week 7, playa del rey, 45 miles

Each week before our training, our team gathers around to discuss about fundraising updates and opportunities, we have a mission moment, and clinics. Mission moment is sharing a story about a person who has/had a blood cancer. Allow me to share my brother's story as I did with our group on Saturday.

Paul was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Large B cell Lymphoma at 29years old. He presented with a dry cough for 1 year, weight loss of 10 pounds in one month, and shortness of breath on exertion. He was in the Navy Academy so he thought his symptoms could be related to his intense training. The doctors initially diagnosed him with bronchitis. Finally, one of the docs ordered a chest xray which revealed an 11x9cm mass sitting on his right lung. After a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. He underwent 4 months of chemo then 2 months of radiation. The follow-up chest xray showed a reduction of his mass by 50%. Since the mass was still there, he was referred for a bone marrow transplant, which was an autologous stem cell harvest, followed by a consolidation chemotherapy. Still, the mass was persistent. The specialists recommended to do a cardiothoracic surgery to remove 2 out of the 3 lobes from his right lung. The pathology test showed it was "dead" cancer cells at the time. Paul had been in remission since 2003.

My brother is the most inspirational person in my life. During his journey with lymphoma, he was attending medical school. Through his determination, he was able to graduate with his class. Prior to his diagnosis, Paul asked the Lord, "What kind of doctor should I be? Please give me a sign." The Lord answered his prayer. Paul was just accepted a fellowship in the Hematology/Oncology in Washington D.C. He is currently an internal medicine physician in Florida.

Help me to fight blood cancer.

Sincerely,
Tricia