Conquer Your Everest
In December 2009, my father was diagnosed with Leukemia. It wasn’t until June 2010 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.
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!
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!
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
What a beautiful expression of love and encouragement. Thank you for sharing such thoughts with all of us who love you and your family.
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
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
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
XOXO
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.
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
Hi Jen,
I am glad to hear your father is doing better. I was googling myself and found this page. LOL. I am actually surprised how many Many Martin Hudaks there are. Hudak is a Slovakian name. My family came from Kosice, which is Slovakia’s second largest city.
Hi Martin!
My grandfather was from Czechoslovakia before it was just the Czech Republic and Slovakia. I think of Hudak as a Czech name, but I suppose it makes sense that it is a Slovakian name as well! I’m glad you stumbled across the blog.
Hope all is well!
Jen
Jen- This is a great post and we love the “Conquer Your Everest” poem. Thanks for being a supporter of The V Foundation!
Jen,
I just saw your story over the weekend on a TV ski special and your story and poem touched me so much I immediately had to google it. I was lucky enough to find this page with the words to the poem and I both copied and printed it as a daily inspiration for how to live my life. I’m fortunate enough not to have any current people close to me with cancer, but I am going to pass this along when I do. Thank you so much for an amazing poem and best regards to your father in his recovery!!!
Jeremy,
Thank you for taking the time to track me and my poem down! I think the words can help anyone through any struggle he or she may face in life. I hope that no one you know ever has to deal with cancer, but I can tell that you will be a tremendous support to them if they do. Dream big and fearlessly, follow your heart!
Wishing you the best,
Jen