Ages: 47 & 54
Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Link: https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018Everest/ShawnandRenee

Renee and I are both honored and humbled to be selected to participate in the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) 2017 Mount Everest Base Camp team. In 2013, we lost a very important friend and neighbor to multiple myeloma who was the epitome of strength and devotion to his family and friends. After his loss, Renee was inspired by his spirit to join the MMRF team to climb The Empire State Building in his honor. Through that experience, she had the opportunity to meet many of the MMRF team which empowered her to continue to raise awareness and always search for new ways to help support.

In addition to our friend Ken, we hike to Base Camp of Mount Everest in memory of my father Frank X. O'Neil, and Renee's best friend Jackie Himmelreich, who were both lost to cancer too young, and for all those patients still battling multiple myeloma.

The work ahead of us? Climb 18,519 feet above sea level to the “front door” of the tallest mountain in the world and raise at least $30,000 for the MMRF. Training for this event is a big challenge, but nothing compared to the challenges faced by patients with multiple myeloma.

We have a very unique opportunity partnering with MMRF to hike alongside multiple myeloma patients who are part of our amazing team and many of the health care professionals currently working on a cure. All of these teammates are true inspirations and help us to realize how precious each day of life is and to never take anything for granted. We are looking forward to the relationships that will be made on this trek, some that have already begun and know will last a lifetime!

So get ready ... stay tuned ... support this awesome cause ... and remember: "Every day is a gift!"