2016 March For Marrow 5K Run & Walk

Almost four years ago, on March 13, 2012, my Mom lost her short 3-month battle with MDS (a very rare bone marrow failure disease affecting less than 1% of the US).  My Mom was my mentor, my idol, my confidant, and my best friend.  She was the kind of person who would drop everything to help a friend or a stranger in need.  She devoted her life to her family, her friends, and the community. 

Her passing shook our world, but following in my mom’s footsteps, I had to do something productive.  That was when I discovered the AA&MDS International Foundation, and more coincidentally, their annual fundraiser, March for Marrow 5K Run and Walk, that was to be held in our own city of Long Beach the following month!  I immediately became involved and spread the world to family and friends and the entire Long Beach community.  Within three weeks, Team Pat Reep had raised more than $20,000 for the Foundation and more than 50 people showed up to walk for Team Pat Reep.  Each year since, we have carried on the tradition of walking and running in memory of Mom, and have raised nearly $15,000 each year.

Three years ago I underwent a bone marrow biopsy, and I was diagnosed with Familial Platelet Disorder with a Predisposition to Myeloid Malignancy (it’s a mouthful, I know).  This means that I carry the rare gene that my mom and her mom had, that has a 45% chance of mutating and causing leukemia or MDS (don’t worry, I won’t let this happen to me :)).  We never knew my mom carried this gene until after she passed away, so lucky for me, we are way ahead of the curve.  I am being monitored on an ongoing basis at the USC Norris Cancer Center by the best team of MDS specialists in the nation, and my health couldn’t be better!

As you can see, this cause is very near and dear to my heart.  I experienced firsthand with my Mom how awful this disease is, and unfortunately because it is so rare and there is very little research, there is no cure.  It is my greatest wish to see progress in this field so that no one has to go through what my mom and family went through.  Please consider walking or running with us on Saturday, April 30^th to raise awareness for MDS, or please consider donating even if it’s one dollar…every dollar counts towards finding a treatment and hopefully even a cure for MDS.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To make a donation, please click here, then choose “Support Me”.

To register for the walk/run, please click here.

My mom was the most kind, generous, loving, and giving woman I have ever known.  She was my best friend.  Everyone who knew her loved her.  She was a leader in the Long Beach community, and devoted much of her time to philanthropic work.  It’s my turn to give back.  Please consider joining me or supporting our cause in honor of my beloved mommy, Pat Reep.

The last picture we took together, 2012

On my wedding day, three months before she passed

My First Time Cupping!

Last night I tried cupping for the first time.  Before you let your mind wander to dirty things (I know, because that's where my mind would go), let me explain what cupping is.

Cupping is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin.  It is believed to mobilize blood flow in order to promote healing, and help remove toxins and stagnation from the body.  Suction is created using a flame, which is briefly placed inside the cup to remove all the oxygen in order to create a vacuum, and then the cup is placed on the person's body.  The cups may remain in place, or they can be moved along the body's muscles to help promote blood flow.

I love acupuncture.  I recently found a new acupuncturist who turns out is a friend of my uncle, and she is absolutely wonderful!  Her energy is contagious and her positive spirit is palpable.  Last night was my first session with her, and upon first meeting it was as if we had been lifelong friends.  She is a true gem.  She explained to me what cupping was and asked me if I'd be interested in trying it, along with acupuncture and acupressure massage.  Without hesitation I said "absolutely!"

Cupping was the most interesting feeling.  It was odd at first, mainly because I'd never had anything suctioned to my back before, let alone 6-8 glass cups (these are cups specifically designed for cupping).  After a couple minutes, I was in a complete state of relaxation.  She began moving the cups along my back in very rhythmic movements, and the feeling was so therapeutic   I definitely felt toxins leaving my body, my breath deepen, and my blood circulating more thoroughly throughout my body.  It was relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time!  Just as a warning, since there is suction, cupping does tend to leave bruises.  It's not painful at all, but if you are planning on wearing a backless dress and don't want round bruises on your back showing to the world, don't do it.  Otherwise, give it a try!!

