In life, most of us go through the regular ups and downs of daily living, but for a patient battling an MPN it is different. The bite of life keeps coming on a regular basis for these patients and the struggle is real. The bite tends to come in many forms – from treatment-related side effects, to disease-related symptoms, to adjustments in lifestyle. I have witnessed this firsthand, working in the field of MPNs for the last 10 years at Incyte. That is why I have decided to join the Sole 2 Soul for MPN team on this fundraising and awareness trek to Canada. Sole 2 Soul for MPN is a fantastic collaboration with various MPN foundations to bring awareness and raise money for a cure in the fight against the disease.

In order to prepare myself for this journey, I have been hiking regularly in the foothills around where I live here in Utah. The strenuous hiking preparation feels like life is also biting at you with fatigue, sore muscles, blisters and lots of sweat. This prep is also a real struggle for some, as getting ready to hike 20-plus miles in the remote forests of Western Canada is no joke.Although necessary, we must all prepare ourselves, but at times this can be accompanied by pain and discomfort. However, these hardships are followed by a rewarding outcome: beautiful landscapes of lush mountain forest, rivers and breathtaking views.

The hard work can, at times, take a bite out of you in many ways. This happened to me literally last week as I was on one of my preparation hikes just in the local foothills. As I was getting ready to cross a suspension bridge over a gorgeous ravine in a narrow passage, I passed a couple with a large dog. The dog apparently got startled by my passing presence and lunged at me unannounced, sinking several of his teeth into the side of my left knee. The result left me with a deep bite wound accompanied by bleeding and bruising. I was able to make my way back down the mountain, three-quarters of a mile to my car and on to medical attention. I received the proper medical treatment and am now on the mend, but this has taught me many life lessons.

Be prepared, be ready, be aware and be grateful. I was prepared for my hike and ready to face the challenge which when it happened, I was able to walk out on my own. I was aware of my circumstances and surroundings which allowed me to plan my return route with or without a leg injury.I am most grateful that although I was bitten, I was able to function, walk on my own power and make it out to safety. It could have been much worse of a situation but I am grateful that I made it through.

Life will try to bite us all from time to time and MPN patients know this better than most.However, if we all live prepared, ready, aware and grateful, we will be better equipped to not only survive, but thrive along the way. Life is a journey and living it is a learning experience!