The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 20: Ariel Mdorf
After reading today’s dedications story it was clear that her words were more powerful than a summary. It’s a reminder for all of us to live in the present moment.
Ariel writes, “July of 2021, one week after my 30th birthday, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of appendix cancer. There are no genetic links or environmental factors that they can point to as a cause, and one of my specialists described it as a genetic mistake that we simply don’t have a reason for yet. Up until my birthday, I was living a healthy life, maintaining multiple jobs, preparing for nursing school and enjoying working the hard and rewarding job of being a single mother. It is an understatement to say my life was turned upside down and inside out after my diagnosis. My family lived in crisis/survival mode for a few months following my big surgery, medical appointments, & tests. Treatments are still scary at times, the veil of crisis mode is a bit lifted for now as I settle into my “new life” and new way of being.
Due to my treatments, my brain and body do not function like they used to. Despite the side effects, many life changes have been for the better: things that I used to find important and stressful no longer bother me much, I move at a slower pace and take my time to think before making decisions or responding, and I am able to dive deeper into my relationships both with myself and loved ones and God. It finally feels easy to be filled with genuine gratitude for my life and to be fully present as a mother to my son, even on days I feel crummy and need help with his care. My life is filled with love and I no longer feel like I’m waiting for something in my life to happen before I start enjoying it. I recognize the true statement that the current moment is all that exists. I’m here to live it, to feel it, to write about it, to share it, and to give thanks for it. I hope my story takes away some of the fear if (heaven forbid) you or a loved one gets an incurable medical diagnosis. There is still much life to live. I may be nauseous but I am awake and here for it all.”
Trevor Kim, Ariel’s nominator, has this to say about her journey. “When I first met Ariel she was competing as professional bodybuilder. Fast forward 5 years and I find out that she is battling for her life against cancer. I never would have thought that such a strong, driven, health conscious person would have gotten that diagnosis. But after watching my partner battle cancer as well, I have found that cancer does not discriminate. Ariel is a true inspiration, she has so much strength and courage in the face of a difficult and life altering diagnosis. She is a survivor, a fighter and I am blessed to know her.”
Every Day We Fight is grateful to dedicate today to a fighter that reminds all of us to live in the moment, Ariel Mdorf.
Team Murph: 25:29
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 19: Heidi Daehlin
Have you ever met one of those people that is so caring and genuine in every interaction with them? Today’s dedication goes out to one of those people. Her daughter, Faith, says, “everything she does is for the people she loves. She is the most selfless person I know. Even with this cancer diagnosis, she’s always thinking about her loved ones.”
Heidi suffered a stroke in September of 2021. That was just the beginning of challenges ahead as doctors identified she had a brain tumor while treating her for her stroke. After more than a month of daily seizures, she had brain surgery to remove the tumor. The diagnosis of the mass on the right side of her brain was Stage 2 Glioma Tumor.
Radiation and chemo have been a challenge, but Heidi continues to fight and inspire her family and friends along the way, “my mom inspires me to keep pushing. She never gives up. She shows that strength every day. If she can do this, I can do anything also,” says Faith. Faith joined me for her mom’s dedication today and pushed herself hard in her moms honor.
Heidi is a fighter. She’s full of faith and a positive outlook, fully trusting that God will provide.
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate Day 19 of 32 to an amazing mom, friend, and person, Heidi Daehlin.
Team Murph: 29:24
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 18: Krystal Baumann
4 years and 49 rounds of chemotherapy to see 29.
If I can pinpoint one relationship that ignited the mission and vision for Every Day We Fight, it’s my friend Krystal Baumann.
In the Fall of 2018, Krystal was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. She attacked it with every ounce of physical and mental strength she had. At one point the outlook was 3 months to live. She defied the odds to hear the words remission only to see it come back stronger a couple months later.
As I reflect back on her journey and our friendship these last 4 years, I’m grateful for the peaks and the valleys we walked through together. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to witness first hand in seeing my friend suffer while finding a way to fight every day. The peaks and moments at the top of the mountain have been unforgettable. Getting to the dawn after the darkest moments have been the most impactful.
There’s a quote that goes, “to keep fighting when the world would understand if you fall to pieces is true strength.” That’s my friend and someone I call my little sister, Krystal.