Always Thankful

This time of year is a time for reflection.  When I look at  my life, there is so much I am grateful for, and I count my blessings not only this time of year, but every single day of the year.  Some of the things/people I am grateful for are:

My Parents

For giving me the gift of life, and loving me to the fullest unconditionally.  I’ve always been crazy close with my parents, talking with them multiple times a day about important things and trivial things.  My Mom passed away last year, but during the 25 years we spent together we were best friends and had many many unbelievably fun times together.  She was kind, intelligent, giving, genuine, loyal, funny, beautiful, courageous, and so loving.  She was always there for me…she was my rock.  I miss her with all my heart every day.  My Daddy and I have always been close too and still are!  We have so much fun together!!  From cooking, to talking shop (we’re both Finance majors and have our MBA, and he was in the healthcare industry as I am), to traveling, to taking dance lessons together, to rockin’ out in the Vinyl Lounge at home, my Dad is one of the smartest, most fun, goofy men I know.  I love him to the moon and back!

My Hubby

My soul mate and everything bright in this world!  My husband is truly one in a billion, and I am the luckiest girl in the world to have him as my partner in life.  We have shared so many wonderful experiences together over the last seven years from the mundane of watching Walking Dead on our couch to the luxury of traveling to exotic locations abroad.  Each day is an adventure with him, and I look forward to all the future adventures life has in store for us.  I couldn’t imagine sharing this life with anyone but you my love!

My Family

Growing up, my family and I spent every Friday or Saturday at someone’s house cooking dinner, listening to music, and just hanging out.  Now that I’m older, not much has changed, and I love it.  My family is my rock, and without their love, support, comfort, and craziness, I would not be who I am today.  From our silly evenings at someone’s house to our travels together, I am so grateful for all our laughs, cries, singing, etc!  I love my family!

My Friends

My friends are true gemstones, and I know that they are there for me no matter what.  You know who you are.  Each and every one of you makes my life so much brighter, and I am so grateful for your friendship.  Some are close by, others across the country, but no matter how far apart, we always pick up right where we left off.

Our Furbabies

Our two puppies, Rugby and Juno, and our kitty Tantalum make our world so much happier.  Nothing beats coming home from a long day at work to three loving furbabies who are beyond excited to see you!  Their love is unconditional, and our love for them is unconditional.  They are our babies, and I can’t imagine life wihtout them.

My Health

Over the last couple months I learned that I carry a genetic mutation that my mom and grandmother carried, that predisposes me to MDS and/or leukemia.  I could be depressed and heartbroken and fall into a deep dark place thinking of a terrible fate, but that’s not who I am (there’s no room for negativity in my life).  Instead, I fill my life and heart with positivity!  I am grateful that I can breathe each day, that I can work out and push my body beyond it’s limits, that I can explore the world with through site, sound, smell, touch, and taste.  I am a very healthy 27 year old, and I’m going to be one very healthy 90 year old down the line!!

Our Home

We are so thankful that we have a roof over our heads and a place to call home.  We were able to buy a home two years ago, and it’s been so much fun remodeling and decorating and really making it “ours.”  This time of year is especially exciting because we have our Christmas tree (this year we bought a monster one at 11 feet!), Christmas decorations around the house, and Christmas lights outside.  It was so fun decorating for the holiday with my hubby while we listened to Christmas music :)

Travel

My parents always believed that travel provides knowledge, insight, and experience that cannot be obtained in a classroom.  Don’t get me wrong, school was always number 1 (I was always a straight A student and went on to earn my MBA), but seeing the world enlightens you in a way that is so profound and mind-opening.  I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world including, France, Spain, Italy, England, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and more!  We have several adventures planned for 2014 including Iceland!!  Stay tuned!

Education

Education is embedded in who I am.  My parents gave me the gift of education, for which I will be eternally grateful.  I was always an over-achiever (and still am), and wanted to excel in school not only to impress my parents, but to give myself a sense of gratification in knowing I absorbed and learned everything I possibly could!  I recently earned my MBA, and I continue to look for ways to expand my knowledge and grow!  As cliché as it may be, knowledge is growth and knowledge is power.  Keep on educating yourself!

