Robert S. Brams - Forever Optimistic: Fighting Brain Cancer, Finding Your Best Path, and Leading a Life With Purpose

Copyright 2021 by Robert S. Brams

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Kai Texel

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-6616-7

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-6617-4

Printed in the United States of America

Advance Praise

Straight talk from a straight shooter. Bob and I began as client/ counsel on many Discovery Communications real estate transactions; just as those developed into a complex headquarters project, our relationship has grown into friendship. Bobs book deals with many life challenging topics like health management, child rearing, and even the possibility of miracles. You may not have the same background or experiences, but in his story Bob gives insights that will certainly make you ask what if? and perhaps even influence future choices. Kudos to the Brams family for sharing this battle and continuing the fight!

Pandit Wright, former senior executive of Discovery Communications Inc. and president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington

I have the honor and privilege of reviewing Bob Bramss new book, Forever Optimistic . This story of his survival against all odds is nothing short of extraordinary. Bob walks us through a harrowing tale of his two craniotomies on both the East and West Coasts as well as radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Following his first surgery, Bob battled a stroke, a coma, life support, multiple ICUs, and even hemophilia. Bob was left with difficulties walking, thinking, and speaking; and he had to undergo lengthy 24/7care at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC followed by years of therapy.

In the aftermath of his myriad medical procedures, problems, and therapy, he began to search his soul on how he had led his life and what it takes to lead a successful and fulfilling life. Bob explores many of the precise issues that have come up throughout my many years of practice. Bobs thoughts and conclusions are spot on. Bob has a lovely wife and two children so hes seen a lot. I found the book fascinating, captivating, and full of keen insights about lifes many trials. Brain tumor or not, I believe that all readers from parents, to students, to professionalsvirtually anyone will find Bobs book to be a thoroughly insightful and captivating read.

Jerrold M. Post, MD, professor emeritus, George Washington University, and former president, Political Psychology Associates, Ltd.

While always self-effacing, our author Bob Brams never underestimates himself. His new book paints a picture of man struck down by a brain cancer diagnosis at the peak of his legal career. He fights the battle with unrelenting courage, common sense, humor, and proportionality. With his cancer diagnosis, he fell from a high perch; Bob had risen to the top of the vaunted Washington, DC legal profession. He did so through hard work and his gift for the law. Indeed, one of the reasons that hes risen so high is that he always asserts only well-reasoned arguments. Bob also has an uncanny ability to never let his professional relationship with adversaries interfere with the personal relationship he would develop with them. He has maintained friendships with clients and adversaries to this day. Confronting a deadly brain tumor, Bob has applied his positive attitude, force of character, and diligence to achieve a quality life of a different sort, as he shares in this riveting account of his illness, pas de deux with the medical profession, and application of his life skills to a new normal. This is must read for a broad range of readers from those struggling through a devastating illness or other situations to those individuals struggling to find success in law, business, and life.

Judge Christine O. C. Miller, United States Court of Federal Claims (Ret.)

Im honored to endorse Bob Bramss book: Forever Optimistic . Bobs medical experience was nothing short of devastating, but hes come out of it all with the greatest of insights on choosing your path and leading life. Bobs battle back from tragedy has led him to reflect on valuable thoughts on overcoming failures to benefiting from his many achievements in the legal profession. Bob and I go back a number of years. Bobs son Garrett and I were on competing wrestling teams and we frequently found ourselves in the same gyms. Bobs cancer battle took him right up to the edge of death. Hes definitely been the beneficiary of so many miracles that only the good Lord can provide. While he fights on with continually perplexing MRIs, Bobs come out of it all with wisdom that should be invaluable for all. Bobs book is inspirational, motivational, and chock full of key lessons for leading a successful life. Im confident that Bobs story will be powerful and healing for so many.

Kyle Snyder, US Olympic Wrestling gold medalist and three-time NCAA Division I Wrestling champion

Robert Brams wrestled all his life, as did his son. Robert then became a top law partner in his field over the past thirty years. Most people might look at Robert Bramss situation and wonder how anyone could remain optimistic when faced with the challenges that have confronted him and still haunt him today. Through multiple hospital stays, setback after setback, and a litany of medical complexities, the journey outlined in Forever Optimistic has been nothing short of extraordinary. Bobs story is both inspirational and motivational, particularly when you consider how hes always moved forward with an optimistic eye. Forever Optimistic might even be underselling Roberts outlook on life. His resolve to power on, to demonstrate the best of human spirit, and to fight through it all and still stay positive has been nothing short of incredible.

Mike Moyer, executive director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association

Bob Bramss book, Forever Optimistic , takes us through his devastating experiences that remind us of both our fragility and resilience. The situation, with which he still does battle, leads us down a trail filled with inspiration and valuable insights. It is a beautiful story of individual perseverance weaved with the indispensable role of family, prayer, and love.

DeMaurice Smith, executive director, National Football League Players Association

What an incredible achievement and a beautiful memoir of Bobs extraordinary journey and how he has always seen the good and inspired everyone around him. I am truly moved and deeply touched. Congratulations. It makes for fascinating reading, and I am sure will be a great help for many patients.