Camino de Santiago: Another Perspective

August 23, 2016October 9, 20171 Comment

I’m really excited to have finalized a print piece on my insights on the Camino de Santiago for the Winter 2017 issue of Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center’s Momentum Magazine. I can’t wait to post it, as soon as the article becomes available online. (Updated: Read that story here.)

In the meantime, here’s a video of my Camino companion, Kevin, who gave a talk at his synagogue earlier this month where he shares the important lessons and messages other pilgrims were sent to teach him. Perhaps you will recognize a someone in his story (around the 5:00 mark).

The Ordinary World

June 29, 2016September 17, 20162 Comments

As featured on carcinoid.org

The Hero’s Journey is a narrative template identified by writer Joseph Campbell. It is said to be the greatest story ever told because it has appeared over and over in some of our most beloved stories and movies such as Jaws, Star Wars, and my personal favorite, Thelma and Louise. It is an overwhelming obstacle assigned to an un-wanting individual who must find the strength to endure and persevere.

It is my story and the story of many cancer survivors.

Cancer Survivor’s Day

June 5, 2016September 16, 20162 Comments

As shared June 5th, 2016.

Just because I like to overachieve, I couldn’t stop walking when I got to Santiago. I’ve spent the last four days walking to, symbolically, land in Finisterre on Cancer Survivor’s Day. At one time this place was thought to be the end of the world. It wasn’t. And neither was cancer for me.

So with extremely bittersweet feelings, this particular Camino ends here. 19 non-stop days of walking, 600,701 steps, 258 miles (415 kilometers), 2,392 floors, countless thoughts to process and a new forever friend.

I am SO lucky and grateful in more ways than I can count.