Technology

I am so grateful for technology on numerous accounts.  First, I am grateful for my iPhone and the ability to communicate in real-time with my family and friends around the country.  Second, I am grateful for the internet and social media for keeping me up to date on current events and acting as a tool for sharing my own stories like I am right here on this blog.  Third, I am grateful for medical technology to help fight diseases and find cures!

Transportation

I love that I have a brand new and reliable car that not only gets me from point A to point B, but also carries our precious cargo with ample space (our pups love their car rides!).  This was my first car purchase completely on my own, and I am very proud of myself for that.

Music

What can I say other than music is so fun!  I enjoy listening to and singling along with music in my car, during my workouts, and just singing and dancing around the house!  There is music for every mood, and it’s wonderful!

My Career

I am grateful that I have a job, and more importantly that it’s a job I love.  I have been with my company for nearly 5 years now, and I love each day.  I am tasked with many challenging projects, and I enjoy every bit of it.  My team is making huge strides and I couldn’t be more proud of our accomplishments!

Be thankful for all the blessings in your life this holiday season and always!

Releasing My Fears

Do you ever have one of those days when you feel discouraged and overwhelmed?  Today was one of those days for me.  Both work and personal things just seemed to add up and I felt so stressed and upset.  The stress of a project at work just amplified my feelings about what’s going on with me personally, making it a very difficult morning for me.  I spoke with my hubby and my cousin about this, and they both made me feel much better.  Things have a way of working out.  I've always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I just can’t see that reason…yet.  I have to remain hopeful, and I know that reason will present itself when the time is right.  After speaking with my hubby and cousin, I went to my “Words” board on Pinterest to which I pin inspiration quotes or messages.  Here are some that resonate with me today.

I have to release my fears and remain positive and hopeful that things WILL work out :)

Workout Wednesday!

I am going to try something new, and on Wednesdays write about my workouts; hence the title “Workout Wednesday”.  Let's give it a go!

Since marathon training ended in March, I've been working out with a group in a boot camp style format every Monday through Thursday.  It’s even more fun because it’s almost my whole family who does it!!  Mondays are either a HIIT (high intensity interval training) or body weight/TRX; Tuesdays are AMRAPs (as many rounds as possible of a circuit in a specified amount of time); Wednesdays are cardio; and Thursdays are Tabata Thursday (my favorite).  I had to take last month off for health reasons, but this week I’m back at it and it feels so good!  I love starting my day with a killer workout to get my blood flowing.

On top of my boot camp, I’m working out with my personal training twice a week.  This morning I worked out with her before boot camp, and she destroyed my arms (in a good way!).  We did biceps, triceps, and shoulders, and my muscles were screaming!!  She definitely pushes me beyond my limit!  She's awesome!  A great trainer and a great friend.  After she kicked my butt, boot camp was all about spin, trampoline, and more arms!  Spin was 30 minutes of hills and sprints, followed by 30 minutes of trampoline + triceps + shoulders.  Needless to say, my arms got double the workout this morning, and are already sore.  I'm sure tomorrow I won’t be able to move them, and I love it!

Did you work out today?  What did you do?

Boosting My Platelets Through Clean Eating!

Since I learned about my platelet disorder a couple weeks ago, I've been doing a lot of research and reading as much as I can on the topic.  One of the things I've been reading on is how to increase my platelet count.  A lot of what I’m reading relates to diet, and although nothing has been proven, it’s theoretically supposed to help.

Here are some of the foods that are theorized to increase platelet counts:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, etc.)
• Broccoli
• Lean proteins (fish, chicken, turkey)
• Cold pressed oil, specifically sesame oil
• Omega-3s (fish, oils)
• Warm temperature water (cold water slows down digestive tract which can impact the body’s ability to absorb nutrients)

Foods that inhibit platelet production include:

• Processed foods
• Refined sugars
• Junk food
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Tonic water (quinine)

Remember back in June/July when I was very strict with my eating?  It’s basically going back to that.  Don’t get me wrong, I still eat very healthy, but I do indulge in wine or cocktails and every now and then I've eaten pizza or things I really shouldn't eat.  Well, that all will have to go out the window.  Until my next monthly blood draw on 11/25, I am going to test this theory out and see if it works.  I had my blood drawn last week and my platelets were at 81.  Let’s see if they improve on 11/25 with strict healthy and clean eating!

