GRAHAM SIMPLIFIED
One family’s journey toward health, simplicity and hope
Welcome. My name is Craig. This site is dedicated to the story of my family’s attempt to make life livable again after illness and struggles to adapt to neurodiversity. This site isn’t about selling a solution. It’s about documenting what’s real, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what we’re still figuring out. If our story helps you ask a new question, feel less alone or maybe a bit entertained, that’s the goal.
Our Search for Home
Follow our 7,500 mile route across the country as we test environments, learn what affects my symptoms, and search for a place that feels livable again
Symptom Tracking
Tracking symptoms, environmental triggers, and recovery patterns as we travel.
Recent Reflections
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Running and MCAS – The First Mile: Returning to Running After a Year with MCAS
I spent a long time thinking about how to write this article. Originally, I imagined writing a detailed breakdown of the workouts, mileage, and progression that finally allowed me to run again after taking nearly a year off because of MCAS. Unfortunately, the problem is…
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Why MCAS Symptoms Change Every Day: The Bucket Theory Explained
If you have MCAS you’ve probably experienced something similar to: Yesterday you went for a run and felt fine. Today you ran the same route and ended up covered in hives. It can feel completely random. While there is no perfect way to explain why…
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Field Notes #4 – Woodbury, Vermont
Woodbury, VT turned out to be a challenge for us, both in terms of my symptoms and for finding things to do with the kids.
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Field Notes #3 – Smugglers Notch, Vermont
We were able to pack a ton of exploring into our time in the Smugglers Notch area. No doubt about it the boys favorite part of this area was the diverse and numerous opportunities to go swimming. My favorite part was getting to explore with them and to finally start feeling better!!
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Field Notes #2 — Niagara, New York at Niagara Woodland Campground
The Niagara area was an awesome pit-stop for us! It proved to have plenty to do for a few days, but it was not the best for MCAS. My symptoms spiked here.
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Field Notes #1 — Cleveland, Ohio at Roundup Lake
We really enjoyed our second trip ever to the Cleveland area. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park area is set up so nicely for biking with the tow path going along the river throughout the park. We had a great time hiking with the kids who loved all the rocks they could scramble over and spending time in the river.
A Little About Me
Hi, I’m Craig — a dad, husband, and lifelong runner learning to slow down. Eight years ago, I began developing strange, unexplained symptoms that upended my life and eventually led to a diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Now my family and I are simplifying everything — selling our home, homeschooling our kids, and traveling the country in a 32-foot camper to find the environment where I can live with less pain and more peace.
I’m not here to sell a cure or offer easy answers. I’m just sharing what we learn along the way — about health, home, and the courage to start over.
If you’d like to know how this all began, you can read our story:
👉 The Story Behind Graham Simplified
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