The spirit of the Grand Canyon will live in my heart forever.

How do I put into words what an adventure such as this one did for me? Let me try!

In the beginning, I knew with all my heart that I wanted to be able to hike the awesome Grand Canyon, Mount Kilimanjaro or Machu Picchu, yet, could I, physically? Oh I knew I could in my mind; I have always been physically active, but that doesn't make the body always do what one wants it to. I certainly have not taken on a challenge like this before. I trained by hiking, walking, working out at the gym and then hiking some more until I felt strong and capable.

But, the most strength came when our team came together and all of us began to talk and laugh. We became one, and at that time, I became even more determined and much stronger. I was one of the three myeloma hikers on this trip and the oldest (in age that is). My thoughts were that if I have given just one person dealing with myeloma the will and the desire to fight this disease the best we can by doing this fundraiser and hiking this hike, then that's all I can ask for.

It was without a doubt the most incredible and humbling experience for me. Every person on our team worked with and for each other. We laughed, we cried, we hiked and we did well!

As I stood on the edge of the canyon the morning after the hike, I felt that I was one with one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I thanked God for giving me the spiritual and physical strength, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) for all they give every day and for all they are doing to find that cure, CURE Magazine for all the encouragement and information, and Takeda Oncology for all the support. Keep on truckin’, we need you.

Now I am addicted. I am ready for the next challenge, bring it on. Thank you team Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma Grand Canyon for making it the best of the best!

- Donna