Krystal’s fight is far from over, but recent scans showed progress and her cancer is at the most manageable phase. It’s the results we have been praying for and I know her impact on this world is just getting started.
To get to today, her 29th birthday, is a blessing and miracle. Her fight, her grit, her way of always getting up no matter how many times cancer and chemo knock her down is nothing short of incredible.
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate Day 18 of 32 to a Warrior, Krystal Baumann.
Murph Time: 28:16
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 17: Addy Kaczmarski
Strength, Power and Positivity.
As a power lifter, today’s dedication has always been a great teammate, “Addy is a great kiddo! She is strong and always positive! She always cares about how other people are feeling and she is always cheering on everyone else,” says Coach Angie Jansen
In September of 2021, Addy started complaining of headaches. They were infrequent and manageable at first but soon came on with no relief. After an MRI, results showed a mass that is 5x4x6 cm in the right side of her brain. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor on August 12, 2021. In September, she had surgery to remove it and determined it was cancerous.
I’ve known the Kaczmarski family for many years. When you think of their family, you think of the word: STRONG. Strong parents, strong kids, and strong faith. All those would be tested in a new way with Addy’s diagnosis and challenges that come with it. From making it through radiation and ringing the bell at Mayo, to regular trips to California for a clinical chemo trial, to ongoing appointments and vision therapy.
Renee’s (Addy’s mom) updates always come with love and Scripture verses that spread faith, hope, and belief. Brian’s (Addy’s dad) updates always bring perspective, laughs, and humility. They both recognize how strong, positive, powerful, and resilient their daughter is throughout this journey.
Although the journey is not over, there is zero doubt that a family that exemplifies strength and with a daughter that embodies it will see this one to a victorious finish.
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate Day 17 of 32 to a Powerful Fighter, Addy Kaczmarski.
Murph: 28:56
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 16: Ashley Davis
5 years of battling. Ashley writes, “everyone knows cancer is exhausting. There is a reason that the image of the gaunt person wrapped in blankets, peering out above sunken cheeks is such an archetype. Cancer wears you out, it wears your body down, and it becomes an all-consuming, unwanted companion.”
Back in 2018 Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer. After 6 months of chemo and a double mastectomy they found a second and new breast cancer. After a year of treatment and medication, she got engaged and was looking forward to starting her next chapter. In 2021, 10 days following her engagement, she was having terrible pain throughout her body. After they scanned her, they found Mets in her skull, sternum, spine and tailbone. She was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
Friend and 2021 nominee, Stephanie, connected with Ashley while they were both going through treatment. Steph says this about Ashley, “she continues to be a ray of sunshine while also maintaining her authenticity. She is an absolutely beautiful soul, and I’m grateful our paths have crossed. She makes this world a brighter place!”
Despite going through the hardest five years of her life, she has never lost her faith and purpose. Whether it’s in her career, as a wife, mom, or friend , she describes her purpose in each day in a simple and inspiring way, “what good can I do today for the glory of God?”
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate Day 16 of 32 to amazing warrior, Ashley Davis.
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 14: Kathy Maiers
Parkinson’s disease tries to take away your motivation to fight. Today’s dedication refuses to let Parkinson’s stop her.
Over 1 million people in the U.S. battle the disease and Kathy Maiers is one of those 1 million. I’ve known Kathy for 4 years and she is a staple in our Knockout Parkinson’s classes. She inspires me daily as she attacks the disease head on while being a supporter, encourager, and inspiration to those who take class with her.
Kathy was diagnosed in June of 2018. As a neuroscience nurse, she started to notice symptoms and began to question whether it was Parkinson’s Disease which her doctor confirmed. After some research, she gave boxing a try. Kathy says this about exercise and attacking Parkinson’s, “I’m determined to be a poster child for proving exercise/boxing delays progression.” She has noticed minimal effects from Parkinson’s since attacking this with exercise as she puts it, “like my part time job.” Not only has she delayed the progression physically, it’s helped her mentally as well, “for me, it helps my anxiety, apathy, memory and sleeping issues.”
One of her favorite quotes that we say in class, “Parkinson’s may have started the fight, but we’re going to finish it.” She sums up her experience fighting the disease with a lesson for all of us as we fight our own battles, “it’s a lot easier to be resilient when you surround yourself with the right people. I’m around the right people and we show up and fight together.”
