Why I Do What I Do

I am conviced that there are so many “reasons” for my leukemia diagnosis and more importantly, there are reasons that have drivien me to do the things that I have done as a result of my diagnosis. I may not always know what those reasons are, but the people that I have been able to connect with are too many to mention or even count. I wanted to take a minute and share just a couple of examples of people who have found me or stumbled upon me… or tripped over me as a result of my diagnosis. When I receive emails like the ones below, I feel like I have a greater purpose and clearer direction. In reading a few of these, maybe you will better understand why I continue to do what I do.

Steve,

A friend of mine sent me the link to remissionman.com, and I felt the need to reach out to a fellow triathlete/former soccer player/leukemia surviving dad. After browsing your site, I’m beginning to think we’re cosmically joined at the hip as the similarities are almost scary. I won’t bore you with the details–you’ve lived them–but I just wanted to enlist you as a valuable member of my own support crew if you’re willing. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since I was diagnosed in late 2004, you can never have too many friends. Holler back if you get a moment. Until then, be well. In health and happiness -

Steve,

It’s great to read about your story. I was just starting triathlons before my surgery. Someday I’ll get back to it. Gotta take care of a few things first… Keep up the good work!

Steve,

Thank you so much for your story. I too have CLL and am in complete remission. I am less fit and older and your story has inspired me to do something about the “fit” part. Thanks again. Good luck.

Steve,

You are a true inspiration. I am Vince’s wife Janet and I relived your struggles. Vince and you are very similar. Janet Papale

Steve,

Hi…

My husband is a follower of Graeme Street and a believer in the Hammer nutritional products. He came upon the feature article on you in the January issue of Endurance NEWS. While CLL is probably more common than people realize, we have never seen any articles written about people, athletes like yourself, who have had this disease.

I was diagnosed with CLL in 1996 at the age of 47 because of blood work that I had requested just for a good physical only to find my white count was higher than normal. The doctors just kept an eye on it but it never subsided and in 2000 I began therapy and had an autologous bone marrow transplant. I was out of remission after 5 years and again we played the wait and see game. I will be starting chemo in March to try and get back into remission.

I have been biking for many years as well as skiing, doing some weight training and anything else to keep healthy. I think I have succeeded with as much as I am able to control. I have always felt good except during treatment.

I guess the point of writing to you is to try to find out as much as I can about what you did to keep yourself fit-Hammer products in particular as well as your nutrition in general. I am very active and do follow a good diet-except for the love of chocolate, dark of course.

The article actually was refreshing compared to all of the depressing articles on the Internet which I have stopped reading long ago. I want to remain as active and as vibrant as possible not only for myself but for my husband and 6 grandchildren. I really don’t have time for set backs.

Please let me know what you did, what your treatments consisted of, and how your disease progressed.

Steve,

I read your bio on your web site and was very intrigued. I guess I am sending this email because I too have a story. 1 1/2 years ago I quit smoking and drinking and began running. I did my first sprint triathlon (Irongirl)last August and have completed 2 marathons so far. Not only that but in 1995 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I just became a certified fitness trainer as well. I too want to be people’s inspiration. I believe if I could do these things anyone can. I want to help people have their own stories to inspire others, I am not sure how to do this, any advice? Thank you

And those are a few reasons why I do what I do.