Celebrating the 12th Anniversary of My Stem Cell Transplant

I woke up today with a sense of joy & gratitude like never before. I am humbled by the realization that today is my 12^th stem cell transplant birthday, a day with huge importance & meaning for me.
On September 14, 2005, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A diagnosis that surprised me & shocked me to my core.  At first, I didn’t truly understand what having leukemia meant. I knew it was some kind of cancer, but not much more. All I knew (and could feel) was this sense of urgency by the nurses & doctors caring for me.  I remember thinking, ‘I am getting way too much attention. Why?’ It didn’t take me long to understand the WHY!  I had a 25 – 30% chance of surviving this type of cancer.
In an instant, my journey (my race) had changed & I was fighting for my life.  I endured 5 rounds of chemo over 8 long trying months & was ultimately blessed by a stem cell transplant that saved my life on May 12, 2006! This was my new birthday. A birthday I’ve celebrated every year since May 12, 2006!
I am humbled by the significance of my stem cell transplant birthday.  Because of this birthday, I am a “Survivor”!  This was my 2^nd chance at life! I promised myself that I would not let this chance be wasted. I learned so much about me & life in such a short span of time. !
I learned that life is short & can change in a “moment”. I learned that we will (all) experience adversity on various levels during our lifetime.  It’s not the adversity, but how we react to it that can define & change the direction & outcome of our lives. I learned that attitude is a game changer & can determine the course of your future & others. I learned that action is the catalyst that can make an idea a reality, solve a problem, bring a goal to fruition & more. Most importantly, I learned the importance of relationships in our lives. True joy & fulfillment comes from our relationships.
I am thankful that today is just a normal day for me. Something I will not take for granted.
Thank you to my family & friends who’ve supported & loved me over the years. To the special people in my life, I love you & appreciate your patience! Thank you to the doctors at Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor. Thank you to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for the breakthrough research. Finally, I thank God every day for my second “chance”!
Have a terrific day! Finish YOUR Race!