DAY 6 for 10-10... In honor of Cancer Fighter and survivor Elexis Mariash

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DAY 6 of 10-10: In honor of Cancer fighter and survivor my soul sister, best friend and so much more: Elexis Mariash
(MALT Lymphoma)
10 mile run - Louisville round and a bout (1:34.03, 62 deg and full moon at first, then sunny. 5:11am, 9:24/mi -(9:29, 9:25, 9:18, 9:55, 9:23, 9:42, 9:22, 9:27, 8:57, 8:57)

Hello there readers.

So today my run was for my sister Elexis Mariash. She is my bestest friend and soul sister. We have been through it all together and have held each others hand every step of the way.

Back in 2005, when Elexis lived in New York, she discovered a lump in her cheek. After having it removed by an oral surgeon and sent out for a biopsy, she shockingly learned it was diagnosed as Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue Lymphoma or MALT Lymphoma. Luckily, after an intense work up at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it was determined that no immediate treatment was necessary due to the slow growth of the cells and low margins of pick-up around her body shown in scans.

After learning of this diagnosis, Elexis had a choice to make about how to live her life. She decided to move back to Colorado to reduce stress and has since eaten a strongly organic and natural diet and tries to stay active. She also actively focuses positive energy and mindset on keeping her body free of cancer. Miraculously, the areas that previously had shown pick up - her stomach, throat, lungs and tongue - have increasingly been clear in her CT/PET scans. Elexis' story is a true testament to the power of positive thinking and efforts to living a healthy life and how it can affect your inner body.

Elexis has also taken an initiative to be involved with her family and friends each year in the Light the Night Walk in Colorado. Click here to go to our team page. Please join us and walk on September 30th at Washington Park.

Today on my run I was joined for 6.5 miles of it by my good friend Jenni. The last mile she did something special. In honor of Elexis, we had a fun Q+A of Elexis and I. I will leave you with some of them that I remember:

• What color represents Elexis? Orange for high energy, and she reminds me of sunlight with her positive and uplifting attitude. This is why the text today is Orange as per Jenni's suggestion.
• If you could eat anywhere in the world with her where would it be? Sushi Sasa because it is our date place.
• What is your favorite memory of you two together so far? Us staying up late and jumping around in our room as kids.
• What is her favorite food? Sweets; all kinds.
• What is the biggest thing so far that she has helped you through? My last year was huge helping with my wedding as my maid of honor and helping me through a tough time in High School in Denver.
• Where would you go for dessert? well this is a hard one because we like sweets but probably frozen yogurt.
• What car would represent her? From a personality stand point, a cute mini cooper with pink accents because she is sassy and has zoom but for real her dream car is a Subaru Tribecca.

Lex, I love you with all of my heart.

Jacqueline