"If you make it to 2 years post transplant, your risk of recurrence returns to baseline". This loaded statement from my oncologist returned today to be digested and dispelled. The past 2 years feels like a dream but I look back at the posts and pills and recall a vivid reality, and the Herculean community effort it took to bring me here today.
Much has happened since my last blog, and I will bring you up to date:
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| Erin and Steve at Planet Ice for R2S |
In June I joined the Ride to Survive group from Maple Ridge to North Delta. The group rode 400 km from Kelowna, and has raised over 2 million dollars for Cancer Research since it started 9 years ago.
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| Elgin Park High School spin-athon for PAH ER |
Also in June, staff and doctors participated in the Elgin Park Spinathon where the inspired students raised over $40,000 in funds for purchase of equipment for the Peace Arch Hospital Emergency.
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| Katie exits the "Limo" |
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| Katie and Max |
In August my bone marrow donor, Katie Knopf married her partner Max, and we wish them well in their life together. They are going to have their hands full looking after their 8 month old son Wyatt and remodeling their home!
Remarkably, one of my sister Michelle's friends who signed up while I was ill, was just this past week recruited to donate stem cells for someone else in need. The circle of life continues.
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| Zoe, me, and Jason at Perissa Beach, Greece |
Also in August we took a long awaited trip to Greece with the family. It
was wonderful to connect with my parents and extended family in Athens
and on the island of Skopelos, and later venture south to Mykonos and Santorini.
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| Zoe pours Caroline a glass of Santorini Rose at sunset |
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| The four of us scuba diving inside the Santorini Crater |
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Me, Sweeney, McNeil, Ridley, Hemming, Konar
| Gwilt, Jacklin, | Staschuk & Rogers |
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This week was the 35th (whew!) anniversary of our high school graduation and chance to get together with pals from Vancouver College at Peace Portal Golf Course. Of note, I was the only non-Golfer.
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| Todd Hansen and the Coastal Race Club break at Esquires |
At a recent Saturday ride with the Coastal Cycling Club the group
toasted recovery, and lamented the recent loss of our friend Kerry
White.
Thanks to all the medical people, family, and community of friends for helping me make this milestone!
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| The view from Santorini at sunset |
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Congratulations on passing this milestone! We especially like your photos from Greece.
ReplyDeleteHi there! I just got reading through a few of your posts and I just wanted to say congrats! I am involved in the cancer community and had a quick question for you. I was hoping you could email me back when you get the chance. Thanks! - emilywalsh688@gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteEmmy
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