Michelle's 100 Mile Backpack
Donation protected
Hey everyone!
As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma on July 24, 2013. As if that wasn't enough, I then learned my cancer had metastasized to the brain with 9 tumors. I was given 30 days to live and told to get my affairs in order.
Well, that doc didn't know who he was speaking to.
21 months later, I am cancer free! The tumor in my chest - DEAD! The 9 tumors in my brain - DEAD! Only the largest tumor remains, but it is DEAD, continues to shrink and is referred to as a ghost - yes, the ghost in the machine really does exist and yes, I found different docs (thank you Virginia Mason, SCCA and UW!)
After undergoing a month of whole brain radiation and continued daily oral therapy, I have found my way back to health and fitness (a special note of thanks to my local gym - Thrive - for sponsoring me with a personal trainer. Lisa, you are AWESOME).
Yes, there have been adjustments, changes and challenges at every turn - like losing all my hair and contracting Bell's Palsey days before we got on a plane - that wasn't fun - along with closing my business after 10 years, but I keep turning the page each and every day.
Undeterred by my diagnosis, I found myself in a tent in the snow and rain less than 2 months later at base camp while the rest of my fellow hiker chics were fighting the horrible weather to complete our annual adventure. There was no way I wasn't going to be there.
I have had to rebuild from not having the breath, energy or strength to walk up the stairs to carrying a 35 lb. backpack for 5 days! I would never have been able to achieve this without my family, my friends, and my faith community. Your love, support and prayers have blessed me in ways you cannot imagine and continue to fuel and inspire me every day.
So...fast forward to 21 months post diagnosis and my quest to backpack 100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Last fall, the hiker chics were in the Goat Rocks where we kept meeting thru hikers, all of whom had trail names. We were told that to get a trail name, you had to hike 100 consecutive miles on the PCT and be given the name by a fellow hiker.
Well, darn, I want a name!!!
I made the decision on the spot I wanted to do this. Once two of my dearest hiker chics said they would join and support me, I was all in.
I have chosen July 24, 2015, as the day we will set boots on the trail - my 2 year diagnosis anniversary. We will begin south of Mt. Jefferson at Plumeria Lake and end at the Bridge of the Gods, aiming for 10 mile days. Trip will likely take 11-12 days and our hubbies will provide resupply support.
Why did I chose a Go Fund Me Campaign?
First of all - I'm not working any more. I was encouraged and made the choice to go on social security disability and although there has been an enormous financial adjustment for my family, we are finding our way.
Second, I lost 20 lbs in less than one month due to radiation. I've gained about 5 back, but none of my hiking clothes fit me anymore!
Third, most of my gear is pretty old or inadequate for this type of a trip and really should be replaced.
Lastly, this cancer fighting ninja is in love with the wilderness and so badly wants to undertake this epic adventure with those that share my passion.
Thank you for supporting me in whatever way you can.
Happy Trails,
Michelle
As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma on July 24, 2013. As if that wasn't enough, I then learned my cancer had metastasized to the brain with 9 tumors. I was given 30 days to live and told to get my affairs in order.
Well, that doc didn't know who he was speaking to.
21 months later, I am cancer free! The tumor in my chest - DEAD! The 9 tumors in my brain - DEAD! Only the largest tumor remains, but it is DEAD, continues to shrink and is referred to as a ghost - yes, the ghost in the machine really does exist and yes, I found different docs (thank you Virginia Mason, SCCA and UW!)
After undergoing a month of whole brain radiation and continued daily oral therapy, I have found my way back to health and fitness (a special note of thanks to my local gym - Thrive - for sponsoring me with a personal trainer. Lisa, you are AWESOME).
Yes, there have been adjustments, changes and challenges at every turn - like losing all my hair and contracting Bell's Palsey days before we got on a plane - that wasn't fun - along with closing my business after 10 years, but I keep turning the page each and every day.
Undeterred by my diagnosis, I found myself in a tent in the snow and rain less than 2 months later at base camp while the rest of my fellow hiker chics were fighting the horrible weather to complete our annual adventure. There was no way I wasn't going to be there.
I have had to rebuild from not having the breath, energy or strength to walk up the stairs to carrying a 35 lb. backpack for 5 days! I would never have been able to achieve this without my family, my friends, and my faith community. Your love, support and prayers have blessed me in ways you cannot imagine and continue to fuel and inspire me every day.
So...fast forward to 21 months post diagnosis and my quest to backpack 100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Last fall, the hiker chics were in the Goat Rocks where we kept meeting thru hikers, all of whom had trail names. We were told that to get a trail name, you had to hike 100 consecutive miles on the PCT and be given the name by a fellow hiker.
Well, darn, I want a name!!!
I made the decision on the spot I wanted to do this. Once two of my dearest hiker chics said they would join and support me, I was all in.
I have chosen July 24, 2015, as the day we will set boots on the trail - my 2 year diagnosis anniversary. We will begin south of Mt. Jefferson at Plumeria Lake and end at the Bridge of the Gods, aiming for 10 mile days. Trip will likely take 11-12 days and our hubbies will provide resupply support.
Why did I chose a Go Fund Me Campaign?
First of all - I'm not working any more. I was encouraged and made the choice to go on social security disability and although there has been an enormous financial adjustment for my family, we are finding our way.
Second, I lost 20 lbs in less than one month due to radiation. I've gained about 5 back, but none of my hiking clothes fit me anymore!
Third, most of my gear is pretty old or inadequate for this type of a trip and really should be replaced.
Lastly, this cancer fighting ninja is in love with the wilderness and so badly wants to undertake this epic adventure with those that share my passion.
Thank you for supporting me in whatever way you can.
Happy Trails,
Michelle
Organizer
Michelle West
Organizer
Anacortes, WA
