Just a few days until our departure for the Grand Canyon! I’m super excited! Busy with preparations and trying to get in more outdoor hikes. Connecticut is a tricky place ... we were still getting snow in April and, for the past week, it’s been raining with temps in the 40s and 50s. Really crazy. I can’t wait to get to the sun and warmth of Arizona. Sedona is my favorite place on the planet and I’m sure the Grand Canyon is just as spectacular — if not more so.

My son, George, and I made the decision to do this hike back in January. I was feeling pretty good back then and couldn’t think of a better way to spend time with my son and give back to an organization (the MMRF) that I credit with keeping me alive. How lucky are we to be doing this together? I don’t take that for granted.

I’ve had some issues with meds since January. They seem to be ironing out now, but my biggest concern for this hike are the migraines I keep getting. They make me extremely sick. I swear the migraines are worse than the cancer or its treatment. It would not be pleasant if it happens in the canyon!

Last May, I had just finished radiation to the skull and was one month in to my initial treatment. I remember laying in bed for days on end, thinking I’d never be the same, I’d never get to travel, I’d never work out again, never stop crying ... it’s a miracle that one year later I’m leaving to hike the Grand Canyon! Am I the same as I was pre-cancer? No. It’s my new normal. I don’t love it but I’ll take it! As time goes on you become more accepting. Words could never express how grateful I am for this opportunity to go back to Arizona, meet all these incredible people on my team and have an amazing adventure with my son. All of this while giving back to the MMRF for their dedication to the cause!

No matter where you are now, the sun will always shine again ...

- Jennifer