This will be my second year participating in the NYC Triathlon, and my sixth year with my dad following his multiple myeloma diagnosis.

This year is harder for me... I feel the distance from my family more every day. And as we have the talks about what happens when there are no more treatments available... I feel like I do when hill training - my chest tightens and I wonder whether I'll be able to breathe again. But it eventually subsides. And I'm left with an immense feeling of gratitude.

LLS has given my family and my dad time. Time to appreciate one another. Our bond, our family's unique sense of humor, and the move from a place of resentment to one of understanding. If I could take away his pain I would in a second. If I never had to see my mom cry, or my sister's stiff upper lip start to shake, or my dad look at us and tell us how sorry he is that this happened.... I would do 1000 triathlons if it meant this would go away. But I can't. And so I've learned to accept it as a blessing. And I swim, because my dad loves to swim, but can't anymore. And I bike because he loves to bike and does it every day he feels healthy, and even days he doesn't. And run, because I HATE to run, but if he's going through hell, this is the least I can do to show him that no matter how far away I am, I am always right there with him.

This time has made our family closer than I ever thought possible. We laugh daily. And I hope, that through LLS's continued advancements, there will be many years of laughter to come. And if you haven't had a chance to meet my dad yet, I hope you do. He is one of the funniest, wisest, kindest people I know.

Thank you all for your support throughout the years, and your support as I endeavour to finish this journey for a second time.

Much love,

Catherine

Love you dad!!