Chris Jankulovski is a close friend of mine from the Entrepreneur’s Organization. The story of this Ozzie is one of extreme tragedy and extreme triumph. So remarkable is his spirit that he changed my perspective in life.
See, my friend has a condition called Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome (VHLS). VHLS is a genetic mutation that causes a lifetime of tumor growth. Those who suffer from VHLS normally don’t live past 30 and are consigned to a life of surgeries and chemotherapy.
Chris has had eight near-death experiences. Yes, eight! Through it all, he gained valuable insights on life. These insights are what I hope to share with you in this piece.
Chris’ first death-scare occurred when he was seven. His appendix burst and it was lethal. He remembers his spirit leaving his body and falling into a dark void. He screamed in terror as he plummeted down a dark abyss. He remembers being caught by a faceless mannequin who cushioned his fall and nursed him back to life.
He considers that mannequin to be an angel. Since then, he has became a believer in the Divine.
When he was 16, tumors formed in his retina. He underwent four years of continuous laser treatments to save his right eye. The bombardment of lasers caused one eye to become smaller than the other. His disfigurement weighed heavy on his confidence. He became debilitatingly insecure.
In a moment of enlightenment, he resolved not to be a victim of his circumstances. He realized that problems are only as grave as you perceive them. So he made a conscious choice not to recognize his disfigurement. This act set him free. His insecurity vanished and his confidence mended.
At 21, Chris got carried away by a strong riptide while surfing. Water filled his lungs as waves swept him out to open sea. He knew death was knocking. Again, he refused to succumb. He begged the Divine to save him. He doesn’t remember how but he made it to shore. After the ordeal, he realized that the Divine will always help if you ask Him.
The following year, while undergoing another eye operation, Chris flat-lined following a morphine overdose. He recalls falling into a white vacuum. He felt peace. But there was an invisible wall separating him from everything else. Once again, he willed himself to live and asked the Divine for help. He survived.
At 32, a five-centimeter tumor grew at the back of his brain. Angry and frustrated, he declared, “I am not going to let this disease (VHLS) disempower my life.”
He fought hard and beat death yet another time. But this incident was transformative. He decided to live life with gratitude and enthusiasm regardless of whether things were going his way or not. His new attitude brought him immense joy despite the trials.
Just as he was recovering, another disaster struck. Both his kidneys were riddled with cancerous tumors. His right kidney needed to be removed.
Chris lost his mobility after that operation. But again, he refused to be a victim. He trained himself to walk … slowly and painfully. Then he trained himself to run. He did so well that he finished a marathon months later.
He then realized that people put limits on themselves. There is more to us than we think. There is the infinite power of the Divine that we can tap.
He also realized that self doubt is the antithesis of growth. To build an abundant life, one must dwell where one’s passions, talents and happiness intersect. He also learned that if you can teach your mind to be disciplined, focused and grateful, success becomes a matter of course.
At 35, Chris had to undergo yet another kidney surgery to remove four tumors. Facing death anew, he bargained with God. “If I could gain another 10 years of life, I will employ thousands.”
Chris survived and went on to build a successful business in Manila called Remote Staff. The business continues to thrive today, employing some 8,000 Filipinos.
When he turned 43, doctors found two tumors in the back of his cerebellum. Both had to be removed. During that operation, Chris fell into the dark void again, which he now recognized as death. There, he had a conversation with a man from whom he begged for his life. He lived.
The operation left Chris unable to move the left side of his body. He had problems with speech, breathing and vision. He underwent eight months of rehabilitation. With each painful step, Chris fought to breathe, talk and walk.
He learned that acceptance of one’s reality is key to healing. Healing begins when your focus shifts to what you can control rather than dwelling on anger, regret and depression. He decided to channel his energies to small improvements, however infinitesimal. He maintained hope and refused to have his identity become synonymous to suffering.
Just as Chris was getting his life together, six new cancers were found on his remaining left kidney. It was uncertain if he would survive this time. He told the Divine, “If you allow me to live another ten years, I will inspire millions.”
It was then that a shift happened to his mind and body. He felt his spirit open up, like a receptacle ready to accept miracles. He was overwhelmed with joy, faith and confidence. He recovered.
He recognized two things. First, there exists a mind and body connection, linked by the spirit. If one can consciously will the mind to spiritually heal the body, it shall be healed. Second, the Divine listens and grants miracles.
Chris Jankulovski is now inspiring millions through his book, “Near Death Lessons” (available on Amazon or www.neardeathlessons.com). Chris is thriving and so is his family.
* * *
Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan