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2x Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Thriver

CANCER EXERCISE TRAINER. PATIENT ADVISOR. PUBLIC SPEAKER. ADVOCATE.

“The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. ”
— Charles Swindoll

MY STORY

In December 2008, at the age of 23, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After 6 months of chemotherapy, I was in remission and decided to train for my first half marathon. One week after the race, I learned the cancer had returned. Treatment the second time around was more rigorous — pre-conditioning chemotherapy, stem cell collection, 2 weeks radiation, high dose chemo and an autologous stem cell transplant. This was in April of 2009 — and gaining my strength back took nearly one year. During that time, I immersed myself into mind/body fitness and never lost sight of my ultimate goal of leading a healthy lifestyle. Taking on that initial challenge of a half marathon turned into what is now a 10+ year sheer passion for fitness. Since then, I have completed 7 half marathons + 2 full marathons while fundraising for various cancer charities. Hear more about my full story in this SurvivorNet video here — and other media.

I am a Patient to Patient volunteer and advisor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).  Each month, I share my experience during MSKCC's Stem Cell Transplant Orientation for current patients + their caregivers.  I offer support and provide insight into what they might be able to expect during treatment.

In Spring 2019, I started teaching fitness classes and private sessions at MSK’s Integrative Medicine Center, located at 74th Street + 1st Avenue. Before COVID-19, I taught on Monday’s — including a Core Strength for Young Adults class (from 6:30p - 7:30p). More information on these classes here. Read about the path that led me to this energizing, full-circle role in the Integrative Medicine July newsletter.

In the past, I was an Honored Teammate with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT) — sharing my story as a source of inspiration.  I spoke to corporations to motivate recruitment for team endurance races + to runners for a "Mission Moment" before a group training session.

ONGOING + PAST SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Blood Donor Celebration + Relationship Based Care Presentations to Nursing Staff

  • Lolly's Locks: NYC Debut Event

  • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training: Corporate Recruitment + Group Training Sessions

 Have you just been diagnosed or know someone who has? Check out my Cancer Resources list here!