CANCER, that one word that sits like a lump in the back of your throat making you unable to swallow...
I was in sixth grade when my hero, my dad, was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia.
Over the years, my dad has gone through his fair share of chemotherapy. Usually after treatment, his cancer became dormant, and then resurfaced a few years later. The dreadful "process" would repeat itself, getting a little harder each time as his body became resistant to the therapy.
In 2012, I decided to join The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training in support of my dad. This was my way of thanking him. It may sound crazy, but I needed and wanted to thank him for never giving up and for always putting in a good fight.
Since joining Team In Training, I have learned how to put up my own fight, as training for marathons is no easy feat. I have been challenged both psychically and mentally, which has grown me in ways I never thought possible.
I don't know if you can call it karma or a gift from God, but since I have joined Team In Training, supporting this amazing cause, my dad has continually been in remission.
My dad will always be my hero. But secretly I believe I am his.