During pre-surgery testing in 2013, at the age of 51, it was discovered that there was something very amiss with my blood counts. My platelets were dangerously high, and my pending surgery was immediately postponed due to the high risk of possible clotting or even bleeding. I went through a battery of tests, including a bone marrow biopsy which ultimately led to a myeloproliferative (MPN) diagnosis, likely essential thrombocythemia.

I live in a smaller city – Salmon Arm, in the interior of British Columbia – but was fortunate to be referred to a hematologist out of Vancouver who has taken over my MPN care. He has worked together with the local doctors to get me through two surgeries, including a ruptured appendix.

It was while browsing in a Canadian MPN group on Facebook that I read about the CURE® Adventures Sole 2 Soul for MPN™ Waterton Hike and I knew right away that I wanted to part of this team. I am keen to raise both awareness and funds for our rare cancers, as well as to meet others who are afflicted with or have a connection to an MPN.

To be part of this team is a great honor and privilege.I recognize how fortunate I am to be healthy enough to participate in this adventure and that I can represent the many others who are not. I have overwhelming support from other patients, many of whom have become friends as we follow each other’s journey with this disease. I will think of each of them and show gratitude for their support as I hike and raise funds towards a cure.

“Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet.” – Michael Douglas

As each of us head out on the trails, we will have our own reasons for being there. I look forward to sharing my story and listening to the others as to why they chose to participate in the Sole 2 Soul for MPN™ adventure. Nobody understands or is interested in our personal journeys more than others afflicted or affected by the same disease.

I know that this hike will not be easy for me to accomplish physically but I want to push myself to the summit as part of the team.I look forward to taking in the scenery, the nature, the conversations and the comradery as we exhibit and share our individual strengths and vulnerabilities along the trails.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can” – Arthur Ashe

Donate to Marvel’s fundraising page: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-mpn-research-foundation/p2p/Sole-2-Soul-for-MPN/page/cmpnrf-soul-2-soul-marvel-holmes/