Mitch

Albom has a busy career which consumes most of his time. As time passes, however, and as Schwartz shares with Albom his secrets to living happily, Albom recognizes the pitfalls and stereotypes he's fallen into. He gradually undergoes a transformation. He begins focusing more on Schwartz and less on his own life and busy career. He becomes more accepting of the signs of the disease's progression. Not only does Albom stop leaving the room during treatments, he begins performing them himself. New medical equipment no longer makes him uncomfortable.