[Guest blog by Daniel Gereg]
A Zen Master once said very simply, “When you’re hungry, eat. When you’re tired, sleep.” This quote continues to emerge in my mind, with the endless philosophical stories that I read in the early hours of the morning. An age-old lesson that I have yet to fully learn. I manage to get rest. Sometimes I even have a dream. But I’ve repeated this scattered sleep schedule nearly every day for more than two years now. I just never got used to having cancer.
My life changed significantly with one CT scan. I went from an overweight drinker and drug user whose motto was “Live fast, die young” who somehow made it into his forties without dying, to a published writer and professional cancer advocate. As an experienced consultant for big pharma, I continue to take part in discussions on important medical topics. Sitting across from intelligent professionals speaking for my community. I’m eager to change the world.
I’ve promoted life saving cancer procedures and performed speeches at company rollouts. I became a motivational speaker who uses optimism as a tool for positive thinking. It turned out that I had these skills in the queue, but I was waiting on something. The fear of death and the shock of confronting it brought me around.
“Cancer is a great motivator” became my new slogan, and I spread my message of mental and physical health while navigating the labyrinth of cancer. Bridging the information gap between effective information and cancer patients of all types. Occasionally I look up from my work to take a breath. I look around and wonder how my life changed so abruptly even though I was present and responsible for that change. I can still feel the vibration of energy from my diagnosis. After all this time.
Everything changed. I was taken down to bare bones in the matter of a few weeks. The depression caused me to eat very little and spend most of my days in bed. I had a myriad of health problems I was dealing with. I was plagued by digestive problems and chronic pain. For two years I thought I was losing ground. I felt as if there was no hope. Nothing worthwhile is easy, as they say.
I recall being in the gym, December 24th, 2024. By myself, everyone was at home celebrating the holidays. I was on the treadmill building strength. Going on three years now. Five to seven days a week. I’ve run a few short marathons. I’ve been seriously body building this entire time and have changed my entire physique. It hasn’t all been fun, at fifty years old I’ve sustained a few injuries. A lifetime of manual labor and being a yes man left me a bit broken once I peeled the layers. The years of abuse to my body will never fully heal. I still don’t sleep well. The early morning hours became a time for self-reflection and loneliness. Bargaining with angels and devils in those early months of a cancer diagnosis. Still I work hard. I push myself physically and mentally every day. I’m grateful for life now, and I spend my time finding ways to honor it.
Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer became my new normal. It cathartically changed my life for the better.
After being diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in 2023, Daniel Gereg turned his diagnosis into motivation for transformation. Following surgery and BCG immunotherapy, he lost over 130 pounds, became an avid runner, and dedicated himself to supporting others through the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. A former mechanic turned advocate, Daniel shares his journey of resilience and renewal, inspiring others to take charge of their health and find purpose—whether facing illness or in everyday life. You can connect with Daniel here.
Daniel is part of the Official NCSD Speakers Bureau Roster.
