Name: Donna (patient) & Bud (caregiver) Cowan

Age:72 & 75

Hometown: Folsom, California

Reason for Climbing: We want to do whatever we can to make a difference for patients like myself and for others living with multiple myeloma.

Our Story: Donna: I have always been active, being outdoors I love the best. I have always challenged myself to be the best that I can be and have been blessed with a great attitude and energy level to accomplish things I have desired to do thru the years.

In September 2013 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, high risk, (the autumn after celebrating my 70th Birthday), one can only imagine the shock when the Doctor told me I had 2 to 3 years to live. The myeloma had left bone lesions in my spine that caused extreme pain and until the Chemo could stop the progress of the Myeloma I was unable to move without help. It took a few months before I was functioning again. It was scary to be so disabled. It took a toll on me, I lost confidence in myself and the fear set in, what if. Do I, Can I, Will I ever..?

I did what I have always told my children to do, "I picked myself up, brushed myself off and started all over again". I searched for resources to help me be strong, mentally and physically, to live my life the best that I could, to change my attitude, my body and my everyday living. I have the most wonderful husband, best friend, caregiver beside me helping me all the way. AND, now I have accepted the challenge to "Conquer the Canyon". WOW