My dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2008 at the age of 63. He was in the prime of his life spending time with his grandkids, working, golfing, gardening and biking. He had a stem cell transplant in 2009 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, which added years to his life and gave us all hope that he would live to dance at my oldest daughter’s wedding (one of his goals after diagnosis). For five years my dad was a pillar of strength as he underwent weekly dialysis and managed the many side effects of his medical treatment. Sadly, in December 2012, it became clear to us that the disease had progressed past the point of any further treatment. On Feb. 8, 2013, my father passed away at home in his own bed surrounded by his close friends and family.

In November 2017, I had the honor of participating in the New York City Marathon with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) fundraising team. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I found the long training runs to be meditative and therapeutic as I remembered my time with my father and how inspiring his fight against multiple myeloma was. And it was so wonderful to spend time the morning of the marathon with other MMRF fundraisers/runners which included patients, doctors, nurses, caregivers, loved ones and the hard working MMRF team.

I came across the MMRF Facebook post of the MM4MM Iceland 2018 team and was so moved I knew immediately that I wanted to participate in this event. I am so excited to be a part of this team, fundraise for the MMRF and to climb Mount Washington. I am also climbing with a good friend, Jenn McKenna, and we are looking forward to the many training hikes we will have together as the weather around Boston gets a bit warmer.

I can’t wait to meet all of you in person and to help fund the incredible work that the MMRF does.