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Dr. Richard E. Farmer
Richard E. Farmer is a psychologist, former college president, and cancer survivor with over 40 years of experience in academia and stress management. He earned degrees from St. Anselm College, the University of New Haven, and Boston University, and served as President of the Maine College of Health Professions, among other leadership roles at universities nationwide.
His career focused on teaching professionals like police officers and teachers how to handle stress. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and later became a caregiver for his wife during her fight with abdominal cancer. These experiences pushed him to write books that combine his clinical knowledge with personal stories.
He calls himself a “family man first” and uses humor and honesty to help others going through tough times. His work is for anyone who wants real advice, not sugar-coated platitudes
Dr. David W. Persky
David W. Persky is a retired university administrator and professor of Criminal Justice who taught Intro to Law and the Legal System. He taught other courses as well, but this was his favorite and the one that provided Criminal Justice students with a crucial foundation for their major and future careers in Law Enforcement.
He is also a prostate cancer survivor and a relentless advocate for cancer patients. With degrees from Southern Methodist University, Miami University, Florida State University, and Stetson College of Law, he built careers as a lawyer, university administrator, and professor.
After retiring from Saint Leo University, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 prostate cancer in 2020. Following successful treatment, he began mentoring others through ZERO Cancer, teaching part-time, and writing books that cut through medical jargon with practical advice.
Known for his motto, “Any day I am upright and moving forward is a good day,” he walks 3–5 miles (usually more) daily and volunteers to promote early cancer screenings. A natural storyteller, he connects with readers by sharing his own struggles and triumphs, proving that life after cancer can still be full of purpose.
