I’m paddling 34 miles round-trip from Lahaina, Maui to the island of Lana’i. Five years ago this seemed like an impossibility, as I sat in my hospital room receiving chemo infusions. This past May, I graduated from lymphoma oncology. With a less than one percent chance of reoccurrence, I am profoundly grateful for the family and friends that supported me, along with the resources that allowed me to focus on my treatment and recovery.

Three years ago, cancer again struck my family, and sadly with a different outcome. We said good-bye to my husband as he died of esophageal cancer. During his home hospice care, enormous resources extended around myself and three teenage daughters, as we learned the sacred role of caretaker. That support allowed us to be fully present with our beloved husband/dad.

In both of these journeys, the most important thing was connection to family and friends, to feel loved and to be seen at our most vulnerable. That is why I’m joining the Paddle for Life team, supporting Pacific Cancer Care. Please join me in supporting other families as they navigate cancer. Mahalo!