I’ve worked in clinical research for over 23 years in different diseases. We’ve made so much progress but there is still so much more to do until we find a cure! In February 2009, I was given the opportunity to be the Multiple Myeloma Project Manager for City of Hope, and have specialized in this particular disease and am passionate about my patients, our trials, our amazing disease team at City of Hope and clinical research in general.

Over the years, I’ve seen so many advances in multiple myeloma. I’ve seen firsthand how important research is and the important work that the MMRF and CURE are doing in advancing and prolonging the lives and quality of life of multiple myeloma patients.

I am taking part of this amazing experience for a few reasons. Most importantly, I would love to raise funds for research, which without, we would not be where we are today. This is my second hike through this program. My first hike was the Grand Canyon Trek in 2017. This was an amazing experience to not only raise awareness and funds, but to meet an amazing group of patients and researchers who quickly became my extended family! I cherish my team to this day and love how this trek brought strangers together in a short amount of time that will remain lifelong friends!

I am hiking to honor all of our multiple myeloma patients at City of Hope! I am hiking to honor the memory of all fighters who we’ve, unfortunately, lost to cancer. I am hiking to celebrate all the cancer survivors and thrivers in my life, including my ex-husband, to whom I simply want say thank you for being who you are today, for always caring, for being there for us always and for helping and supporting me to become a better version of myself.

I’m hiking in honor of our beloved, Dr. Arti Hurria, who we lost last year tragically in a car accident. She was not only a close collaborator of our Multiple Myeloma Program at City of Hope, but also an amazing mentor to many of us and most importantly, a friend with such spirit and light!

Lastly, I am doing this hike for ME! In order to transform oneself in mind, body and spirit, we have to accept and take on challenges. This has always been difficult for me but I’ve learned that this is not impossible and that I am capable of whatever I set my mind to. I’ve learned that persistence and motivation have to be a daily part of my life and that I am truly resilient through it all. I’ve also learned that my faith carries me daily, but I also have to put in the work for this trek! Both will carry me through these next months as I prepare and accomplish my goal of hiking through and completing the Patagonia Trek! I will move that mountain!

”He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20