Living Life in Fast Forward

Chapter One – Fast Forward for Real

After a rare pediatric sarcoma diagnosis at 26, James J. Hammond fought through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—emerging cancer-free, only to face a devastating recurrence two years later.

With the disease now incurable, he confronts life in “fast forward,” balancing hope and acceptance while cherishing each moment.

 His journey through treatment, setba...

Chapter Two – Resetting Your Priorities

Facing a terminal diagnosis sharpened James J. Hammond’s belief that life is too precious for anything that does not bring purpose or joy. 

He urges readers to prioritize deeply—choosing people, goals, and activities that matter most, balancing short- and long-term aspirations, and investing fully in relationships. 

By cutting out unproductive distractio...

Chapter Three – Appreciating Life
James J. Hammond highlights gratitude as a daily practice that grounds us, strengthens relationships, and shifts perspective—even in hardship.

He shares how expressing appreciation, embracing both joy and suffering, and rejecting complaint and self-pity ...

Chapter Four – Choosing Your Attitude
James J. Hammond reflects on the one thing he could control through cancer: his mindset. By “winning one day at a time,” he shows how positivity, resilience, and confronting reality can shape outcomes, ease suffering, and inspire others.

He explores using attitude to face pain, avoid dwelling on uncertain futures, and ...

Chapter Five – Developing Empathy
Through his cancer journey, James J. Hammond deepened his belief in empathy as one of life’s most powerful virtues—built on listening, compassion, and sharing in others’ experiences.

He explores how being present, forgiving, and resisting judgment can strengthen relationships, while recognizing the difference between unfai...

Chapter Six – Caring for Yourself
James J. Hammond emphasizes that caring for your mind and body is not selfish—it is essential to better support others. He shares lessons on breaking the “invincible” mindset, creating unbreakable personal rules, prioritizing exercise, nutrition, sleep, and meditation, and eliminating excuses. By building deliberate self-c...

Chapter Seven – Finding Your Purpose
James J. Hammond reflects on how chasing others’ dreams left him unfulfilled until cancer forced him to define his own.

He explores the difference between professional and personal purpose, the intersection of joy, excellence, and impact, and the need for trial, error, and honest introspection. 

With clarity on what tru...

Chapter Eight – Accepting Support
James J. Hammond shares how opening himself to both professional and personal support transformed his ability to cope with cancer.

He highlights the value of trusted mental health professionals, the strength built through long-term relationships, and the importance of choosing role models who inspire growth.

His message: i...

Chapter Nine – Conclusion
In closing, James J. Hammond distills his “fast forward” life lessons: stay relentlessly present, never give up, and keep living with youth, energy, and curiosity.

He reflects on shifting focus from self to others, finding purpose in connection and impact, and embracing the privilege of saying goodbye with intention.

His journey is ...

Epilogue – Amanda Hammond Gray
Amanda Hammond Gray shares a deeply personal farewell to her husband, James, who passed away at 28 from a rare pediatric sarcoma. She recalls his courage, wisdom, and love, preserving him in memory as forever young.

Pregnant with their son at the time, Amanda reflects on the bittersweet joy of their child knowing his father t...