Awake with JMak: Recent Episodes
Jason Makaroff
No one gets to choose how long they live; but we all get a choice in how we live. This is a story about hope that will make you look at each day differently. Jason Makaroff, JMak, is 47 years old with a wife and two beautiful kids. In May of 2021, he was told he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. To most, this would feel like a death sentence. Jason says it's bringing him to life. He refuses to operate on timelines or statistics. JMak is focused on making the most of the time he's given. Follow along as he fights cancer, faces his fears, and taps into a faith he didn't know was in him.
JMak's wife Laura had an incredible trip to Lima over Easter weekend. In part 2 of this podcast, Laura talks about the significance of Lima in JMak's life, and we share a special announcement with you.
Easter represents new life, and that's what JMak's wife Laura is experiencing. In this episode, Laura goes back to Lima to visit with the people who meant so much to JMak and to let them know that JMak's legacy is alive and will continue to move forward.
Laura updates us on how she and the kids are doing, gives some exciting details about an event she is planning to honor JMak, and thanks those who have taken the time to reach out to her over the past month.
Earlier this week, JMak launched into eternity surrounded by friends and family. He taught us so much over the past eight months, and even though he was the one diagnosed with a terminal illness, he demonstrated to all of us what it really means to live. In this episode, we'll hear from three members of JMak's "launch" team - his wife, his coach, and his best friend.
Up to this point, we have heard from many people who love JMak. But now, it's time to hear from two of the most important - his boys. In this episode, 11-year old Timothy and 9-year old Jonathan tell us what they love about their dad, the things they have learned from him, and share some of the beautiful memories they have made over the years.
In a heartfelt episode, JMak's wife Laura talks about their decision to discontinue chemotherapy, and she updates us on how the kids are handling JMak's diagnosis.
JMak makes a decision that will change the course of his cancer journey. In this episode, he sits down with his coach to talk about that decision and the faith and courage required to make it.
It has been a difficult couple of months for JMak as he continues his journey living with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It's why we haven't released a podcast in a while. First, he had a life-threatening blood infection. Then, some nasty side effects from the chemotherapy. In an honest and real way, JMak talks about these setbacks and tells us why it is so important to get back behind the microphone to share his story.
JMak's parents came to visit for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer. It was a beautiful week and for the first time, JMak was able to open his heart and share with his mom and dad how much they mean to him.
JMak's looking to take advantage of every opportunity he has right now. He realizes there is no time to waste. When he doesn't give his very best and live life to the fullest, JMak is thankful he has a friend and a coach to point it out.
JMak's cancer journey is not an easy one to walk. Fortunately for him, he's had someone who's been with him each step of the way. In episode 5 we introduce you to JMak's life coach. He's known JMak for 19 years and has supported him with his job, his family, and now his cancer diagnosis.
JMak has always been inspired by watching others achieve their dreams. In episode 4, we take you to Lima, Peru to tell you the story of Brothers Bakery International. JMak helped establish the business to help others, but he did not realize how much inspiration the bakery and the people who run it would give him in his battle against cancer.
It was a really hard week for JMak. Multiple hospital visits, another blood infection, and a flooded basement. JMak's best friend was with him through all of it. What happened between them this week brought their 20-year friendship to a place they always wanted but didn't know how to get to.
A diagnosis like stage IV pancreatic cancer is not only challenging for the person receiving the diagnosis but also impacts the ones who love them. In episode two, we introduce you to Jason's wife Laura who talks about knowing too much, the impact on the kids, the opportunity and inspiration to serve and help others, and her job. Wait until you hear where Laura works.
I'm a dad, a husband and an avid believer in living a life of purpose.
I was in Peru volunteering this year when I started to have some pain that I thought might be gallstones. It turns out I had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It may surprise you, but I feel like I have been given the biggest gift. The gift to learn to live a life that matters.
I made a commitment to God and to everyone in my life to fight every day. To LIVE every day. To share my journey with you.