Fall Season Week 19

Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor, upon which one walks as a matter of course and prescriptive right. - Aldous Huxley

Fundraising Tip
Start sending Thank you letters to your donors right away. Nothing can replace a thoughful note from you, expressing your gratitude.

Training Tip
Pre and Post Race Tips for the Newbie
from The Running Doc at Runnersworld.com

Mission Moment
MO
Living with Hodgkin Lymphoma for 2 years, 11 months
Age: 25

I found out I was pregnant in December 2004. We were so excited and couldn't wait to meet our baby in August 2005.

Then, in February 2005, a huge lump appeared on my neck. I went to see my family doctor and he didn't seem too concerned about it and made an appointment for me to see a plastic surgeon. A couple of weeks later, I met with the plastic surgeon and he seemed more concerned. He said he wanted to know a little bit more about what he was removing so he sent me to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor.

I went to see the ENT on March 21, 2005. I was 19 weeks pregnant at the time. The doctor felt the lump on my neck and under my arms. He basically said, "It's either a virus or it's Hodgkin's and I don't think it's a virus." I had tests done a couple of days later that confirmed that it was Hodgkin's.

I chose to visit MD Anderson in Houston where they attempted to stage me safely and not to interfere with the baby at all. I was staged at IIB. I came home and carried on a normal pregnancy.

Because my breathing was getting harder, we decided to induce at 32 weeks. He wasn't ready and therefore the induction failed. We tried again at 34 but he still wouldn't come. Finally, on July 21, 2005, 4 months to the day I was diagnosed, Hunter came into the world. He was perfectly healthy and beautiful.

2 weeks after giving birth, I had a CT and PET scan that revealed the cancer to be stage IIIB. I had 6 months of ABVD. This ended in January and then I was retested. None of the tests were coming out clear but when they did, I only required 3 weeks of radiation.

I have been cancer-free since July 11, 2006. It was the hardest thing that I have ever done, but it is a journey that I will never forget. My precious son and I will always have a special connection. He was what I needed to make it through this battle and I can't wait to be able to share that with him someday. We are fighters, we are survivors, we are strong.