May 19, 2016…My story…My journey…
My Genesis journey began well before I ever realized it.
I am a survivor of a rare form of multiple myeloma with amyloidosis. After 10+ years of a smoldering disease that went undetected and affected my heart, lungs, eyes, skin, and ability to walk; followed by 6 months of weekly chemotherapy, and a successful stem cell transplant on December 28, 2011, I began setting goals. I set forth a new goal of hope and determination for each year of survival. By God’s grace and mercy, I have achieved and continue to achieve each of these goals.
Baby steps…My first year was to begin building my strength and endurance in order to work again. The next year was to work full time. The next year was to purchase my own home. The next was to purchase my own car. My next goal was to be as fit and healthy as never before. I am in the process of achieving that goal, my life’s goal. The year of 2016 is crucial because if I survive my 5th year without recurrence of the disease, I am home free, according to statistics.
Around late summer or early fall of 2015, I learned of and read about the Genesis Running Program that was being held at Magic Island. To my joy and anticipation, a new class was forming in Teays Valley. My friend from school, Deb Hodges, was also interested in running again since we both ran when we were in our 30s. We talked about Genesis and the rest is history as the “Groovy Girls” of North Putnam joined the Genesis family.
Without the Good Lord giving me the ability and desire to pursue this dream to run again, the Genesis training, the expertise of Dr. John Hudson, and encouragement from Deb and my Genesis family, I would not have made it this far with running. I’ll take you back with me to the very first class when I immediately went into a full blown bronchospasm and lay down on the sidewalk. And the time I smacked the pavement with the palm of my hand and said “I can’t do this”! And the time I cried in the cold winter weather and stomped my feet because my lungs (severe exercise induced asthma) weren’t cooperating. Or the time I was within walking distance of the finish line and went into a bronchospasm.
Coach John worked his magic and we came up with a workable combination of my asthma medications even down to timing my nebulizer treatment for maximum benefit on race day. My biggest test was the April Fools snow squall at Oakes Field. Deb and my sweet friend, Mr. Frye met me at the entrance of Oakes Field upon my return and asked how I was doing. My immediate response was “I’m never doing this again”! And we burst into the biggest laugh knowing that I will do this again and again for as long as God gives me the strength and determination to run.
I will never give up and I hope that my story encourages others to set their sights on the horizon and never give up. Whatever life throws at us, whatever cards are dealt, we must walk through it, yet we don’t have to walk it alone. Jesus Christ leads the way, holds our hands, and carries us when we can’t take another step. I know. I’ve been there and I held on tight to the Master’s Hand.
Hope does not disappoint.
Elizabeth Bayless
My Genesis journey began well before I ever realized it.
I am a survivor of a rare form of multiple myeloma with amyloidosis. After 10+ years of a smoldering disease that went undetected and affected my heart, lungs, eyes, skin, and ability to walk; followed by 6 months of weekly chemotherapy, and a successful stem cell transplant on December 28, 2011, I began setting goals. I set forth a new goal of hope and determination for each year of survival. By God’s grace and mercy, I have achieved and continue to achieve each of these goals.
Baby steps…My first year was to begin building my strength and endurance in order to work again. The next year was to work full time. The next year was to purchase my own home. The next was to purchase my own car. My next goal was to be as fit and healthy as never before. I am in the process of achieving that goal, my life’s goal. The year of 2016 is crucial because if I survive my 5th year without recurrence of the disease, I am home free, according to statistics.
Around late summer or early fall of 2015, I learned of and read about the Genesis Running Program that was being held at Magic Island. To my joy and anticipation, a new class was forming in Teays Valley. My friend from school, Deb Hodges, was also interested in running again since we both ran when we were in our 30s. We talked about Genesis and the rest is history as the “Groovy Girls” of North Putnam joined the Genesis family.
Without the Good Lord giving me the ability and desire to pursue this dream to run again, the Genesis training, the expertise of Dr. John Hudson, and encouragement from Deb and my Genesis family, I would not have made it this far with running. I’ll take you back with me to the very first class when I immediately went into a full blown bronchospasm and lay down on the sidewalk. And the time I smacked the pavement with the palm of my hand and said “I can’t do this”! And the time I cried in the cold winter weather and stomped my feet because my lungs (severe exercise induced asthma) weren’t cooperating. Or the time I was within walking distance of the finish line and went into a bronchospasm.
Coach John worked his magic and we came up with a workable combination of my asthma medications even down to timing my nebulizer treatment for maximum benefit on race day. My biggest test was the April Fools snow squall at Oakes Field. Deb and my sweet friend, Mr. Frye met me at the entrance of Oakes Field upon my return and asked how I was doing. My immediate response was “I’m never doing this again”! And we burst into the biggest laugh knowing that I will do this again and again for as long as God gives me the strength and determination to run.
I will never give up and I hope that my story encourages others to set their sights on the horizon and never give up. Whatever life throws at us, whatever cards are dealt, we must walk through it, yet we don’t have to walk it alone. Jesus Christ leads the way, holds our hands, and carries us when we can’t take another step. I know. I’ve been there and I held on tight to the Master’s Hand.
Hope does not disappoint.
Elizabeth Bayless