Kris Sokolowski, known for his adventurous spirit and love for travel, is facing an unexpected challenge that has transformed his life. A dedicated traveler, athlete, and outdoor enthusiast, he’s now prioritizing what he loves most—seeing the world. Diagnosed with terminal stage-four cancer, Sokolowski isn’t letting his prognosis dictate his life. Instead, he’s using his remaining time to create cherished memories with his family, exploring new places and cultures.
After a lifetime of yearly checkups, Sokolowski was caught off-guard when, in his late 40s, he began feeling an unusual sensation in his stomach. Despite a clean bill of health just months earlier, a series of scans confirmed the worst—he had stage-four colon cancer that had spread to multiple organs. His doctors told him there was no cure and estimated he had only a few years to live.
A Family Tradition of Exploring
Sokolowski’s love for travel stems from summers spent visiting his family’s homeland of Poland, and as a young adult, he traveled whenever possible. When he met his wife, Elizabeth, they bonded over their mutual love of exploring, committing early on to take a big family trip every year. They wanted to show their son, Braden, the world outside their Atlanta home and have taken him to nearly 20 countries.
Living for the Moment
When he received his cancer diagnosis, Sokolowski was determined not to let it hinder his adventurous life. He’s endured intensive chemotherapy treatments and continues to stay active, often defying doctors’ expectations about side effects. He and his family have made it a point to seize the moment, knowing that each trip could be the last opportunity for such experiences together.
Making Every Trip Count
While treatment has occasionally altered plans, the Sokolowskis’ travel commitment remains strong. Recently, the family embarked on a three-week journey through French Polynesia, immersing themselves in the vibrant blue waters of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. Despite facing physical challenges, including a painful foot condition from chemo, Sokolowski found solace and relief swimming in the crystal-clear ocean.
Embracing Positivity and Joy
For Sokolowski, travel offers a form of healing that goes beyond medicine. His time with family, immersed in new environments, brings him happiness and helps him stay positive. He believes that these joyful moments, whether swimming with sharks in Tahiti or simply exploring new places, provide a natural “palliative care” that nothing else could replace.
Facing Cancer as a Family
Honesty is a priority for Sokolowski and his wife. They’ve been upfront with their son about his father’s illness, balancing this truth with a focus on enjoying life’s adventures together. Each trip reinforces their family bond, instilling in Braden the importance of embracing opportunities with courage and excitement.
Inspiring Others to Live Fully
After his diagnosis, Sokolowski began sharing his story and advocating for preventive health checks, especially encouraging others in their 40s to get colonoscopies. He regrets that his own condition wasn’t caught earlier, but rather than dwell on the “what ifs,” he’s using his experience to inspire others to prioritize both their health and their dreams.
No Looking Back, Only Forward
For Sokolowski, looking back serves little purpose. His focus is forward, on creating meaningful memories and living without regrets. His advice to others is simple but profound: stop making excuses and explore the world. Whether it’s a big trip or a local adventure, he urges people to embrace life’s experiences and treasure the memories they create with loved ones.
Cherishing Life, One Journey at a Time
As the Sokolowskis look ahead, travel remains their shared passion and priority. They hope to continue exploring new destinations, with Spain’s famous running of the bulls next on their list. Facing an uncertain future, Sokolowski has made it clear—travel is his way of celebrating life, creating lasting memories, and leaving a legacy of adventure for his son. For him and his family, the joy of exploration is the best way to live fully, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
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