Medical Update

After some routine blood work this summer, I learned my platelets had dropped from 100 in March to 83 in August.  Now, just some background information, a normal person has 150-400 platelets.  I have "run low" my entire life, never having had more than 105.  However, this drop was a little concerning, so my primary doctor suggested I reach out to Mom's oncologist/hematologist at USC who treated Mom.  Dr. Casey O'Connell is not only one of the nation's leading physicians in bone marrow failure diseases, immune blood disorders, myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders, but she is one of the kindest, most genuine people I've met.  She recommended I come see her and that we do a bone marrow biopsy just to be safe.  So on October 2nd, I went in for my first bone marrow biopsy.

Two weeks ago I went in for the results.  I learned I have Familial Platelet Disorder with a Predisposition for Myeloid Malignancy (FPD/AML).  I have a gene mutation in my 21^st chromosome called RUNX1, which has a 45% chance of developing into acute myeloid leukemia or MDS (this could higher considering my family history).  Only 200 families currently are known to carry this gene (although this may be underestimated as it is now being increasingly recognized due to enhanced awareness).  So basically I'm an X-Men!  I'm still working to uncover my super power though :)

I am very hopeful and confident that I am in the 55% that will not be affected, and I will continue to remain positive.  I am surrounded by the best team of doctors at the USC Norris Cancer Center, led by Dr. Casey O’Connell who is one of the leading experts in this area.  They will monitor my blood counts on a monthly basis and look for any anomalies.  If anything arises, we are way ahead of the game and have the advantage of time and preparation.  Down the road it’s possible I may have to undergo a bone marrow transplant as that is the only “cure”, but there is no sense of urgency for that in the next year or so.

If you want to read a little more about this, here are some helpful links:

• Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology
• Haematologica.org
• National Center for Biotechnology Information
• Blood Journal

Faith is stronger than fear.   The odds are in my favor and I have lots of eyes on me/my blood!  I will practice patience and serenity, and believe that I am healthy and will be so for a very long time :)

Thankful

November is a month to give thanks, and I am blessed to have to so many things to be thankful for. Because there are 30 days in November, I am going to list 30 things that I am thankful for, even though there are plenty more :)
I am thankful for:

1. My health, both physical and mental

2. My loving husband, my soul mate, my best friend. I love you baby

3. Our sweet kitty

4. Our handsome chocolate lab

5. Our beautiful baby great dane, soon to be our gentle giant

6. My incredibly strong, caring, and goofy dad

7. My big brother and his family who live far away but luckily I get to talk to and skype with frequently

8. Technology that allows me to communicate with my big brother in real time so the 2,000 miles between us seemingly doesn’t exist.

9. My little bro who isn’t so little, and can always make me laugh

10. My marvelous extended family

11. Living so close to all my family and that we get to see each other multiple times a week

12. A house to call home

13. A career that I love

14. My car to take me where I need to go

15. My education, thank you Mom and Dad for the gift of knowledge

16. Great friends who are there for me no matter what

17. My fantastic parents-in-law who are two of the kindest people I know

18. The ability to pay my bills on time

19. Sunsets, I’m a sucker for sunsets

20. Seeing the sunrise every morning because it reminds me I’m alive on this day and to make it count

21. Where I live (5 minutes from the beach, 1½ hours from the mountains and desert)

22. Movies

23. Food and my favorite drink, water

24. My love for cooking and being able to do so

25. My community

26. Having traveled around the world to the places I’ve been to (with many more places on our travel list)

27. This blog to share my thoughts

28. My readers on this blog

29. Music

And last but definitely not least,

30. My Mom, who was and will always be my mentor, my idol, and my best friend. I miss you every single day. I love you to heaven and back.

I am thankful.

Hope, Steps, & A Cure 5K and Walk

Last weekend I ran and walked for Mom as part of Team Pat Reep at the Hope, Steps & A Cure 5K Run and Walk for Aplastic Anemia and MDS.

