About The Author

Mike Bortel

You won’t believe this: Mike is a Metastatic Melanoma miracle—living life to the fullest on his motorcycle and in his motorhome between Minnesota and winter getaways in Mesa, Arizona!

Born in Bowling Green, Ohio, Mike was the middle of three sons. Despite a difficult home life and caring for his mentally ill mother, he remained upbeat and found joy in school, which became his escape. Though he once aimed to graduate without taking a book home, he finished with honors and later earned a spot on the Dean’s list in college, even serving as class president.

Mike went on to seminary, surprising even himself by landing in advanced Greek and completing his Master of Divinity in just three years. For 25 years, he passionately served several Protestant churches and authored a parenting guide that sold nationally for nearly two decades.

Recognizing deeper needs in his community, Mike pursued a second career in Counseling Psychology, eventually working 25 more years as a licensed psychologist.

In retirement, facing numerous orthopedic surgeries and a battle with cancer, Mike found a lack of practical resources for people in similar situations. So, he began writing his own—a guide born from real pain, real healing, and a desire to help others navigate their own medical journeys with strength, humor, and hope.