The power of the mind, spirit and the Divine

Chris Jankulovski is a close friend of mine from the Entrepreneur's Organization.

- ANDREW J. MASIGAN

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.