Michael Holtz of Knoxville, Tenn., is a colorectal cancer survivor, advocate, author, public relations professional, weightlifter, and more.
On today’s episode, I chat with Michael about his journey from being a cancer patient, to becoming an advocate. He encourages patients, survivors, and caregivers to volunteer for advocacy organizations, at any level you feel comfortable doing so, because as Michael says, “Every voice counts.”
Michael was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3b rectal cancer in March 2012, and following 11 months of treatment was declared cancer-free in May 2013.
As the Tennessee state lead ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Michael volunteers his time to push for new legislation and policy changes that will make life better for people facing cancer and their families.
Last year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network presented Michael with their Volunteer Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy. It's like the lifetime achievement award for cancer advocacy and the highest honor bestowed on an ACS CAN volunteer.
Michael is the author of “It’s Not Harder than Cancer: The Mindsets You Need to Survive and Thrive After Serious Illness.” He lives in Knoxville with his wife, Sarah, and their rescue dog, a Golden Bassett named Marley.
You can connect with him and check out his work at https://www.michaelholtzonline.com/
If you want to learn about the work of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and are interested in possibly becoming a volunteer, visit https://www.fightcancer.org/
SPONSOR SHOUT-OUT
Today’s episode is brought to you exclusively by the good folks at Blue Note Therapeutics.
Blue Note creates digital therapeutics to help cancer patients cope with the emotional distress associated with our disease.
Check out their premier product, COVID Cancer Care, at covidcancercare.com, and we’ll keep you posted on more programs that they’re going to be releasing soon.
You can also visit their website, bluenotetherapeutics.com, and follow them on LinkedIn.
Now fundraising on Patreon
There’s now a way for you to support the Man Up to Cancer Podcast, and to get some awesome perks while doing so. We are now accepting donations on Patreon.
Just go to www.patreon.com/manuptocancer, and you can see how it works. You can sign up for $5, $10, or $20 per month tiers, or you can make a one-time donation.
There are rewards for patrons, including shout-outs, discounts in the Man Up to Cancer store, exclusive merch, and a monthly hang-out with me and other patrons.
