Thursday, July 14

It’s exciting to think that in less than a month I will be hiking the Inca Trail up Machu Picchu with my fellow Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM) teammates. This trek brings me full circle to an idea that came together almost a year ago. As the Head of Communications at Takeda Oncology, helping to create and sponsor MM4MM, a program that brings myeloma patients, caregivers, doctors and nurses together to raise funds and awareness for myeloma research, was an easy decision.

Although my partner Michael and I have had plenty of time to train for this trek, it’s been challenging for us to fit practice climbs in with our hectic work schedules. During the one practice climb we were able to attend, we had the chance to meet our teammates face-to-face. After spending the whole day with them, I can truly say that I am humbled to be joining this incredible group of folks, some of who are myeloma patients, and am struck by their commitment to this initiative. Our training might be lacking, but where there is no deficiency is our will to push through the physical burden ahead of us with our team to do something that will greatly impact myeloma patients.

I remember the day I volunteered to take part in this climb, it seemed surreal that I would be hiking what’s considered one of the most incredible places on earth to benefit individuals with cancer! Now as the date gets closer and I’m making final gear checks for the hike, the reality is hitting me and I feel completely ready to continue this journey.