The Biggest Trip
Lunar Eclipse by Mark Moore of Brighton, Michigan, via Jonathan Gold What do you do “in hospice” when you have an upcoming expiration date but still a clear mind? I’ve never done this before and am no expert, but life and death are so fascinating….and mysterious…that...
I’m Done
Photo credit: Sophie LeMay I am done being poked, prodded, cut, and poisoned. Somehow, it seems I am finished with my work here on earth as well. Chicago treatments aren’t working. Why? They were not able to replicate what I was receiving in Istanbul closely enough....
Immunotherapy is the Answer
Photo Credit: Sophie LeMay By Jackie Acho and John LeMay We have long believed that immunotherapy is the answer to cancer. For many people, and certainly for me. I’m not one of the lucky minority with late-stage ovarian cancer for whom chemo catalyzes remission. We’ve...
Empathetic Leaders are Not Nice
People sometimes equate empathy with being nice, but that's wrong. That mixup brings people to the conclusion that strong, effective leadership and empathy don't mix. That's wrong too. My latest article in the International Journal of Ethical Leadership offers a new...
How Do Children Learn Empathy? In Relationship…Love You Dad
Pete and Jackie Acho ~1998 Peter Acho (12/27/38 - 8/7/22) was the best Dad and Baba we can Imagine. I learn a lot from celebrating the lives of others when they transition from this life. Reflecting on my dad's life has been poignant. Below is the eulogy I gave (with...
9 Essential Questions – podcast with University of Chicago Professor Eric Oliver
How would you answer these 9 questions: 1) What am I? 2) What is my purpose? 3) Who am I, really? 4) What are my dreams telling me? 5) How (not what) am I feeling? 6) Who is writing my life’s story? 7) Do I own my shit, or does it own me? 8) How do I find love? 9)...
Dear Aspiring Oncologist
Our Turkish Team, led by Dr. Slocum (back center, in the suit), who is one example of a wonderful oncologist In the two and a half years since I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, John and I have experienced a range of medical, oncological, naturopathic, and healing...
We Shouldn’t Have to Choose Between Living and a Life
Shaker Heights is my home. My people are here. John, Sophie, Grant, Rocky (he’s a person too, really). Our friends. My colleagues. My kitchen. My bed. My life is here. Istanbul was a great adventure…enough of one to see me through 6 months of brutal cancer treatments...
The Rhythm of Home
I am home, most of the time, these days. John and I packed up in Istanbul and flew home on May 20th. On May 22nd I rallied to give a commencement address. On May 23rd, I felt the weight of the moving, the 7-hour time difference, the ongoing cancer battle and...
John Carroll University Commencement Address 2022
This past weekend, I had the blessing of speaking to graduating students from this special place. Here is what I offered... (intro at 35:51, speech at 36:56). The remarks received a standing ovation, which is apparently not usual. Most special is that it was started...
Working Towards Checkmate – The Cancer Long Game
I’m no champion, but I do like chess, ever since Uncle Jack taught me to play as a kid. It’s a strategic game, in which you can think your way out of a fix, picture several moves ahead, and revel in beating a worthy opponent. Lately, it’s been helping me to think of...
The Healing Power of Good Friends is Empathy
Susan and Jackie in Balat neighborhood of Istanbul I’m lucky. Oh, yeah, not so fortunate to have cancer, but… I have friends who are willing to travel around the world – literally – to be with me. This week, Susan Colby, a longtime, dear friend whom I first met...
