Today marks my 58th birthday, a profoundly significant milestone for my family and the countless lives we've touched together. Half my life ago, at 29, the future seemed uncertain—most doubted I'd see another year, let alone another decade or three. My life has had so many threats, with over a half dozen times being in either Critical or Grave condition, with little hope by those that were around me - if there was anyone there at all. But keep reading, as all triumphs start with harsh realities.
Yet, here I am, not just surviving but thriving, driven by a purpose that transcends my existence. This purpose, deeply intertwined with my work and personal journey, is encapsulated in the story of Genevieve and the dream that fuels my relentless dedication—even on my birthday.
On the most harsh realities I face today is that so many that doubted whether or not I'd be alive right now, are no longer with us. My mission is to ensure that all people who want to learn can find ways to extend their lives, live happily, and smile again.
"Everyone deserves to feel happy, loved, and comforted as these are some of the basic needs of human survival - but we need to add another word called compassion as that's truly the foundation of love. It's why I've created and ran numerous Cannabis Compassion programs giving out tens of thousands of products to people in need."
In my personal and private mission that's become public, I work non stop to ensure that many of the unknows become known.
In 2016, after years of traveling on Amtrak delivering oils around the nation in such a Roque manner, I met an extraordinary human, one that I still believe is a living angel as I was barely breathing, three late-stage cancers. With one swift blow of an Angel's breeze, I started healing.
With her 21st birthday on the horizon, my greatest wish is to be there for her and for all my girls, fully present and unfettered by the constraints that have bound us in the past. It's for Genevieve, Sydney - who will be stepping into her 14th summer - and our oldest daughter, now 25, who has provided me with such beautiful grandchildren.
I'm so blessed; there's no doubt about that, and that's the reason I do what I do - it's part of why I'm working today because there's people out there that need help and celebrating the day I was born to me is secondary. Compassion and love should always come first in my book, but I guess I'm slightly different.
I came from a time when the term 'pay it forward' was created - a term that explained why
people gave back to equal out the graces we've received in life - and for me? Life was pumped back into me so many times, literally given back to me.
"One Percent of all sales from Endo Care Supply go directly to Genevieve's Fund, and as her Daddy, you can bet your paycheck that far more than that will go there as I want to see her Trust Fund for life built up - much more than a Carousel Ride, I want to see her have property to roam around on safely, with her ride so it's going to take a lot."
The fact I'm even alive to type this is pretty remarkable with the numerous memories of different hospital ICUs I have, trauma wards, and the number of speech pathologists that once worked with me after intubation came out to talk again slowly - the astounding number is over three dozen time.
So, I'm here to pay it forward for my girls as they've all been through a rough life; nothing has been simple or easy for them.
At one time, I was a very successful businessperson who also raced cars, and that came to a screeching end. This time, my family needs me to stay on track, but not a racetrack, so I can make dreams come true.
My commitment to them is unwavering, a promise to ensure their future is bright, secure, and filled with the love and support they so richly deserve.
It's a stark reminder of the thousands who have received help since Genevieve became part of our family - when I should have focused more on the home front. Yet, our journey necessitates sacrifice, understanding, and an unyielding focus on the horizon.
The 10's of thousands that our compassion programs gave to me before meeting Genevieve bring back memories today that flood me with the grateful people of the past who received compassion - and how I spent one year in 2017 on my birthday sitting with Dennis Peron, writing the 'Peron Resolution' to end the prohibition on gifting in California, waiting to get home to my family.
I've grown to accept that people don't remember who Peron was and likely don't know who I am - and some never will, even those who gained something from a compassion program I've created or ran through the years. And that's okay, as it's all about the patient, love, care, and understanding of need.
My path is not about ego or personal accolades; it's about laying a foundation for a future where my family, especially my daughters, can thrive without the daunting obstacles currently standing in their way.
Genevieve's journey, marked by severe autism and epilepsy, epitomizes the struggles many face in securing basic needs - struggles that should not be part of anyone's reality. My work today, and every day, is dedicated to changing this - not just for my family but for everyone who faces similar battles.
As a creator of Endo Care Supply, its products, and the Researcher OG product line, my mission extends beyond personal gain; it's about creating a legacy that ensures the well-being of my daughters and the broader community we serve. We must strive for excellence and do our best to maintain our commitments to other humans and ourselves. I am committed to seeing my girls have a better life - and to the future of all people; that's why I care so much about compassion.
Reflecting on my journey, from battling stage 4 cancers to providing compassion in the face of overwhelming odds, it's a nonstop reminder of the power of resilience, love, and the healing properties of plant medicine. Reviewing supplements with my Oncologist, it's more than intense to see that over 50 different plants were deployed in the past year for various reasons and an aim at the beast that threatens my future - over and over for the past two decades.
I am happy because of plants, their constituents, and their love for Mother Earth. Their beauty makes me smile; the smell of crisp, clean air from our Ocean winds blowing across fields of flowers makes life more complete - but not if people aren't enjoying them and realizing how fortunate they are. Mother Earth allows me to live, so I send a message daily about her colorful plants and what they do for us.
These elements have not only sustained me through the darkest times but have also illuminated the path forward. In 2023, despite facing three different kinds of cancer, I worked nearly every day, propelled by the belief in the transformative power of our work and the urgent need to secure a future for my girls in a world that seems increasingly uncertain.
As I mark another year of life, my message is hope, perseverance, and an unbreakable family bond. To work hard, to support those who have stood by you, and to never give up, regardless of the obstacles life throws your way. My journey is a testament to the strength of facing adversity head-on, armed with love, determination, and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.
As we look to the future, let's remind ourselves of the power of compassion, the importance of family, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream big.
-Mike Robinson, Global Cannabis Educator and Creator of ECS Balance Control, The Researcher OG
Read "Why I worked on Fathers Day 2023" - I'll keep working until her Dream comes true - the Carousel closed right after this photo was taken seven years ago. She's been dreaming nonstop about the ride, pointing to her iPad and even learning to use words to talk about her love for the Carousel.
