner, sudden change and the unknown can cause great distress and worry however for me the discomfort and power of those emotions has dissipated. I’m not wishing 2020 away, the chaos of life is an opportunity to get better, the opportunity to rise even if we fall.

I truly believe everything good in me is the result of the good influence, love and support of my friends, mentors and family. I’m grateful for you all more then you can imagine, this post is just a small thank you. The gifts you’ve already given me are life long, to many names to list you all already know who you are.

My love and gratitude always.

Best,

Ontario Central Focused

Ontario has always been my home and remains. I’ve been fortunate to also have deep Atlantic Canadian roots and Western Canada experiences. I’ve been exposed to various cultures and environments in Canada for so long it has no doubt shaped my adventurous spirit. In 1995 passing the welcome to Mississauga sign when moving from Toronto with my brothers and mother I recall seeing the population sign say 350,000. As of this year in 2018 Mississauga is peaking towards 1 million. The GTHA has grown significantly the last 20 years with no change of pace expected, this extends to the Waterloo Region as well, a place I equally feel and call home.

I’m not an economist, politician or public policy professional however I’m an aware engaged private citizen. This upcoming Ontario provincial election will have a lasting impact on the policy direction on not only where Ontario is headed in the future but potentially Canada as a whole with the federal election coming up in 2019. All eyes will be on Ontario the next few weeks as the new government forms and people take to the polls. Some will care, many will not, however the results will make an impact direct or indirect on everyone’s wallets.

Debt when properly used as a financial instrument of leverage allows our country and economy to expand at great lengths. Financing student, vehicle, consumer purchases, and housing. Debt is a tool of financial freedom and flexibility, however when mismanaged or abused it can have extreme negative consequences and become a prison. I think it is very prudent and responsible that before leveraging our future cost anymore collectively as a province and country we don’t abandon our principals of fiscal responsibility. The same responsibility that is placed on every home and individuals budget should be shared for those who govern. If Ontario’s Auditor General’s calculations are accurate we really do need to reflect and re-consider the direction we’re going and how will get back to balance or if that is something that is even valued anymore.

A Healthy Creative Mind

Napoleon Hill’s book Think and Grow Rich has been a blue print of success for countless generations. I recall being introduced to it several years ago by my mentor Issac Goodine the same person who introduced me to the author James Allen and his book As A Man Thinkith, a publication I specifically give a lot of credit for helping me to overcome an intense emotional and personal setback while training working alone in Alberta in 2014.

I often repeat “Self Control is Strength, Right Thought is Mastery, Calmness is Power”. That is the ending passage of As A Man Thinkith that resonates deeply within me, such a simple passage with deep meaning. Internal Strength, Mastery and Power comes from Self Control, Right Thought and Calmness these are characteristics I pride myself on having but at times with anything in life, sometimes waiver.

Sometimes during challenging or difficult life scenarios we often use our rational minds instead of feeling our way through the situation. However this strategy can lead to a betrayal of ones internal truth because the thinking is centered around the ego. The more you use your analytical mind to try and overcome situations or rationalize a decision the more fear based and negative emotions have a feeding ground to fester.

As a creative I’m constantly influenced by my environment I’m inspired by many things however nature, people and enlightened conversations always light a spark. Kayne West recent interview with “Charlamagne Tha God” was very interesting because it was an inside look at a creative during a time of transition. Although most media outlets have focused on his political position and comments about slavery I was more interested in his mental health rehabilitation and recovery and how it’s rejuvenated his prospective. The quote below I think was one of the most important and personally relevant so I thought it would be worth sharing.

Kayne West Quote – Interview With “Charlamagne Tha God”

“When you want to express yourself sometimes words can get in the way. Just this innate feeling that we have, when someone’s trying to talk you into something, and you’re like look, this just don’t feel right. Get out of your head, go from your gut, that’s what I’m big on, stop strategizing so much and stop setting so many plays. Stop doing so many things based on fear, the universe will assist you when you’re acting in love. When you’re acting out of love it’s as if one drop of water and the ocean is your army, when you act out of fear it’s just you alone and your money.”

“Bravery is more important than perfection.”

– Kayne West

DMF Energy – 2018 Developments

April 8th, 2018

Each year brings forward new opportunity and promise however it is only through our actions that we are able to realize our potential. At the end of the first quarter of 2018 collectively with the support and encouragement of numerous friends, family and business associates I’ve completed the 5 year goal of building a sustainable business operations framework; with coverage across Canada secured we now have with the ability to scale into the United States and Caribbean markets.

DMF Energy is a Alberta incorporated company that is extra-provincially registered in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Business Verticals

DMF Energy Inc. has 3 core business verticals General Contracting, Training Development and Piping Infrastructure. As a general contractor the company is responsible for the day-to-day operations and site management of building projects. Training development it is the retail distribution of online, print and in-class educational programs.

