My Cancer Journey

• Photo: J.P. Hobson

  August 2000: diagnosed with acute leukemia (an aggressive cancer of the blood); given less than a year to live
• At diagnosis 90% of the cells in my bone marrow were cancerous
• Survived three week-long rounds of continuous round-theclock chemotherapy & four months of intensive treatment, most as an in-patient
• Nov. 15, 2000: after my immune system had been eliminated by high dose chemo, I received an adult blood stem cell transplant from my donor brother, Eric (photo below)
• After transplant, my biggest challenge was being able to stand in the shower long enough to wash – could only stand for less than a minute due to fatigue
• Today, one of less than a few dozen people ever to achieve an elite level of fitness after an adult blood stem cell transplant for acute leukemia
• Cancer-free for more than 8 years & officially medically cured
• As strong, fit & healthy as I was before my illness – a 100% recovery

Photo: Cecilia Hobson

Accomplishments
(for more, see Fast Facts)

Photo: Steve Baylin

• Author of six books, including most recent, Climb Back from Cancer
• Co-creator of The 10 Tools of Triumph™ for survivors & caregivers – 10 key psychological tools to survive life-threatening illness & thrive beyond it and The Climb Back from Cancer Program™ of mild individualized cardiovascular activity that has enabled survivors to overcome chronic fatigue
• Has appeared on Oprah
• Member of 10 expeditions to high altitude, including three to Mt. Everest
• Reached Everest’s 29,035-foot summit (8,852 meters) on May 23, 1997
• Considered one of the best adventure speakers in the world
• Former 9-time All-American gymnast, journalist, broadcaster & overseas freelance sports correspondent
• Winner: William Randolph Hearst Award for Excellence in News Writing