A Picture Worth A Thousand Words
If there is one thing I have been constant about on “Paul’s Heart”, it is sharing opportunities and stories of inspiration when it comes to cancer survivorship as I hear about them. There has never been a shortage whether it be recognizing milestones such as 30, 40, or 50 years of remission, or overcoming concerns about future events in life, such as having a family as a cancer survivor. But in all my years of survivorship, 34 years in remission, 35 years of survivorship since I was diagnosed, the following story from start to finish is one I had not only thought I would ever see in my lifetime, but for sure, not expect to see a comeback as strong.
I first wrote about Jessica, a fellow long term Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor, just over five years ago (Jessica, The Mermaid That Beat Cancer 4 Times – July 10, 2019 post). In November of last year, she suffered a “fatal” heart attack, surviving the event due to the quick thinking of her clients during their training session, and multiple rescusitations by medical staff. Her only chance of life, and with quality, was going to be a heart transplant, an effort so rare among my fellow Hodgkin’s survivors. Jessica would become the first Hodgkin’s survivor I personally knew, to be given a new heart (there were a handful of other long term cancer survivors who had successfully undergone heart transplants). On December 8th, I wrote A Miracle For Jessica followed by a post on December 10th called Jessica – Marching To A New “Beat”, with the heart transplant having been completed on December 9th.
Well, as is often the case of other survivors I have written about here, I have another update on Jessica.
(photo courtesy of Jetwaterfitness)
This picture is of Jessica, is just eight months with her new heart. Barely nine months ago, she suffered that heart attack, and here she was participating in a very special activity.
(photo courtesy of Jetwaterfitness)
It is called “Dash To Paris.” It is a special athletic tour combining running, swimming, and bicycling from Milan, Italy, to Paris, France, just in time for the opening ceromonies of the Para Olympics. The mission of the Dash To Paris, is to demonstrate support for those that want to be involved in athletics regardless of their physical limits or opportunities.
No participant could have met that description as appropriately and currently as Jessica. Despite a history of four battles with cancer, and later in her life, dealing with late developing side effects from the treatments used to save her life each time, Jessica was committed to physical fitness. She even worked as a physical therapist and personal trainer, which likely not only played a major factor in surviving this last health emergency, her recovery, but enabling her to train for this event. Jessica’s goal was to join the Dash To Parish for the last mile, and finish the Dash.
Joining Jessica was another fellow long term Hodgkin’s survivor, and Jessica’s sister, both who were by Jessica’s side following the heart attack. In fact, her sister was by her side during the last mile.
(photo courtesy of Jetwaterfitness)
There is so much to be inspired by Jessica’s effort and determination. Jessica is more than aware how different the outcome of her story could have been. Most of her fellow survivors are all too aware of how difficult and unforgiving our health issues from our cancer treatments can be. Many of us have seen doctors break in spirit, unable to help one of our survivors any further. But Jessica’s story is not only a special one, it is clearly one that is going to keep adding chapters.
Congratulations Jessica on not only this achievement, but your continued improving health. I am sure that can speak for the majority of your fellow survivors, we are all so proud of you!
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