Piping infrastructure is the apprenticeship and journeyman certificate in the Steamfitter-Pipefitter trade held by me as Director DMF Energy Inc. it is the backbone of our business. The occupation of Pipefitting Supervisor according to Canadian Business Magazine in 2017 was ranked the 4th best occupation in the country that’s an increase from the 26th ranking in 2013.

Finding a Way: 10 Years Later

Jerome Downey (St. FX vs. MTA Homecoming , 2007)

Arriving At Mount Allison

In September of 2003 my life changed forever it was the first time I arrived at Mount Allison University officially as a student athlete. I remember it just like yesterday it was a hot clear sunny afternoon my grandparents drove me from Halifax, NS to the small town of Sackville, NB just a 10 minute drive from the provincial border far enough to be away close enough to visit home.

Along with many new rookies and experienced veterans we all arrived on campus a few days before the rest of the students because training camp was starting and we had to prepare for the season ahead. Earlier in July that summer I suffered a season ending injury tearing my left Achilles in the bronze medal game vs. Team Ontario while playing for Team Nova Scotia at the Canadian 19-Under National Football Championships in Ottawa, ON. Arriving on campus in a walking boot knowing I wouldn’t’ be able to play my first year was difficult as a scholarship athlete recipient I wanted to prove myself worthy.

The Recruitment

When being recruited to Mount Alison the Head Coach at the time was Scott Fawcett, during a home visit he brought a legendary player with him named Derrick Furry a Linebacker who played the same position as me. He was tough as nails and could hit hard as a hammer a CFL draft pick I respected him a lot. The motto going into the 2003 season was “Find A Way”, coach was perfectly aware of the challenge Mount Allison faced when competing for talent with other bigger schools across Canada. With limited resources and recent success on the field the biggest highlight emphasized during his home recruitment visit was the academic excellence Mount Allison has always maintained. It was that high standard of accountability and academic excellence that swayed my decision to become a Mountie.

Canadian Supreme Court Chief Justice: Beverly McLachlin, PC

Beverly McLachlin, PC is the 17th Chief Justice of Canada has served our country with great honor and distinction for over three decades. Born and raised in Pincher Creek, Alberta her story is one of hard-work, perseverance and exceptional intellect. Graduating with a Bachelors in Philosophy then continuing into Law School at the University of Alberta where she was recognized as the top student during her studies she was called to the Bar of Alberta in 1969. After practicing law until 1975 she perused academia as an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia until she was then appointed Chief Justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court in 1988. However her career acceleration didn’t stop as just a year later she was nominated to serve as a judge for the Supreme Court of Canada in 1989 by Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney and then appointed Chief Justice in 2000 by Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien. Throughout her life she’s been a transcendent formative figure in her profession with over 27 honorary degrees from universities across Canada and other countries throughout the world.

(Canadian Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin PC, Alana Sharpe BA, JD, Human Rights Lawyer, Jerome Downey, BA, Principal, DMF Energy.)

It was a real and sincere honor to meet Justice McLachlin at an Ottawa reception back in 2012 at the University of Ottawa just before leaving to Alberta to continue on my own journey of professional development and growth.I wanted to personally acknowledge Justice McLachlin and wish her well as she retires from the Queen’s Bench. Beverley is a trailblazer for more than her gender, the work she’s done throughout the years has helped shape and make our country what it is today, for me her life long integrity is what’s been most impressive. Yes, she’s Canada’s first female Chief Justice however her decisions, diplomatic and respected judgment will be the legacy that she is remembered for along with the ceiling her appointment broke and the merit of which it was earned.

[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1hq1DDEM8o”]

DMF Energy 2016: Canadian Developments

It’s been 3 years, 80,000 kilometers flying in the air, 30,000 driving on the ground and 7,000 hours working in the field but DMF Energy Inc. (DMF) is now ready to be of service to Canada and the World, what started as a dream is now a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without teamwork, family, sacrifice and perseverance. For more background details on DMF’s origins you can click here, for program details you click here.

More information will be coming this fall regarding how the public can be involved in the companies projects on a private equity level or as volunteer with Canadian Human Capital Development Initiative (CHCDI). Currently our team has began the process of direct communications with elected officials at all three levels of Canadian government but most importantly we are going to be working with individuals and communities within our core Canadian municipalities of service:

http://dmfenergy.com/contact-us

As we position ourselves to offer bilingual services in the next year the additional regions of Greater Moncton and Greater Montreal will be added as well. For 2018 we plan on servicing Prairie capitals in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia respectfully. DMF Energy Inc will be hosting information sessions and events late Fall 2016 and all of 2017 with major funding goals to be secured and reached by Summer 2017.

www.dmfenergy.com/management-team

The Canadian-Jamaican Invitation & Energy Management training partnership is ahead of schedule and will be making announcements soon regarding paid and volunteer opportunities with that exciting initiative. Thank you to everyone along the way who inspired, shared and stood by our vision of working with a determined, motivated and focused mindset to be the change and build a better tomorrow today.

My best,