[editor’s note: I just realized I didn’t give this post a title, before. Fixed this, the day after posting.]

I was honored to virtually meet Brianna Mercker and Natalie Phelps today. They have both experienced their own battles with colorectal cancer, and are committed to raising awareness via their leadership and extensive volunteer involvement with the Seattle Walk to End Colon Cancer.

This was my first time speaking with others who are acquainted with my specific cancer diagnosis; it was very helpful and inspiring. I’ve also been appreciating recent connections with my friends who have other experiences with cancer — my colleague Matt (as a caregiver), and my friend of 25 years, Kari (she went through a different form of cancer, eight years ago).

I’ll be looking forward to joining Brianna and Natalie this October as a team captain; my fundraising page is here. Over the next few months, I’ll be recruiting more volunteers to join my team. 🙂

Early this year, I remember telling my friend Tad that I wanted to be more social in 2024 — as opposed to the past few years, in which I was too much of a hermit. Looks like that is happening now, although not quite in the way I had expected. Definitely happy to be emerging from my hobbit hole!