On my most recent birthday, May 31st, I was on a mission to make it special.

I decided to do an AWESOME People episode with a real life warrior who has defied all odds.

His name is Tymaz (which fittingly means “warrior” in Persian) and he’s a 23 year old, 3-time cancer survivor and 2-time bone marrow transfer recipient.

At one point he was told he has 6 months to live.

At another point he was told he would never walk again.

Yet here he is now, standing tall and pursuing his love of music and telling his story through lyrics.

Born in Toronto, Canada Tymaz Baghbani is one of the city's most inspirational hip-hop talents. As a youth, he was on track to becoming a professional soccer player - being scouted by Spanish soccer clubs such as Real Madrid. After beating Leukemia three times, it eventually debilitated his ability to walk for five years. That's where his love for battle rapping began.

He eventually won a rap battle for King of the Dot while in a wheelchair - making him the first artist to do so. Tymaz has gone on to create his own songs where he dives into his story of recovery and overcoming adversity. His story touched close to home because my father has been stricken with the same form of cancer since 2018 called Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

For this reason, I wanted to spend my birthday sharing the story of this strong young man while together, we bring awareness to AML.

I dedicate this episode to everyone that is bravely fighting cancer and the loved ones that are by their side showing unconditional love and support every single minute of every single day. It's undoubtedly the hardest thing I've had to go through in my life, so if you’re in the same boat, know that I can genuinely relate to the rollercoaster of emotions you're going through. BUT, as my father always passionately says, "mohkam boro jolo!" (move fiercly forward).

0:00 - 0:42 AWESOME People Intro

0:42 - Iman introduces the episode

3:37 - Introduction of Tymaz

4:54 - Tymaz’s stor

9:40 - How Tymaz beat cancer

12:12 - Tymaz’s love of soccer

14:43 - What music means to Tymaz

15:32 - Tymaz’s relationship with his mom

16:48 - Finding hope through music

20:45 - Tymaz promos

22:00 - The Sick Kids foundation

23:34 - Advice for sick children and their families

27:27 - Tymaz’s current projects

33:47 - Tymaz’s five year plan

36:25 - Tymaz’s closing message

Keep the faith, Iman Follow us on Instagram: @imanhuschmand @tymaz9 @letsuniteandconquer

Welcome to the conversation. Welcome to AWESOME people.