200,000 Snakes: On the Hunt in Manitoba: or, How I Found a New Beginning at the Bottom of a Giant Pit of Snakes

Pat Spain was living his dream life until he was diagnosed with stage-3 colon cancer. On the Hunt in Manitoba is the story of how he became a wildlife TV host, lost his dream job, almost lost his life, and came back from the depths of cancer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Pat Spain was living the life he had always dreamed of. He had just finished filming his first National Geographic TV series, Beast Hunter, put in an offer on his first house with his girlfriend, was in the best physical shape he'd ever been in, had paid off the massive debt he'd incurred filming a web-based wildlife series, and was getting to hang out with his TV and punk-rock idols like Harry Marshall, Henry Rollins, and Brady Barr when he started getting stomach pains. A diagnosis of stage-3 colon cancer brought Pat's world crashing down around him in an instant. He went from planning a press tour and an appearance on The Tonight Show to learning how to change an ostomy bag, re-learning how to walk, and finding out if he liked pot brownies. On the Hunt in Manitoba is the darkly comedic story of how Pat became a wildlife TV host, lost his dream job, almost lost his life, and came back from the depths the only way he knew how - covered in 200,000 snakes.

Pat Spain's Life Dream

Pat Spain was living the life he had always dreamed of. He had just finished filming his first National Geographic TV series, Beast Hunter, put in an offer on his first house with his girlfriend, was in the best physical shape he'd ever been in, had paid off the massive debt he'd incurred filming a web-based wildlife series, and was getting to hang out with his TV and punk-rock idols like Harry Marshall, Henry Rollins, and Brady Barr when he started getting stomach pains. A diagnosis of stage-3 colon cancer brought Pat's world crashing down around him in an instant. He went from planning a press tour and an appearance on The Tonight Show to learning how to change an ostomy bag, re-learning how to walk, and finding out if he liked pot brownies. On the Hunt in Manitoba is the darkly comedic story of how Pat became a wildlife TV host, lost his dream job, almost lost his life, and came back from the depths the only way he knew how - covered in 200,000 snakes.

The Diagnosis and its Impact

Pat's world was turned upside down when he received the diagnosis of stage-3 colon cancer. He had always been a healthy person, and the news came as a shock to him and his loved ones. From the moment he heard the words, he went from planning a press tour and an appearance on The Tonight Show to learning how to change an ostomy bag, re-learning how to walk, and finding out if he liked pot brownies. His life had been turned completely upside down, and he felt like he had lost everything.

Adapting to a New Life

Despite the challenges he faced, Pat was determined to adapt to his new life. He went through months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and he spent a lot of time learning how to manage his illness. He also started writing a book about his experience, which he hoped would inspire others to never give up on their dreams.

Returning to the Wild

One of the things that helped Pat cope with his illness was his love for the outdoors. He had always been passionate about wildlife, and he decided to use his experience to become a wildlife TV host. He started filming a new series called On the Hunt in Manitoba, which followed him as he traveled to different parts of the province and encountered all sorts of wildlife.

The Challenges of Filming in the Wild

Filming in the wild was not without its challenges. Pat had to navigate through rough terrain, deal with unpredictable weather conditions, and sometimes even face dangerous animals. He had to be constantly aware of his surroundings and be prepared for anything.

The Importance of Education

Pat also realized the importance of education in raising awareness about colon cancer. He spoke at conferences and events, and he worked with organizations to promote screening and early detection. He wanted to make sure that others could avoid the same fate that he had faced.

Conclusion

Pat Spain's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. He had faced incredible challenges, but he had never given up on his dreams. On the Hunt in Manitoba is a darkly comedic story of how he became a wildlife TV host, lost his dream job, almost lost his life, and came back from the depths the only way he knew how - covered in 200,000 snakes. His story is a reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, we can always find a way to adapt and overcome.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789046489