In 2013, I suffered a loss. Losses deserve grief, right? My loss was not a person, or a pet or a job.It was the loss of my health; my body had let me down. I have cancer.

Facing this loss head on has been essential to dealing with my diagnosis and how I wanted to live the rest of my life. I needed to grieve. I felt this fully so I could carry on a joyful life; although this grief is in a small closet in my mind, which I visit from time to time and shut the door when I am done.

I realize fully that I am more fortunate than most with a cancer diagnosis, which was my main drive behind doing this Sole 2 Soul for MPN™ hike. I am not incapable of doing this physical challenge, so I must step up and step in.

During our team's recent five-day trip to the beautiful Canadian Rockies in Alberta, I was brought to uncontrollable tears twice. On day two, having experienced a more difficult climb than expected, we reached Carthew peak at an elevation of over 2,600 meters. We celebrated, high fived, and took in the amazing views. I laid down on a sunny rock and emotion took over. I started to cry unexpectedly. I have done physically challenging events for fundraising before, but always for other people. This was just for me! I felt so grateful, exhilarated and empowered that I sobbed away. My body came through for me and carried me up that mountain. A few much-needed hugs from my teammates and I was good. The trek down was tough, but we jumped into the lake at the bottom of the trail and rejoiced!

Day three was the Crypt Lake trail, which was very daunting with its elevation and tricky maneuvers to get through at the top. I was nervous but knew I had lots of support. Reaching the beautiful lake after three hours of trekking felt amazing! A jaunt around the lake, a dunk in the snow, a trip stateside and a swim in freezing waters were our rewards. Before we headed back down, team pics were in order. When five of us patients stood behind the Sole 2 Soul for MPN™ banner for a photo. I looked at everyone standing there looking at us, and was overcome with emotion again. These fine humans had just hauled their asses up a tough trail, through a tunnel, and hung on for dear life to a cable on the sheer side of a mountain for us. Our family, supporters, sponsors, the feeling of love for these people took over. I couldn't stop crying over them this time, and the huge gratitude for everyone who donated, cheered us on and supported us.

Thank you is not enough for all you do for us, for loved ones, for all patients fighting MPNs. To have experienced these tough physical challenges with these people have bonded us in a way I can't explain. We all felt it. Soul brothers and sisters for life. I have never felt this close to a group of people that I barely know, yet we opened our hearts on day one with our common goal: better patient care and lives. I am looking forward to any chance I have to get together again with this group of extraordinary people. The camaraderie and strong bond that holds us all in each other’s hearts are going to be there forever. Until we meet again team, I am forever grateful for this unreal experience and will never forget it!