by Layla Moheimani
I was diagnosed with Stage III Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma at the age of 21. The weekend before my 7th round of chemo, I went on a ski trip with a group of AYA (Adolescent/Young Adult) cancer patients and survivors with the Send It Foundation. Being diagnosed with this life-threatening disease at such a young age felt like a betrayal. Essentially, cancer robbed me of my health and my youth but chemotherapy transformed my body into a vessel I no longer recognized and couldn’t call my own.
My first Send It adventure sparked the belief that not only could I reclaim my body but that, if I could fight to survive, my physical capabilities were limitless.
Through Send It, I have tackled white-water rapids, stand-up paddle-boarding and surfing, all for the first time. Send It has also inspired me to push my body every chance I get through rock climbing, hiking, or just working on my free throws. Whether I’m successful at any of these endeavors is irrelevant. That I am able to attempt that which had for so long seemed impossible given the total sickness that had ravaged my body and spirit, is already the ultimate victory.
Send It also taught me resolve in other aspects of my life. It showed me that your life only has true meaning if you can summon joy for yourself and for others, even and especially if that joy comes from a place of deep pain.
Most of all, Send It has given me a family, a community brought together by our lowest lows to witness each other’s highest highs. We have laughed together, cried together, and cried from laughing together. It is a group of people who fill my heart like no other group can.
Please help me support Send It Foundation by making a donation. Thank you so much for your support and making these experiences possible to people like me.
