Amikam “Mickey” Grosman (born April 4th, 1948) is an Israeli-American adventurer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is best known for his role in the Discovery Channel docuseries EXPEDITION FROM HELL: THE LOST TAPES[1] which documents his 5,000 mile journey across South America.

Notable for his service in the Israel Defense Forces, Police and Security Services, his expeditions into remote regions, and his efforts in raising awareness and funds for cancer research.

Early Life and Military Service

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Grosman was born on April 4th, 1948, in Israel. He served in the IDF, notably as a member of the Paratroopers Unit 202 - 35th Paratroopers Brigade (Israel) under command of Lieutenant General Rafael Eitanand the Special Forces Unit 432 under command of Lieutenant Colonel Uri Goren. Grosman participated in several conflicts, including the Six-Day War, The Samua Incident, and the Yom Kippur War. He sustained serious injuries to his back from a roadside bomb during the Yom Kippur War, resulting in paralysis of his legs. Despite this, Grosman underwent surgeries and rehabilitation, ultimately returning to a normal life.

Entrepreneurship

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During Grosman’s military and police service, Grosman also owned and operated many businesses in Israel including owning a farm and opening restaurants in Israel. In 1989 Grosman moved to the Unites States and began developing new businesses ventures in America.  He established Mickey's Bread wholesale bakery, Eco-Planet Adventures, a Survival skills School and later ventured into demolition and concrete crushing operations in Orlando, Florida.

Expeditions and Philanthropy

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Grosman pursued a career in adventure and eco-tourism and became known for his specialized expertise in the field. He founded Eco-Planet Adventure, leading expeditions into the Amazon rainforest.

After a melanoma cancer diagnosis in 2010, Grosman became impassioned to help other people, especially children fighting cancer. Using his knowledge and skill set he combined his zeal for adventure with philanthropy by forming the Amazon 5000 For A Cure Foundation – an expedition fundraiser to help local children with cancer[2].

Docuseries

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The Amazon 5000 for the Cure Expedition was a journey spanning close to 1 year and 5,000 miles on foot, aimed to raise awareness for cancer research and raise crucial funding dollars for patient aid. Despite facing numerous challenges, including kidnapping[3] by indigenous tribesman[4] and illness, Grosman completed the expedition[5], demonstrating his resilience[6] and dedication to his cause.  Film Footage from The Amazon 5000[7] was later adapted into reality docuseries called EXPEDITION FROM HELL: THE LOST TAPES[8][9].

Legacy and Recognition

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Grosman's achievements have garnered attention worldwide, with thousands following his expeditions and supporting his philanthropic endeavors. He has been praised for his courage, determination, and commitment to fighting cancer[10]. Through partnerships with organizations like the Florida Hospital Foundation's Children's Oncology and the BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation, Grosman has made significant contributions to the fight against cancer.

Personal Life

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Grosman resides in Central Florida, where he continues to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic efforts.

References

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  1. ^ "EXPEDITION FROM HELL". go.discovery.com. EXPEDITION FROM HELL. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  2. ^ "Surviving the jungle". West Orange Times & Observer. 2013-05-16. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
  3. ^ Flyer, Boaz (2012-08-06). "Israeli American kidnapped in Ecuador". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
  4. ^ Podolsky, Philip (August 7, 2012). "Israeli-American rain forest activist escapes from kidnappers in Ecuador". Times of Israel. Retrieved June 6, 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Group Went on Charity Amazon Trek — and Only 1 Finished: Inside the Start of Adventure Gone Wrong". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
  6. ^ Freed, Tim (June 27, 2013). "Mickey Grosman hacks way out of Amazon". West Orange Times & Observer. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  7. ^ Bret, Adam (2021-04-01), Impossible Possible: The Amazon 5000 Story (Documentary), Mickey Grosman, Low Rider Films, retrieved 2024-06-14
  8. ^ Expedition from Hell: The Lost Tapes (Documentary), The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), Wrigley Media Group, 2024-05-12, retrieved 2024-06-14
  9. ^ "Expedition From Hell: The Lost Tapes | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
  10. ^ "Surviving the jungle". West Orange Times & Observer. 2013-05-16. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
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