Finding Hope and Healing Through RC

Adam Mitchell’s Inspiring Journey

In 2022, Adam Mitchell’s life changed forever. Diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, the once-active outdoorsman and off-road racing enthusiast found himself facing a new reality. Just a week before his diagnosis, Adam was permanently medically retired as a paramedic due to PTSD, marking the end of a career dedicated to helping others.

“My life was instantly changed,” Adam recalls. “I used to spend a lot of time outdoors, modifying my Subaru and enjoying the thrill of off-road racing. But the cancer made walking painful and difficult, and I had to give up the activities I loved.”

Amidst the challenges, Adam found a new passion—one that brought him joy, purpose, and a sense of adventure: RC hobbies.

A New Chapter: Discovering RC

Adam had always been fascinated by RC vehicles but never had the time to explore the hobby while working as a full-time paramedic. After his diagnosis, he decided to dive in headfirst. Over the next year, he invested a fair bit of money  into buying, building, and learning about RC cars, trucks, and planes. Today, he has a small workshop set up around his desk and is currently building his first plane, a Savage Bobber—a project that has proven to be both challenging and rewarding.

For Adam, RC has become more than just a hobby; it’s a lifeline. It allows him to get outdoors, feel the adrenaline rush of racing, and immerse himself in something exciting—all without requiring much physical movement. “It’s definitely very cathartic and therapeutic for me,” he shares.

Rekindling Joy and Excitement

Adam’s journey into RC began with a few affordable models from DEERC, but it was his first “hobby-grade” RC that reignited a childlike excitement he hadn’t felt in years. “It made me feel like a kid at Christmas again,” he recalls. Since then, RC has become a way for him to focus on something positive and challenging, helping him temporarily forget the inevitable outcome of his cancer.

He’s also discovered the joy of socializing through RC. “I need an assistant to help me retrieve my RC vehicles when I crash or hand-launch my planes,” Adam explains. His 68-year-old mother has become his biggest supporter, even helping him retrieve rolled-over RC trucks. “Imagine a 68-year-old woman chasing after an RC truck—it’s pretty amazing,” he says with a laugh.

A Source of Healing and Hope

Adam’s passion for RC has also led him to explore new avenues, like building and repairing RC vehicles. He recently ordered a soldering station and other tools to modify and fix his models. “It’s given me something to focus on, something new to learn,” he says.

RC has not only given Adam a new purpose but also helped him reconnect with the joy of life. “It’s kept my mind off my illness and allowed me to focus on something positive,” he shares.

Discovering FMS

A couple of months ago, Adam received an email from FMS advertising the FSC24 Chaser. Intrigued, he decided to make the purchase—and it quickly became a favorite. “I love it. It’s perfect for when I can’t get outside,” he says.

Adam has also discovered FMS airplanes and would love to add one to his collection. However, his budget for RC has become very limited since transitioning to a fixed income. “I’m on a tight budget now, but I’d love to be able to get one of your planes someday,” he shares. FMS has decided to sponsor Adam and help him purchase the RC airplane of his dreams.

Looking Ahead

Adam’s journey is far from over. He dreams of building more planes, exploring new RC models, and continuing to share his story. “I’m not sure how easily I could make a video,” he admits, “but if there’s a way to share my story, I’d love to do it.”

At FMS Hobby, we’re inspired by Adam’s resilience and passion. His story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there’s always a way to find joy, purpose, and connection.

To Adam, we say: Thank you for sharing your story. You’ve shown us that RC is more than just a hobby—it’s a source of healing, hope, and endless possibilities.

If you’d like to support Adam, reach out to him at Instagram @adam_alistair. If you’d like to share your own RC experiences, please reach out to FMS via Instagram @fmsmodel2007. Together, we can spread the joy of RC and inspire others to find their own path to healing. 

To close, here’s Adam’s Instagram bio: Retired Paramedic, Comedian, Dad, gamer. Living with terminal cancer. Life is short, play hard and do what you want to do, not what you “have” to do!