Strength in Gratitude
with James Malinchak
We’re joined by speaker, entrepreneur, and author James Malinchak, who shares his personal journey of grief, resilience, and gratitude following his sister Vicki’s cancer diagnosis. James recounts his upbringing in a small steel mill town, his path as a basketball player, and his transition into a successful business career. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he received a devastating call—his sister Vicki had a brain tumor and only a few months to live. James opens up about the shock, grief, and anger he experienced, as well as the profound lessons he learned. He describes the pivotal moment when he found solace through a message that reminded him that “tough times never last, but tough people do.” This shift in perspective helped him move from pain to purpose, focusing on gratitude for the time he had with Vicki rather than the loss. Throughout the conversation, James offers heartfelt insights on cherishing every moment, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and finding strength in adversity. His story is a testament to resilience, the power of perspective, and the impact of choosing gratitude even in the most difficult times. James and Darcie co-authored Hope in the Face of Cancer: A Collection of Powerful and Uplifting Stories from Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals.
