When most people think about the Grand Canyon, they think about dust, heights, snakes, donkeys and climbing on tiny paths.

When I think about the Grand Canyon, I think about hope. I think about the steps I’ll take hiking the Bright Angel Trail and the funds my team have raised. I think about how all of this will translate into more hope.

Every day, I work at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) to try to find a cure. Last year, I was privileged to work alongside two amazing teams of individuals as they took on the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu with Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma. It was a humbling experience and one that I immediately knew I wanted to take on one day. The opportunity to trek the Grand Canyon with this year’s team was an opportunity I couldn't resist.

Through my work, I have met many patients who are at many different points along their multiple myeloma journey. I have seen firsthand the impact that the MMRF is making as they accelerate towards a cure through their Precision Medicine Model. I know that the funds raised from this program are going to directly impact the lives and communities of the patients who we climb alongside. I am so proud to be part of this organization and part of the program that is generating so much hope — not blind hope, but hope with purpose and direction. The MMRF is moving forward and it will not stop until a cure is found.

So, when I think about the Grand Canyon, I think about hope. Hope that we will see a cure in our lifetime. Hope that the funds this team has raised will be part of the cure. Hope, because there is so much of it now.