Thursday, March 23, 2017

Punk Kid in D.C. {DAY 1}

The chemo goblin is slowly leaving and I'm attempting to begin writing about my Call-on Congress week.

DAY 1 - Meet & Greet

Being an introvert a "Meet & Greet" is essentially my worst nightmare. Nevertheless, our friends and family and strangers sponsored this trip so I was determined to be present every minute! The first person we met was event photographer and fellow survivor, Evan Cantwell. The photo of me with the blue scarf & feather, Evan took that! He immediately put me at ease as we shared stories and laughed about the ostomy diet. (Corn chips are a no-go!)

The second person we met was Andrew, whom I would describe as FightCRC's cheerleader. He's that kid at the sleepover that stays up all night and STILL has energy the next morning. At the closing dinner, he performed his own one-man version of some N'Sync song. I think. (I never purchased a boy band album post-NKOTB...pretty sure that makes me an OG.) It was Andrew that introduced us to our mentor, Walter.

Walter has soul. You know those people that you speak with and just know there's something deeper; like he knows exactly why he was put on this Earth, and it was cancer that set that voice free. Walter's story is powerful...God's hands all over it. Because he was aware of the blessing that his cancer was found early, Walter pays it forward by advocating for those Stage IV fighters that can't advocate for themselves. He further explained what to expect over the next few days; telling us it was as simple as sharing our story and not being afraid to show emotion (tears, anger, whatever it comes out as). It can't be that easy, right?! There's got to be a certificate or handshake...advocating can't be that simple!?

As we left for the evening, I ran into my favorite Instagram find Sarah DeBord (@theSarahDeBord). Sarah is a Stage IV survivor and thriver! Emphasis on THRIVE. I complain about my post-chemo joint pain and ankle swelling. Sarah has "fat lefty" (lymphedema in her left leg). Dumbed down version; she had so many lymph nodes removed her body has a hard time getting rid of excess fluid and it builds up in her left leg. BUT that doesn't stop her from living. She just completed her 107th round of chemo and travels and advocates and inspires little 15th rounders, like me.

And yes, if you're reading this trying to plan for Call-on Congress 2018, we Uber'd to the Meet & Greet. The tavern was less than a 1/2 mile from the hotel, but it was super cold and I only manage 1/4 mile (no hills) before needing a break. Pause while I laugh at myself thinking I would be able to hit a walking trail after chemo infusions. Ha.Ha.Hahahahaha. Ha!

So there you have DAY 1 of 4.

To all those that donated and made this trip possible, we honestly cannot {Thank You} enough!

For those secretly wondering why we asked for support, or why we don't ask for more financial support:

When facing chronic illness, you quickly evaluate expenses and priorities. Obviously much of our disposable income now goes towards medical bills, but we still allow for a small vacation budget because we desperately need a break from doctors offices and hospitals and cancer. After my diagnosis, our once week long vacations became extended weekends or tag along and split costs with the Hicks's. (Thank you Hicks's!) For us, Call-on Congress was not a vacation but work. I couldn't ask Fred to financially support a trip that didn't give him a minute away from the cancer bubble. Hence the call for sponsors.

Late last year I finally accepted this illness as chronic, and applied for disability. Yes, nearly two years in before I was willing to accept that I wouldn't be returning to work anytime soon. That money will go toward bills, repairs we've put off, and travel. I told you guys Sarah is my inspiration; I too plan to live & thrive & travel while fighting Stage IV colon cancer!

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