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Kids Don't Get Cancer: The Remarkably Inspiring Story of Michael Crossland
Michael has an absolute passion and belief in people’s ability to change direction and become who they truly want to be and achieve success. This passion stems from his own story …
Before Michael was even one year old, he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer of the central nervous system – a tumour had taken over half of his tiny body. The chance of Michael surviving was virtually non-existent. He started chemotherapy at 1 year old and by his second birthday, doctors had basically given up all hope. His only hope was taking part in a drug trial program – a program of which Michael was the only participant to survive the treatment. Although he survived, he was left with some permanent scars – only one lung, a damaged heart and a sensitive immune system.
Michael Crossland sets an example for all of us. He's a man who has faced (and still faces) extreme challenges in life, but he never gives up. And despite his own obstacles, he always puts others before himself and gives so much to people in need.
A true inspiration. A true hero.
About the
As one of Australia’s most sought after inspirational speakers Michael has defied the odds of a life threatening cancer to build his life of exceptional achievements. He is a regular inspirational speaker for corporations, schools, professional sporting organisations and universities throughout the world. In the last 12 months Michael has presented in front of over 250,000 people around the globe. His journey has been shared on many TV programs including Fox Sports, ABC, ChannelSeven & Nine networks, Full Potential TV, The Get Inspired Project, Inspire Me Today program and countless radio shows throughout America, Fiji and Australia.
Along with his award winning program about his life on Australian Stories, Michael has also recently featured in a humanitarian documentary about the countless lives saved through his orphanage and school in Haiti that he is involved with.
Diagnosed before his first birthday and spending over ¼ of his life in hospital, doctors told him school and sport were not options. Infection and fatigue were too great a risk, reaching his teenage years would be a miracle. His only wish was to lead a normal life and be able to do all the things that other kids took for granted every day.
But he had a dream and the undying determination to achieve the impossible… No matter the size of the obstacles that lay ahead. Now, an accomplished businessman, National Ambassador for Camp Quality, Australian of the Year finalist, Australia Day Ambassador and international hall of fame inductee, Michael inspires people from all walks of life.
It is no doubt he has a heart for giving and a skill to engage people from all walks of life. Within the last five years he has gone from being one of the youngest State Development Managers for one of the largest companies in the world, to running five banks then leaving his finance career to follow his dreams in making a global impact and he certainly has done that!
Michael’s story “Field of Dreams” was documented on Australian Story, ABC TV television. Through this documentary, his message touched the hearts of a nation, with his story of how he overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve success in both his personal and professional life.
Before Michael was even one year old, he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer of the central nervous system – a tumour had taken over half of his tiny body. The chance of Michael surviving was virtually non-existent. He started chemotherapy at 1 year old and by his second birthday, doctors had basically given up all hope. His only hope was taking part in a drug trial program – a program of which Michael was the only participant to survive the treatment. Although he survived, he was left with some permanent scars – only one lung, a damaged heart and a sensitive immune system.
Michael Crossland sets an example for all of us. He's a man who has faced (and still faces) extreme challenges in life, but he never gives up. And despite his own obstacles, he always puts others before himself and gives so much to people in need.
A true inspiration. A true hero.
About the
As one of Australia’s most sought after inspirational speakers Michael has defied the odds of a life threatening cancer to build his life of exceptional achievements. He is a regular inspirational speaker for corporations, schools, professional sporting organisations and universities throughout the world. In the last 12 months Michael has presented in front of over 250,000 people around the globe. His journey has been shared on many TV programs including Fox Sports, ABC, ChannelSeven & Nine networks, Full Potential TV, The Get Inspired Project, Inspire Me Today program and countless radio shows throughout America, Fiji and Australia.
Along with his award winning program about his life on Australian Stories, Michael has also recently featured in a humanitarian documentary about the countless lives saved through his orphanage and school in Haiti that he is involved with.
Diagnosed before his first birthday and spending over ¼ of his life in hospital, doctors told him school and sport were not options. Infection and fatigue were too great a risk, reaching his teenage years would be a miracle. His only wish was to lead a normal life and be able to do all the things that other kids took for granted every day.
But he had a dream and the undying determination to achieve the impossible… No matter the size of the obstacles that lay ahead. Now, an accomplished businessman, National Ambassador for Camp Quality, Australian of the Year finalist, Australia Day Ambassador and international hall of fame inductee, Michael inspires people from all walks of life.
It is no doubt he has a heart for giving and a skill to engage people from all walks of life. Within the last five years he has gone from being one of the youngest State Development Managers for one of the largest companies in the world, to running five banks then leaving his finance career to follow his dreams in making a global impact and he certainly has done that!
Michael’s story “Field of Dreams” was documented on Australian Story, ABC TV television. Through this documentary, his message touched the hearts of a nation, with his story of how he overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve success in both his personal and professional life.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2015
14 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 6, 2018
This book is a must read. No kidding.
If ever you think you're having a bad day or times are tough.. then just pick this book up and read a few pages... it'll soon put things into perspective.
I saw Michael being interviewed (on a fishing show of all things) and immediately bought the book. I'm so glad I did.
It doesn't hurt to be reminded now and again of what the important things in life actually are...
The odd typo or hiccup in the flow didn't bother me at all... to me it was about the subject matter.
If ever you think you're having a bad day or times are tough.. then just pick this book up and read a few pages... it'll soon put things into perspective.
I saw Michael being interviewed (on a fishing show of all things) and immediately bought the book. I'm so glad I did.
It doesn't hurt to be reminded now and again of what the important things in life actually are...
The odd typo or hiccup in the flow didn't bother me at all... to me it was about the subject matter.
July 16, 2019
I bought this book after hearing Michael speak and I was not disappointed. It is such an inspiring read, helping you to put your life into perspective. This book has encouraged me to take active steps to be more grateful and to live a happier life. Would definitely recommend!
July 14, 2019
I’m not going to try and add anything more to reviews about this book. Nothing I could say hasn’t already been said a hundred times, a thousand times! I will say - if you want to read a book that puts your life into perspective, read Michael’s story. If you want to read a happy story, because in spite of everything this is a happy story, read this book. If you want to try and make yourself a better person….read this book.
December 28, 2017
While this book is not a brilliant piece of literature, I cannot deny that Michael Crossland's story is very inspiring. The writing itself is not very great; it can be difficult to follow the choppy sentences and strangely ordered paragraphs (having heard Crossland present at a conference, I can attest that he is a much better motivational speaker than writer), but Crossland's journey is still an interesting and inspiring story to know. This man has been through a great deal in his life and the service he does now and what he inspires others to do is wonderful.
January 15, 2016
Truly inspiring. After meeting Michael a few years ago and listening to his story it makes you appreciate all that we have.
November 17, 2021
I started reading this book at a friends place and couldn't put it down. I was intrigued at the start as I grew up on a farm not far away from where Michael family lived, and had not heard about him. I was traveling OS when he was born, and some what older, so our lives never crossed paths.
I know a fair bit about his story now, and maybe one day, I will get the chance to meet him.
I know a fair bit about his story now, and maybe one day, I will get the chance to meet him.
January 21, 2019
Not a literary masterpiece but an incredibly compelling story that inspires positivity and hope.
If you ever get the opportunity to hear Michael speak, do it! His story is completely inspiring and he’s a wonderfully engaging speaker.
If you ever get the opportunity to hear Michael speak, do it! His story is completely inspiring and he’s a wonderfully engaging speaker.
October 17, 2020
What an inspiring and tearjearking read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews