Where do I begin? I am a 2x acute myeloid leukemia (AML) survivor diagnosed for the first time in 2008 at the age of 38. My family and I received amazing support through The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) both emotionally and financially with the co-pay program, webinars, and information guides.
Who would have thought that after nine years and a month to the day I would have relapsed and gotten the news the leukemia had returned? Thankfully my sister was a 100% match and I had my bone marrow transplant on December 4, 2017. After 32 days in the hospital, I walked out.
It has not been without its struggles and continual check-ups but I am once again thankful to LLS for the continued passion to find a cure or new treatments. I have had a total of 16 rounds of chemo, 10 bone marrow biopsies, and six spinal taps but I am here today to continue the mission. My family formed Team Shortreed last year, seven strong, raising over $5,000 for the Scenic Shore ride in Wisconsin.
My mind and my body were overly ambitious but with my son, daughter, and daughter-in-law by my side that day I crossed the 25-mile finish line as my husband, older daughter, and a family friend crossed the 75-mile in support of me and all those who could not.
There were 999 riders that day and only six of us were 2x survivors. Through tears and pedaling hard I proudly wore my Survivor bib, and riders passed by telling me I was not alone! We are thankful for such an organization as LLS who continues the fight against this horrid disease. We are honored to ride again this year with the goal of me crossing the 75-mile finish line! I do not let my cancer define me but I push on for those who can't in hopes that no family has to go through what we did not once but twice!
Krista
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
