About Russ and Maggie

Three Strikes and You’re Out?  Not This Guy!

Like just about everyone else on this planet, I am no stranger to some of life’s harsh experiences.  I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, declared personal bankruptcy, and went through an emotionally devastating divorce all within a period of six years.

Some days were so dark, all I wanted to do was die.  The only problem was, I kept waking up again the next day.  Ultimately I had a decision to make.  I could continue to let life beat me down, or I could make lemonade out of the lemons I was given.

As a long-time student of personal development, I believed there were better possibilities for myself… much better possibilities!  By choosing to make the best of my experiences, life soon began to improve beyond my wildest expectations.

To my doctors’ amazement, my white blood cell count continues to improve – without treatment.  I am remarried to Maggie, the woman of my dreams.  And I am now embarking on a new career that is bringing me tremendous excitement and fulfillment.

The contrast between where I have been, where I am now, and the infinite possibilities for continued growth and development in the future has brought me a tremendous amount of wisdom and compassion for others.  A natural teacher since my youth, I am now fully qualified and prepared to share what I have learned to help you feel good about yourself.

HEALTH UPDATE -  November 5, 2009: Starting late in 2008 my lymph nodes started swelling again considerably.  I was having a relapse.  By summer of 2009, the nodes  had ballooned to grotesque proportions.  Chemo therapy was ordered.  It didn’t seem that long since 2002 when I had my last 6 courses of chemo.  I definitely wasn’t looking forward to this experience again.

Within only three rounds, my lymph nodes shrunk practically back to normal.  However, the harsh chemicals took their toll on my body and I developed several complications which forced my doctor to suspend the remaining 3-5 treatments until my body could recuperate.  It has been a rough ride in 2009.

I try to use humor to keep my spirits up.  Some people have told me I’m warped and I’ll be the first to agree.  No matter what tickles you, laughter really is the best medicine.  You can see the amazing difference in my lymph nodes by clicking on this line.  Be sure to WATCH THE VIDEO for the pictures!

January 18, 2010: After a near-death experience around Christmas time, I am happy to report that all the lung infections seem to be cleared out.  I am now back on the road to recovery, although it looks like it’s going to take some time.  You can read about my hospital experience here.

April 9, 2010: After getting referred to Dr. Brandwein and the cancer specialists at Princess Margaret Hospital, a world-renowned cancer clinic here in Toronto, I was told that I more than likely will not survive my next relapse which may come within the next year… UNLESS.

Yes, Dr. Brandwein actually used the word CURE in his discussion with Maggie and I.  It will require a bone marrow transplant which is a heavy duty, deep-shit serious operation.  If successful, I can add years to my life.  If not… well, it’s been a nice 56+ years.  My first consultation with the Bone Marrow Transplant team is sometime in June.  The procedure will probably happen sometime either late summer or early fall.

The thing is, the last couple of years I’ve been fantasizing about a cure.  However, my previous oncologist kept reminding me that there was no such thing for CLL… that is was a slow but sure death.  And NOW – all of a sudden – we’re talking CURE?  You gotta Love That Feeling!

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You ARE Good Enough

Brought up in the stringent and completely indifferent Hong Kong education system, my wife Maggie was labeled early as a slower learner.  As such, she was put on a course that would give her a most basic education but with the least chance of advancement into a well-paying career.

This very basic education didn’t teach her anything about finding the right life partner either.  She certainly didn’t recognize the signs of abuse that would characterize her first two relationships.

After moving to Canada, Maggie married a man she had met and dated back in Hong Kong.  The couple eventually had a daughter.  However, even before they were married, Maggie experienced several episodes of anger and control by her future husband.  Like many victims of abuse, she thought it was her fault that her man was always upset.   She vowed to try harder.

It wasn’t long before Maggie realized that her competitive  and controlling husband wasn’t very supportive of her efforts to improve herself.  In fact, it became apparent that he felt threatened that his wife might do better and advance beyond his own position.  The abusive behavior that was already there before the marriage continued to escalate.  After nine years, the marriage ended.

Maggie then found a younger partner and started a new relationship.  In many ways, things were different and far more exciting than her first marriage.  However, lightning struck again and Maggie found her new partner to be extremely jealous, mistrusting and controlling.

He demanded that Maggie give him a child.  With a young daughter already, Maggie was unwilling to have any more children.  Reluctantly she consented, thinking that the child would make her man happy.

A second daughter was born but it didn’t change things as far as the relationship was concerned.  The cycle of abuse she experienced in her first marriage came back even stronger in this second relationship which sputtered off and on until it finally ended after only three years.

That’s when I came on the scene.  From the moment we met, I knew that Maggie was an exceptional woman with tremendous gifts.  I became the first person in her life to truly encourage her to develop herself.

At first, Maggie thought I was only saying those nice things because our relationship was new.  “Guys are always nice until they get what they want,” she thought.  However, she started noticing other people at her work telling her the same things.  New seeds of belief began to sprout.  Within three years, she advanced herself from a little-respected receptionist to a highly valued member of the administration team.

Today Maggie is working towards fulfilling her life’s ambition to become a career counselor.  Unsurprisingly, she is also an advocate for woman’s issues and has recently appeared in local newspapers and on TV speaking out for F.L.E.W. (Family Law Education for Women).  Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!

Unbeatable Team – We’re Here for You

As you can see, together Maggie and I have a wealth of experience and a depth of compassion to share with you.  The secret to our own success is the open and honest communication we practice with each other every day.  We respectfully treat each other as equals and consult on all decisions, big and small.

Maggie and I believe that everyone deserves to be happy.  It is our hope that by sharing our experiences and wisdom, you will be inspired and motivated to find your own happiness, too.

To be happy is what it’s all about.  Maggie and I are going to help you to Love That Feeling!