I am still completely blown away at the turnout we had for Team Pat Reep.  We had more than 50 people show up and they all were wearing the shirt I designed.  I’m getting goose bumps thinking about it.  It was so moving to see so many of mom’s friends come out in her memory.  I know Mom was with us and smiling.  Together, our team raised more than $15,000 for MDS, and the event overall raised a grand total of $72,474!!  Amazing!!

It was the most beautiful day we’ve had this year and a perfect day for our race and the Walk.  The day began with a 5K run at 8:00am, which some of my family, few friends and I did.  It was really fun running along the beach, and it ended up being more like 5 miles than 5 kilometers.  It was their first 5K (they’ve done the 1-mile walk event in the past, but this was the first 5K run), so of course hiccups are to be expected.  The hiccup here was that there was no turn around point so everyone just kept running.  Finally we all just turned around and ran back.  It was still fun!  My bro won 1st place in his age group and my cousin won 2nd in his age group!

Then the main Walk began at 9:30.  It’s a 1-mile loop along the shoreline.  This was incredible.  The event drew 200+ people, 34% more than last year, and we were a sea of red all walking for aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.  It was so powerful to see.  Here are pictures from the day:

Hope, Steps, & A Cure walk

We love you Mommy!!!

Team Pat Reep (there were even more people for TPR that aren't in the picture)

5K course

Me and Lisa running the 5K

Post 5K family

My cousin and big brother

My mom's best friend and her daughter

Me and my Aunt

Me and my cousins

Big bro, hubby, me, little bro

With my brothers, Daddy, Uncle, and Aunt

Me and my cousin

Jay, Me, Koko

Little bro and cousin won first and second place!

Friends :)

Love

For you, Mom!  I love you!

Some of our team

Team Pat Reep

My hubby and mother-in-law

The Walk

Such a beautiful sight

Big bro: "Go Team Pat Reep!!"

The Queen Mary

I loved seeing the shirts and Mom's "Rockstar" picture

After the run and walk we went to the BBC (Belmont Brewing Company)
for beers and lunch :)

The day was beautiful and filled with lots of laughter and tears.  Great stories were told and memories remembered.  Team Pat Reep will be back next year, and we hope to double our fundraising efforts for 2013!!  Mark your calendars to come run and walk with us:  April 27, 2013!!

Healthcare Conference in San Francisco!

Yesterday I was in one of the most fun cities attending the largest healthcare conferences of the year, the 30th Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference.  Just a couple of factoids about this conference:

• It's held at the fabulous St. Francis hotel
• There are 400+ companies here
• There are 8,000+ people
• The entire hotel and all it's conference rooms, ballrooms, meeting rooms, etc are closed off to this conference and it's attendees.
• To even enter the hotel, you have to be signed into the conference and wearing your badge.

Needless to say, it was a mad house! It was back to back company presentations from all fields: pharmaceuticals, hospitals, managed care (where my company fits in), commercial health providers, etc. Any company and every company relating to healthcare is here and it's so exciting!  And analysts who cover these companies, bankers, and investors attend too!  I love conferences like these.  It's a GREAT networking opportunity and one of the best ways to learn.  Plus, my company presented yesterday and that's always extra fun for me since I build the presentations :)


After my company's presentation, I headed back to the hotel to do some more work, then I was able to get a pretty good workout in!  I hit the hotel gym and ran 3.87 miles before I met an old friend for dinner.  I hadn't seen Miss L since high school and even though we talk online it was wonderful to catch up in person!  Then, my incredible hubby came to visit me!!!!  I have the best husband! :)


This morning before flying home, we stopped at one of my favorite places for brunch, The Buena Vista Cafe.  It's the place we had brunch after running the San Francisco half marathon two years ago (wow, I can't believe that was TWO YEARS ago!)

Buena Vista Cafe Post San Fran 1/2 Marathon, July 2010

Even though it was a quick trip, it was a great trip both from a business and personal perspective.  I heart San Francisco :)

Memorial Day Weekend, 2010