In March 2013, I started experiencing upper abdominal pain, itching, dizzy spells and side stitches. All very obscure symptoms. My family doctor sent me for an ultrasound where they found a blood clot in the portal vein. I thought, “What?” I eat healthy, don't smoke, exercise. I was immediately put on blood thinners and referred to a hematologist. After many tests, it was discovered I have a JAK2 gene mutation, which led to a diagnosis of polycythemia vera, a rare chronic blood cancer.

My first question was, “How do I get rid of it?” No cure, only treatment at this point.I was deemed high risk due to the blood clot, so I was put on hydroxyurea, a chemotherapy drug. Nine years later and I'm doing well!

Then I thought, we need to find a cure somehow, so a group of close friends rallied together and raised money three years in a row for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC), at the annual Light the Night walk in Vancouver.

I'm joining Sole 2 Soul for MPN for a few reasons. This is just for patients with MPNs, so hopefully this will lead to more targeted research for us. I am on a team where people "get it." This is not a noticeable disease, so although I look fine, there are tough days. Support is huge for any patient with cancer and I know I will get that with Sole 2 Soul.

I retired at the age of 58 due to chronic fatigue but currently teach fitness classes. I also walk and hike to stay in the best shape possible so I can feel good while managing this disease. This experience will offer me hope, compassion and a camaraderie that will be such a comfort knowing I'm not alone in my fight!

Donate to Debby’s fundraising page: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-mpn-research-foundation/p2p/Sole-2-Soul-for-MPN/page/debby-clarke/