Author Archives : michaelcmack

Bike to Beat Cancer Century

One More Mile: How to Deal with Cancer or Other Circumstances


My best friend was just diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, it’s in the early stages, and the doctors hope to be able to remove it without long-term consequences. We’re praying for that right now. I was talking with him on the phone this morning and mentioned my ride in the Bike to Beat Cancer last year. I’ve ridden in this event…

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Writer’s Block: I Don’t Get It.


I’m often asked how I deal with writer’s block. I’ll tell you the truth: I don’t get it. I mean I don’t even get the question, because I don’t get writer’s block. I have scores of folders in hanging files that contain hundreds of ideas just waiting to be explored. I save emails and web pages in One Note on…

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When Cupid’s Arrows Bring Pain


I am blessed to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my beautiful bride and love of my life, Heidi. Valentine’s Day 2012 was not so happy. I won’t go into details in this public place but many of our close friends and family know how much we struggled. I know we’re not alone. Marriage is a gift and, like many gifts, it…

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Good Friends Help PWD Live Healthier Lives


People with diabetes need good friends. By good friends, I mean people who are patient, understanding, sympathetic, and, most importantly, have a sense of humor. By the way, I’m not saying we deserve people to treat us well just because we have diabetes. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me because of my condition. (The truth is, some people with…

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The Cyclist in “Stop Diabetes” Lycra


It was the perfect day for a bike ride for me, and it was an embarrassing one for my wife. At 7 a.m. I clicked into the pedals on my dark blue Specialized Allez road bike and pushed off toward my friend Ed’s house. I looked up at the cloudless pastel blue sky with yellows and reds radiating from the east. Goosebumps appeared…

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The Diabetic Dad and the Delayed Delivery


My wife and I were in the delivery room about to give birth to our first child. Now, before I get too far into this story, I need to explain that my wife, Heidi, is from New Jersey. If that fact means nothing to you, go to Netflix and watch a couple episodes of “Jersey Shore.” Or don’t and be…

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The Year I Was Banned from the Olympic Games


1972 was a big year for me–the year of the Olympic Games, and I was participating. I was 12 years old and won 27 gold medals. At least I should have. The other competitors, Tim Ward, age 11, and Jeff Ward, age 10, competed too. The events all took place in my backyard, garage, basement, and around our neighborhood on…

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