Coming to Japan terrified me, but I imagine it is nothing in comparison to the fear after hearing the dreaded words of your diagnosis. Before the MMRF, fear was all I knew, fear of the unknown path ahead of my mom. This journey has been about putting your fears behind you, stepping out of your comfort zone and doing. Because only through hard work can you achieve great results, as the culture of Japan has reinforced.

It may seem that I am on a glorious vacation, but inside there is fear, anxiety, and overwhelming stress. Japan has been my first experience in a non-English speaking country, I have a fear of heights and am setting out to hike 12,389 ft. Mt. Fuji, which is the highest elevation I have ever climbed and I am unsure of how my body will handle the altitude.

However, I will be hiking alongside six multiple myeloma patients who are an inspiration to us all. If they can do it, I surely can. There will also be researchers who make it their job to work towards a cure, again an inspiration to hike alongside them.

I hope and pray that what we are doing makes a difference in the world of myeloma treatment and helps us to find a cure. At the very least, I hope to bring positive energy to those around me, especially the patients and my mother. The culture of Japan has taught me a lot in my few days here and I am very grateful for that. With special meaning behind the slightest movement, they believe every tiny detail is just as important as the overall outcome. And so, I hope through this large outpouring of movement and energy we can summon the forces needed to find a cure.

The mountains will always be there, and one day I hope we will not have to climb them.