Dr. Jerome Freedman is a remarkable individual whose life journey spans a diverse tapestry of roles and contributions, each reflecting his unwavering dedication to well-being, mindfulness, and the betterment of our world.
As an accomplished author, Dr. Freedman shares his wisdom and insights through a series of transformative publications, including Cosmology and Buddhist Thought: A Conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Mindfulness Breaks, Stop Cancer in its Tracks, and Healing with the Seven Principles of Mindfulness. These works serve as practical guides for those seeking mindfulness as a path to healing and personal growth.
Jerome's impactful career extends beyond writing. He is a compassionate healthcare mentor, offering invaluable guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of health and healing. His certification as a mindfulness meditation teacher and trauma-sensitive practitioner underscores his commitment to promoting mental and emotional well-being.
A resilient bladder cancer survivor since 1997, Jerome's personal journey has fueled his passion for supporting others facing health challenges. His experiences have imparted profound insights into the resilience of the human spirit.
Rooted in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Jerome is an ordained member of the Order of Interbeing, exemplifying his dedication to mindfulness and compassionate living. His active involvement in various committees within this tradition underscores his commitment to fostering its teachings.
Currently, Jerome imparts his wisdom as a teacher of Mindfulness in Healing at the Pine Street Clinic in San Anselmo, California, where he has transitioned to virtual instruction through Zoom. He also shares daily reflections and guidance on his blog, Meditation Practices, offering a source of inspiration and mindfulness tools to a global audience.
Jerome's compassion extends to his role as a contributing author of I Am With You: Love Letters to Cancer Patients, a heartfelt collection offering support and solace to those navigating the challenges of illness, co-authored with Nancy Novak, PhD, and Barbara K. Richardson.
Beyond his contributions to healthcare and mindfulness, Jerome has made a lasting impact in advocacy. His service on the Board of Directors of the Marin AIDS Project and the Advisory Council of the Institute for Health and Healing between 2007 and 2010 highlights his commitment to community well-being.
In recent years, Jerome has been a tireless advocate for medical research, serving as a patient advocate for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and presenting at the 2022 Bladder Cancer Summit. His advocacy has even taken him to the halls of Congress, where he passionately advocates for research funding for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.
Jerome is a dedicated environmental activist and a long-time contributor to the Earth Holder Sangha, the Plum Village climate response community. Through his advocacy for earth protection, he seeks to inspire positive change and stewardship of our planet.
With a Ph.D. in computer science, two master's degrees in physics, and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Jerome bridges the worlds of science and spirituality. His thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson on cosmology and Buddhist thought in 2011 exemplifies his ability to explore the intersection of these disciplines.