Month: November 2005

Mari, thanks for stopping by the site! I hope to see you this Sunday. Things have been really busy for me. I have been busy juggling my classes, organizing the climb-a-thon, and climbing. It has been a lot to handle, but I am really looking forward to the event on Sunday. On Nov. 19th, I had the privilege of participating in the Twisters ABS bouldering competition. I was really impressed with the event. The new manager, Jess McCauley, really did a great job putting together the comp. There were over 80 boulder problems, a barbeque, a raffle, and even a band after hours! It was a good way to showcase the rennovations that have been made in the last couple years…there is more climbing space now, but the event was publicized so well the comp was very crowded. It was great to see the Twisters kids from my old team, now incredibly strong teenagers, climbing hard and enjoying themselves. There was a good variety of climbs in the beginning and intermediate range, and I had fun competing even though I wore a paper mask to help shield myself from germs. It was hard to breathe with the mask on, and the power moves were difficult. I also avoided any climbs that were over 10 feet, or looked like I would not be able to do without falling. This careful approach certainly did not lead to a very high score, but I felt safer. I don’t want to have an injury and become disabled again…and be a burden to my friends and out of climbing again. It will take a while to be able to climb strongly again. Before the transplant, one of my doctors said, “It’s too bad they don’t have climbing in the Transplant Games.” I told her I was going to enter regular competitions! Now I’ve done it! -Stacey, from Belmont

I want to share with you a very insightful card given to me by Joshua Levin on my transplant birthday. Though Joshua is only 11 years old, he is able to understand me in a unique way. I was really touched. I remember being 11 years old and wanting my adult friends to tell me their real feelings…often much to my avail. Joshua, you have my respect. His card reads: Dear Stacey, “This time, one year ago, you went through one of the biggest and most dangerious events in your life. It marked the birth of the new Stacey, the one that is in you today. That day not only marked your new physical bieng, but your emotional bieing as well. So today, as we look back one year ago, will celebrate, and remember that day, the day of your new life. Happy Anniversary, Stacey!” Joshua also brought me a “Kids of Climbing” calendar. He is featured as the June boy, and he looks very focused and strong. When I see his picture, it is hard to believe what an incredible climber he is becoming, and I am very proud to have been his first coach. Stacey

Denise, thank you for your lovely note! It has been quite a year. One of my most vivid memories was waking up in the ICU with new lungs, waving to all the doctors and nurses, and furiously writing notes to my friends, excited to be alive. This was followed by a difficult two-week hospital stay of no sleep, sweating in bed, and dramatic mood swings…and kind visits from family and friends. Then came the rigorous schedule of daily hospital appointments, nutritious, gourmet meals prepared by my mom, and an ambitious self-motivated rehab program consisting of first walking, then climbing hundreds of flights of stairs…usually with Dave by my side. I took many long nature walks with my mother, too. At 3 months post-transplant, it was back to the hospital again, for a visit to the ICU, two months in bed with nausea, plus a second surgery…and various friends and family visiting. Those visits were really memorable. Then I started a second recovery, a bit slower than the first, gradually getting back into active life again. The most wonderful thing about this recovery was getting back into climbing again, and being able to spend time with friends at the gym. The setback left me with 50% lung capacity, enough to do daily activities but limiting in sports. The year has had its ups and downs, and Tuesday I was taken out to Thai dinner to celebrate the one-year milestone. Carrie, Richard, Joshua, Yuri, Dave and Lorraine shared this special day. On this Thanksgiving day, I am thankful to my donor, for giving me new life. I am also grateful to my mother and Dave for taking such good care of me after the transplant, and to all the thoughtful climber friends who visited me, or donated to my medical fund. I am glad my transplant friends have made it through the first year (30% don’t!) I am thankful to my cousin Brenda, who provided a beautiful, delicious Thanksgiving meal and a lovely gathering with my Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Ron, too. Stacey, from Belmont

Here is an announcement about the Dec. 4th Climb-a-thon, a very important community fund-raiser. It is a celebration of my first year of life after the transplant and the main source of raising the thousands of dollars in medical funds I will need for next year. Plus, it will be lots of fun and you can get great deals on clothing and gear at the silent auction! If you are unable to attend, but interested in sponsoring a climber, please let me know! There are many climbers who need sponsors and will not be able to participate without your help. Join us for the 3rd Annual Mt. Everest Challenge! We are looking for a team of 29 climbers to climb over 1001 feet each to reach a team goal of 29,035 feet. It is a fun event to help Stacey raise funds, celebrate her first year of living after the critical double-lung transplant, and raise awareness about organ donation and the rare lung disease she had before the transplant (LAM.) What: A climb-a-thon, silent auction, and movie featuring world-renowned Hans Florine and Scott Cory, who climbed El Cap at age 11. Date: Sunday, Dec. 4th, 2005. Climbing will be from 2-5 p.m. Dinner and movie to follow. Where: Planet Granite Belmont Gym, 100 El Camino Real (www.planetgranite.com) Cost: Registration is free for PG members. Day pass required for non-members. Adults, $17. Students, $9. How to do it: 1)Contact Stacey at [email protected] to get registration materials 2) Gather a minimum of $100 in sponsors and collect pledges 3) Bring money to get great deals on cool gear and clothing at the auction. 4) Climb on Dec. 4th! Proceeds will benefit a special fund for Stacey’s medical bills at the National Transplant Assistance Fund. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, please contact Stacey at [email protected], or 650-776-8629. Stacey, from Belmont

It has been a tough week. I have had a hard time sleeping and making it to morning classes. Tuesday, I even threw up in the car after class and spent the rest of the day resting in bed. It was unpleasant to think of all the computer lab homework I am getting behind on and mid-terms to study for, plus the pressure of organizing the up-coming climb-a-thon on Dec. 4th. (I do not understand how chronically sick people can succeed at everyday ambitions.) Wednesday, I felt better, made it to class, and in the afternoon I met a new friend named Jessica for climbing. We had a really great time getting to know each other. Jessica is a strong and graceful climber, and showed me a new 5.11a that I had not tried before. Although I had to rest twice, I did make it to the top! I also tried the other 5.11a I have been practicing, and ALMOST made it clean except for one disappointing slip of the foot. Although I am still struggling on overhangs, I am pleased to be working on climbs at this level. I seem to be able to climb the routes that require more technique than power and strength. I was not sure I would be able to climb at a reasonable level after the transplant, and I feel things are improving. It feels great and has helped my spirit., Stacey, from Belmont