I will be participating in the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma program in June 2019 by climbing Mount Washington to raise funds and awareness for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Team For Cures.

You know that friend that you met when you were very young that still today is in your life and no matter how far apart you may be, they are still just as close?

Well, for me, that person is Melissa Pineo. When I was 11 years old my mom introduced me to one of her bowling friend’s daughters. We quickly became and have stayed best friends. We finished high school as co-captains of the volleyball team, went to college states apart but remained close. Melissa joined the Air Force and moved away. Over the years, though far apart, we get together when we can and pick up right where we left off from the last visit.
Melissa is so much a part of my life, yet I rarely see her in person. I trust Melissa with my life and would do anything for her. Though not blood, she is my life sister.

As we approached our monumental 50th birthdays, we planned to visit Glacier National Park for a week of nature’s beautiful outdoor adventures. However, life had another idea when Melissa’s sister, Carol, was taken to the hospital because she couldn't get out of bed. She was later diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Quickly Melissa jumped on a plane to be by her sister’s side. Our trip was out of the question, of course, but we now had another team quest: to get Carol healthy.

Of course, Carol and many doctors and nurses at Dana Farber and Winchester Hospital did all the work. Carol had many broken and/or fractured bones, and couldn’t move or walk without excruciating pain. Many procedures to stabilize bones, chemo and radiation treatments, and stem cell transplants, Carol was a champ through these very tough and grueling efforts.

Almost a year later, Carol is undergoing transfusions but is now able to walk on her own for short distances. Carol still has many treatments ahead, but she is here and doing far better than a year ago – all thanks to huge efforts by so many medical professionals, MMRF, family and friends.

We were so thankful to have Carol with us for Christmas, when Melissa heard about the MMRF event to raise funds to help continue research and find new treatments for multiple myeloma, she wanted to join. When I heard of the hike, I applied too.

So, after a year of hospitals, ambulances and treatments, Melissa and I are joining forces to hike Mount Washington and raise funds to help the MMRF. We will hike for Carol, for MMRF, our friendship and maybe even a little for our 50th (belated).

I am looking forward to supporting my friend in honor of Carol and climb this mountain to reach our goals.