03/03/2026
February was a whirlwind.
I’m deeply grateful for every minute of my continued health. The truth is, I’ve lived more fully in the last four years than I ever did before cancer suddenly all that mattered became all that mattered. I no longer take time for granted.
This month held a lot.
We took full advantage of Lara being retired and my continuing good health and headed to South Carolina with Winnie, our amazing dog, spending three slow, beautiful weeks on the beach with my sister Karen and husband Dan. From South Carolina we drove to Atlanta to watch our best friend and favorite basketball coach's team play. Once home wee traveled to NYC to see the incredible Brandi Carlile at Madison Square Garden with and spent a day serving on the board of a nonprofit supporting theater kids—all our travels feeding the soul in very different ways.
I also took on the challenge of helping launch a new nonprofit focused on Mantle Cell Lymphoma with my sister and a few fellow MCL warriors. We’re in the early stages, but I’m genuinely excited about what we’re building and why it matters.
This month included another IVIG infusion. My immune system is still—and will continue to be—essentially nonexistent as long as my modified T cells keep doing their job and attacking my bad (and unfortunately good) B cells. That’s just part of my life now. And I’m learning how to live fully inside that reality.
February marked four years since my MCL diagnosis—the beginning of a journey that reshaped everything. It also marked the 14th anniversary of my dad’s passing, which always brings a wave of memories and a quiet reminder of the space he no longer holds here on earth.
Somewhere in all of this, I leaned hard into my creative side and taught myself balloon artistry (yes, really!) in preparation for my mom’s 90th birthday. The first of a few celebrations—and one I never imagined I’d be here to witness. We went all out, and it was hands-down one of the best birthday parties ever. A big one. A meaningful one.
We also spent time with friends who are near and dear to our hearts—people who hold a deeply important place in this chapter of our lives. That time felt grounding and necessary.
March already holds big plans, the entire family will spend a week together in Arizona to celebrate my mom's 90th birthday, and also includes my every-four-month trip to MD Anderson in Houston for PET scans, labs, and my oncology visit. Life continues to move forward—with intention, gratitude, and a whole lot of heart. Oh, and Lara, Winnie and I head to Colorado mid March for a month with the grandbabies and my kids!
February was full—of movement, memory, creativity, grief, love, health, and life. And I’m holding all of it. 💛
