In the spring of 2024, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) when I fractured my left hip. Throughout that summer, I went through induction therapy and then completed a stem cell transplant on December 28, 2024. I wanted to set an aggressive recovery goal for myself to get back in shape after the transplant. So, in February last year, when I started seeing the promos for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe, which is just up the hill from my home in Gardnerville, Nevada, I decided to register. I was very pleased with the support I received from my friends and from people I didn’t even know, and was able to raise over $3,500 toward my ride. The actual ride itself was about 153 days after my stem cell transplant. It was very difficult, but I had a few friends riding with me for support. I think I finished the ride after 4:00 p.m. Crossing the finish line choked me up because I wasn’t sure I had the stamina to complete the ride. But I felt that it was quite an achievement for someone in my shape. This year, I’m planning to do the ride again.
Craig
multiple myeloma (MM)
