I live my life as a series of daily epics. In fact, my existence depends on it. I endured poor-prognosis leukemia, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and open heart surgery - all for only a small chance of survival. That survival meant relinquishing every one of my life's aspirations. The journey since has not been a recovery; It has been a resurrection. True, I will always have lingering effects of the chemical and physical trauma. So what. I counter those difficulties by making life extraordinary and not worrying about its length. I know the magic is in the daily details, the kinds of experiences we can all connect with after life slams us flat on our backs. I rebuilt myself in order to experience the wild places, making memories of breathtaking mountain trails rather than soulless hospital beds. My goal is to live the story we patients needed to hear while confined for months in our hospital rooms, all the while emotionally tortured by our prospects of survival. We never did hear such stories, and that must change. Moreover, all of humanity needs more true and inspiring stories, not staged versions of the real thing. We need to make this a social movement, living our own authentic epic tale, and make the world more civil and beautiful along the way. For this reason I am sharing my unique journey and inspiration to all who can benefit.
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Recent Articles and Media:
Conquer: The Patient Voice: Lessons in Love and Resurrection Coping with Cancer: Life Interrupted Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Stories Post for Eyeamthestorm: What Have We Learnt From This Experience? I Had Cancer: Survivor Stories |