Think of the person you were last week… now a year ago… ten years ago. I think it’s safe to say, that through the course of our lives we shed our old selves and embrace what comes next. You might ask, “Well do I have a choice?” Actually, yes, because each day you choose a path on your Heroes Journey, but as you know it’s not always that simple. This adventure brings with it outside forces you can’t control. Obstacles that once placed in front of you, might seem undeserving, or too challenging for our comfort zone

I’ve known Michael since college. He was one of those guys who had a way to make everyone laugh and he even introduced me to my husband Jesse so I’ll always be grateful for that. When you have someone involved with you in those pivotal moments in your life, you always have that connection. Which made hearing the news of Michael’s diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, heartbreaking to hear.

Every heroes journey has a moment of resistance. A time of feeling unprepared, where you might ask the question, “Why me?” It’s times like these where a hero needs help from others. Someone who can help you actively search for answers. You’ll become stronger, more confident, and better equipped to overcome these outside forces.

Mike’s wife Liz will help explain what that journey was like. To watch a loved one be diagnosed with a disease any person would fear. They’ll explain the decisions they had to face, the serendipitous moments and spiritual experiences they had as they were about to reach that threshold of hopelessness. Let’s listen to our Superheroes next door, Michael and Liz Barrow.

On this Episode we learn..

The Michael & Liz Origin Story:

• How Michael turned to Mountain Biking & Road Racing as a way to stay in shape and compete.
• After a 100 mile bike race he noticed his first symptoms of MS.
• After his vision changed dramatically, he went to the Optometrist and Ophthalmologist and was told these were signs of MS and to seek further treatment.
• How he and Liz struggled with uncertainty.
• Michael’s body starts to react to different medications. Relapsing caused feelings of numbness, shocks down his spine, sense of smell and depth perception vision problems.
• How Liz learned to read Mike’s emotions during his treatments and how they were able to support each other.
• How they were able to keep their Faith despite all their trials.
• Michael was able to find the HSCT treatment in Chicago that could possible cure his MS.
• They are accepted into the program and meet with Dr. Richard Burt.
• How much the treatment costs.

Life Changing Obstacle:

• Mike starts his treatment in Chicago and things seem to peak in terms of pain and longing for his family.
• What lengths Liz went to in helping Michael see their daughter Olivia.
• Liz creates a motivation wall anyone would admire in Michael’s hospital room. It’s a driving force in Michael’s attitude of positivity.

Transformation occurs, Superpowers are realized:

• Jumping at the Bean support from strangers.
• After coming back two years after his treatment he can’t believe the transformation.
• Michael was able to travel to Spain with the Tyler Hamilton Foundation to speak to cyclists about the HSCT treatment.
• Michael continues to ride for health, competition and prove that MS hasn’t beat him.

Do you know a Superhero Next Door you’d like to nominate?  Submissions can be anonymous and will either be a blog post or possibly a podcast episode.  Click HERE to submit their heroes journey.

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