The Enchanted Forest

By William Brant

September 9th, 2026

This is a shot of the Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic National Park. It provided me with some much needed serenity as I had received the diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma just a couple of months earlier in June of 2026. It was a massive shock emotionally but provided a logical explanation for the symptoms of fatigue, sweats, enlarged lymph nodes and weight loss that seemed to escape and explanation from my primary care physician. Exploring the Olympic Peninsula, even with limited energy, took the edge off the emotional trauma of beginning the cancer journey. The beauty and tranquility of this region is beyond incredible. I began treatment five years in and continue with daily targeted treatment with a BTK inhibitor, Acalabrutnib. It is not without unpleasant side effects, but it is successfully keeping my markers in check.