The Lighthouse

I had a brain tumor, a Germinoma, which eventually also spread through my spine. I also still have an unidentifiable object in my hypothalamus.

The idea of pushing myself to be part of such an expedition had not crossed my mind while I was recovering and feeling so ill. When I was granted the opportunity, everything changed. I had a new goal, to prepare for my trip, and I had no idea how impactful it would be on my life.

Yes, I had fear and doubt before the expedition. I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the other participants during our trek, that I wouldn’t be fit enough. But that went away immediately upon arriving.

As with the previous question, I remember the day we had our biggest hike, the push to the top of the mountain, our guide Mario said that if during our push, if anyone had to stop, everyone would stop with them. And if we didn’t make it to the top, that too would be okay. The highest point we reached would become the top of OUR mountain. We were there for one another and would only do what we could as one.

As for benefits from the expedition, I continue to draw strength from that trip more than 20 years later. I still think about it at least once a week and have pictures of it around my home. When I was at my lowest, this incredible foundation picked me up, and not only reminded me of what I could accomplish, but made me even stronger than I was before cancer.