Last December my father was diagnosed with Leukemia. It wasn’t until June that we learned that he had an extremely rare and very aggressive form of Leukemia called Denovo-PLL. If you were to try to google it, very little would come up in the search results. The only treatment option was to undergo Chemo immediately and have a stem-cell transplant (formerly known as a bone marrow transplant). I have been dealt some tough cards in my pursuit of excellence in skiing, but nothing has come close to the feelings I have felt over the last 6 months.
It didn’t take long for my family to jump into the recovery process head-on. We Hudaks aren’t known for sitting back, we like to be in the driver’s seat. With that came the responsibility of really training and preparing for the long journey ahead of us. My father created an analogy between his treatment process and climbing Everest. Pre-chemo was training, chemo was moving from Base Camp 1 to 2 to 3 and on to 4, the next step- the stem cell transplant- will be the push to the summit, and his recovery from that will be the decent back to normal grounds. It was then that we realized that everyone has their own “Everest” to conquer, it doesn’t need to be in Nepal.
I created bracelets that read “Conquer Your Everest.” I will have them with me throughout the winter to hand out to those who want them. The only thing asked in return is that these bracelets are worn with the commitment to pursuing excellence in whatever drives you, having the courage to take on challenges, and sending positive thoughts to my father.
November 9th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Jen, I’m so sorry to hear that. I signed up to be a bone marrow donor when my friend, Seun, was diagnosed with Leukemia last year—he has made a wonderful recovery like your dad will. He is even pursuing his dream of becoming the first athlete on the Nigerian skeleton team. I’m a big proponent of signing up to be a bone marrow donor. You know Lindsey Van, right? She did too, and is on the short list to actually donate and may even compromise a world championship season to do so—it’s a life after all so she is eager to find out if she is the match. I’d love to rock one of those bracelets. Hope to see you soon, keep up the great attitude!
November 24th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Thanks Vanessa! Can’t wait to give you a bracelet when I see you. I’m glad to hear your friend Seun is doing well and continuing to pursue his passions! Amazing! Thanks to you and Lindsey for being a registered donor- it is the only cure at this point so we need the generosity!
November 9th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
you are amazing Jen!
I will wear this bracelet proud, for all of those who are conquering their everest, and for myself, to stay focused and conquer mine
November 9th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
What a beautiful expression of love and encouragement. Thank you for sharing such thoughts with all of us who love you and your family.
November 11th, 2010 at 2:03 am
Jen, That truly is touching. Im glad for you an your family – glad youre all fighters. And that is a uncannily well written piece. My condolences and appreciations both for sharing.
xx. Sammy
November 12th, 2010 at 5:38 am
Jen, I am very sorry to hear about Paul. I hope he is doing well. I trained at Memorial Sloan-Kettering so I have treated lots of patients with varying forms of Hodgkins and Leukemia’s . Please let me know the best way to contact Paul so I would like to send my regards. Thanks and I hope for his recovery!! Steve
November 24th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Hi Steve!
Great to hear from you. You can send your regards to 90 High St, New Haven, CT 06511. He would be touched! Hope all is well with you!
Jen
November 26th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
XOXO
January 20th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Jen, I saw you on ‘on demand’ and found this blog. I hope your Dad is doing well with his treatment, I know how it is to see a parent through this process. My Mom had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I wonder if it is possible that we may have a family connection. My step-grandfather was Martin Hudak. Hudak is not a common name, so I was curious if a few generations back your father might be related to my grandfather. He had a brother named Tom and another brother named Mike. He had a sister Katherine. There was another sister I think, but I don’t remember her name. Tom was a doctor and lived in Phoenix in the 50′s. It might be a long shot, Even though we were not related biologically, he was the only grandfather I knew. he passed away in the early 80′s. He was married to my Grandmother, formerly Doris Curley-Sampson. Anyway it might be a long shot…best of luck in your sport and my best wishes for your Dad’s recovery.
January 22nd, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for looking me up and finding my blog! My dad is doing really well so far- its a long process as you know, but so far so good. I wish you the best for your family.
I am not familiar with a Martin Hudak, but you are right- it is not a common name. I’m sure somewhere down the line they shared a common ancestor! My grandfather was Clark Hudak and he arrived to the US in the 1930s from Czechoslovakia- is 89 and still doing well!
Thanks for the good wishes!
Jen