Grand Canyon — here we come! I am so psyched to be part of the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma Team conquering the Canyon. And, to make it even sweeter, I am celebrating my 55th birthday while I am there. I get to start my birthday by watching the sun rise over the Grand Canyon. I get chills just thinking about it!

I knew this trip was for me as soon as I read about it. I am going into my fourth year of living with multiple myeloma. Notice I said "living." Not dying, suffering or tolerating — I am LIVING!

Multiple myeloma sucks. As a former control freak, it was hard for me to adjust. But, with God as my source of strength and the great new drugs for myeloma, I am living a wonderful and full life.

Right now, I am busy training for the hike. I love walking the hills in our neighborhood and parks in Birmingham. Sam, my black lab, comes with me — I don't know who pants more, me or Sam! When I turned 50 (pre-myeloma), I ran a half marathon. For 55, I will be hiking the Grand Canyon. Although the Grand Canyon is, by far, the most challenging, it is also the most rewarding. Bring it on!

My husband and brother are coming to cheer me on and make sure I blow out all the candles on my cake. I can't wait to see the sun rise over the Grand Canyon on my 55th birthday. There is always a new day. What a fabulous birthday gift!