Raising awareness for multiple myeloma is always something that I have wanted to do after hearing about my mother’s diagnosis in February 2015. When my mother heard about the opportunity to hike the Grand Canyon and promote the amazing work the MMRF is doing, we had to take it! During this past year, I have had the pleasure of learning about the MMRF and all of the work they have done for patients and their families. I could not be more proud to say that I am able to help them continue the fight to find a cure for this disease.

This is my first endurance event of any kind, so I’m not sure what to expect, but I am beyond excited to experience this new adventure. My mother and I have been training at places near us, but nothing will prepare you for the Grand Canyon. I have always considered myself to be fit, but this hike has pushed me to new heights. The one thing that concerns me is the change in altitude throughout the hike. In Connecticut, it is difficult to simulate the altitude we will be facing throughout the hike.

At the time of the diagnosis, I would never have imagined that a year later we would be embarking from Connecticut to take on the Grand Canyon. I’m looking forward to meeting and making lasting relationships with all of the other members of the hike, from the patients and family members to the nurses and scientists. This will truly be an experience that I will remember forever.

- George