Other Blood Cancers

Dave and I have been a part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since 1998. I can’t even remember how many Team In Training events we’ve done. We have both done at least one a year if not more since Michael, our son, was diagnosed.

I've been a cancer survivor since my bone marrow transplant at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in 2004.  I have minimal side effects and continue doing what I love -- spending time with family and friends, cycling, and teaching high school photography and video production.  One year after my transplant I did my first Team In Training event, a century ride in Lake Tahoe.

It all started with a race...  I began running back in 2011 with the sole purpose of losing weight.  I joined a running group and became interested in races, specifically the Nike Women's Half Marathon. I entered the lottery and was not selected but then one of my friends recommended running for a charity.

For the past nine years as a physician assistant, I have had the privilege of taking care of acute leukemia, high-risk lymphoma and bone marrow transplant patients at the Intermountain Blood and Marrow Transplant Program.

My wife and I would have never heard of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) if it were not for losing our 12-year-old daughter on March 12, 2013 to undiagnosed leukemia. If you've heard me speak of my daughter Sophia, you've heard this word: perfect. Her laugh, her eyes, her beautiful smile were all perfect. Sophia was a loving, kind and compassionate child.