Hi Everybody! It has been a few months since my last post so thought I would give everyone an update:
I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer! I know the summer seems to have flown by! I have now been out of work 5 months but the time has gone by so fast that it doesn’t seem quite that long. I guess that must be a good thing!
Here are some things I have been doing since I last posted:
–Still working on the personal training course through NASM. Expect to complete by early October.
–Been training with Team in Training for my next Marine Corps Marathon in October. It is always an awesome experience to train with such amazing and selfless people! Also, there is the first time in many years that I not coaching for the team this season so that I can just focus on my training.
–I am also training for the Chicago Marathon which actually takes place on October 9th which is 3 weeks before the MCM.
–Did some cannings to continue to raise funds for the MCM for LLS/TNT and there were some generous people out there!
–Enjoying the summer with my wife Carolyn and my pets!
Here is an update in my Alport Syndrome/Kidney disease:
–I have just recently received additional testing and it appears my kidney function continues to decline now at a more accelerated rate.
–The Dr estimates I will now need a kidney transplant within the next 12 months! This is sooner than previously estimated.
–I am still in the study group for Alport Syndrome but was also told that my kidney function now is too low to be able to get the experimental medicine. Although, my participation in the group will still help future people because they are still learning so much from current patients.
–My next testing and review will take place in November.
To sum things up, life is full of challenges and you have to face them head on and live each day to the fullest! I plan to continue to enjoy my life and get past this challenge. I am also extremely lucky in that I have a wonderful angel on earth, my living donor (Shawnie), and 2 other amazing people that are back-up donors just in case!
Until next time,
I WILL NEVER QUIT!!
Gary
