Why we walk for LRF: 'I am not cured, I am in remission'

My family and I are participating in this year's virtual Gibbons run. Carol White has inspired us to participate for the past several years and we are honored to be a part of her team, Carol's Team of Hope.

I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Oct. 19, 2012, and was immediately admitted to the University of Chicago. I was frightened and shocked.

Carol was my nurse, and she was so comforting and positive. One time she said, "You're going to get better and I want you to join my team in June for the Jim Gibbons 5K." I said, "There's no way I'll be around by June."

From then on, she always made me feel so at ease and comforted. It was a long, hard battle, but I was there in June to participate as a "survivor."

A surprising thing about my experience with leukemia is how hard it was for so very long and how it affected my entire body. Cancer treatment is a necessary evil. Yes, it is meant to get rid of the cancer but, in doing so, it causes damage. It taught me that the human body is capable of fighting and repairing itself.

It was very important to listen to my doctors and to help by taking very good care of my body and my health. Since my immune system was so weakened, I often got sick with other illnesses. It took years for me to fully recover.

I am not cured, I am in remission. I have to be conscious every day of taking care of myself so I don't get sick at all, as I could relapse.

I went through chemo for months and I received almost 100 blood and platelet transfusions throughout the duration. I would not be alive today if it weren't for the blood donors who selflessly took the time to donate.

I can never donate blood again, so I have since become a blood donation advocate. I will be hosting my fifth and sixth blood drives in June and August.

Carol White and the Leukemia Research Foundation were there for me with care and support. Any time I had a question or felt scared about something going on, I could turn to Carol and she would be a comforting voice.

Carol referred me to the Leukemia Research Foundation initially through the 5K. It is my favorite event to participate in each summer. That's where I was introduced to many people who work for the foundation. They work so hard to keep this foundation going year after year so they can reach and help those affected by blood cancer.

I will forever be grateful to Carol and LRF.