Finding Harmony With Cancer
A Story of Hope, Humor, and Defiance
by Mike Martinson
Mike's Story
When a high school band director and tuba player from Alaska is told he has one to three years to live, he refuses to become “the guy with cancer.” Finding Harmony With Cancer is a memoir that chronicles grueling treatments, his passion for music, and an unwavering joy as he fights for both his life and his identity.
Mike's Memoir of Hope, Humor and Defiance
Mike With Multiple Myeloma (Bone Marrow Cancer)
Over One Hundred Chemotherapy Infusions
Over One Hundred Chemotherapy Infusions
Mike’s written journey began as a raw, real-time cancer blog during 37 weeks of intensive treatment in Seattle. Initially created to keep his high school band students informed and ease their fears, these entries captured the daily realities of his fight. What started as a bridge to his classroom has now evolved into a powerful full-length memoir.
Over One Hundred Chemotherapy Infusions
Over One Hundred Chemotherapy Infusions
Over One Hundred Chemotherapy Infusions
This memoir is much more than a medical log; it is a collection of personal anecdotes and hard-won life lessons. It's an invitation to experience an attitude of defiance that cherishes every small win in the fight for a meaningful existence. Ultimately, it reveals the power of the human spirit to find its rhythm even in the face of devastating odds.
Finding Humor
Over One Hundred Chemotherapy Infusions
Finding Humor
Throughout months of brutal cancer treatments, humor remained Mike's constant companion. He shares how lightening the mood during his toughest challenges transformed his cancer battle into a testament of endurance. This is a memoir about the defiant power of joy and the choice to smile when the odds seem overwhelming.
About Mike Martinson
Musician
Music Educator
Music Educator
A dedicated musician, Mike has been principal tubist in the Anchorage Symphony for over 30 years. His versatile career includes solo performances, operas, musicals, and concerts throughout Alaska.
Music Educator
Music Educator
Music Educator
As a long-time music educator, Mike has dedicated his career to teaching high school students the power and beauty of music. His desire to reassure them that he was doing well during cancer treatment became the primary inspiration for his memoir, "Finding Harmony With Cancer."
Tour Director
Music Educator
Tour Director
When he isn’t on the conductor’s podium or the symphony stage, Mike serves as a storytelling tour guide. He leads visitors through the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier, sharing the unique history and untamed spirit of Alaska and developing storytelling skills that carry into the voice of his memoir.
More About Mike
Commercial Fishing
Alaskan Outdoorsman
Commercial Fishing
Mike ran a family commercial fishing business from the docks of Homer, Alaska, with his three children as his crew. Their lives were spent among the diverse marine wildlife and were characterized by hard work and the stunning beauty of Alaskan waters. This experience helped him build the endurance that later supported him during his cancer treatment.
Gold Mining
Alaskan Outdoorsman
Commercial Fishing
Mike’s early years in Alaska were spent mining for gold. The experience cemented the work ethic that would later help define his resilient fight against cancer.
Alaskan Outdoorsman
Alaskan Outdoorsman
Alaskan Outdoorsman
Mike is a true Alaskan outdoorsman who finds harmony in the solitude of the wilderness. His love for the state’s rugged beauty and wildlife gives him a rare perspective on life and fuels his powerful will to keep on living.