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate Day 14 of 32 to a great friend, encourager, and fighter, Kathy Maiers.
Team Murph: 26:16
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 12: Aria Turner
We know stories of fictional superheroes, but today we are going to share a real life one who encompasses strength, faith, and perseverance. She just happens to be 8 years old…
Just over two years ago, today’s fighter was a fun loving kindergartner. In January of 2020, she came down with what her mom thought was the flu. After several weeks she was still exhibiting symptoms of excessive exhaustion and would sleep 12-14 hours at night and then would fall asleep at school. By mid-March, she was losing weight rapidly and suffering from migraines and eye pain.
After multiple appointments and tests, Aria was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in March 2020. The MRI revealed a large mass right above her pituitary gland. She underwent multiple surgeries, chemo rounds, and radiation at Mayo.
Her mom, Jessica, recalls, “after one of her surgeries, the doctors weren’t sure if she would regain vision in one eye, but she did! Aria stunned doctors by getting up and walking within an hour of each of her brain surgeries!”
Jessica finds inspiration in her daughter in more ways than one, “Aria inspires me every day to have more faith. She has never questioned or wavered that God would heal her. There was a very rough day in that hospital after surgery that she was struggling to even get out of bed or stay awake, and she said God told her to get up because she was going home. So she got up!”
Aria has withstood so much pain and adversity, but she continues to fight each day. Her tumor has now shrunk to the size of a pea.
She has defied all the odds and is a survivor!
Every Day We Fight is honored, amazed, and grateful to dedicate Day 12 of 32 to an extraordinary warrior and superhero, Aria Turner.
Thank you friend and nominator, Larry, for joining us for a Team Murph: 25:29.
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 5: Duke Lucia
As a parent, most of our biggest fears surround something life threatening happening to our kids. We hear or know a story that makes our heart hurt thinking of the family or it happening to our own child. To live it day in and day out though, it’s not something most of us cannot comprehend.
Meet Duke, a strong and brave 2 1/2 year old boy who was diagnosed with Medullablastoma tumor and Stage 4 Brain Cancer. His diagnosis came after several months of what appeared to be a sprained ankle that lead to him not being able to walk, weight loss and headaches. He had his first brain surgery on 2/22/2022 to remove and investigate the tumor. Soon after he began chemotherapy.
On June 7th he has an MRI to show the progress the chemo has made. He then starts stem cell transplant process on June 10th. Depending on how things go, he will be under regular treatment until the Fall.
His parents, Damian and Jeanna, hold firm in their faith and belief that Duke will continue to persevere. Jeanna says, “my biggest takeaways from this journey is his resiliency, and how much of a fight he puts up with. This has made all of our families and faith stronger and gives us light at the end of the tunnel every day that he keeps fighting.”
I know almost all of you are reading this story of Duke, are hearing it for the first time. Our ask of you is to leave a comment of encouragement below and/or share this message to extend prayers to him and his family as they navigate the challenging road ahead.
Thank you to an old friend, Erica, for nominating this inspiring fighter and family. She said, “I’ve been hoping to find some way to help this family beyond prayer and then I saw your Facebook post to nominate a fighter and I felt like my prayers have been heard.”
Let’s get more prayers answered by lifting up Duke.
We are blessed and grateful to dedicate Day 5 of 32 to our new friend and incredible warrior, Duke Lucia. Murph: 29:39
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 4: Sheri Grube
“We rise by lifting others.”
Have you ever met one of those people that is always lifting up others even though the challenges they are facing would make you think they are the ones that would need the lift? Today’s dedication is for one of those incredible people.
“Fighting every day is at Sheri’s core. Dystonia tries to take her down but she gets right back up. She lives excellence whether it is in the gym or art studio. She knows every day is an opportunity to fight. Plus everyday is an opportunity to fight along side someone who may need a little extra encouragement . She welcomes all into her corner or is ready to join you in your corner. Sheri has a gift and she makes the world a kinder place.”
-Jean (friend and 2021 nominee)
Dystonia is a movement disorder in which a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably. Almost a quarter million people in the U.S. are battling it with no current cure.
Along with her passion to help others, Sheri is an incredible artist with multiple paintings inspired by passion and healing through trauma. She has had entire exhibits featuring her work with sales going directly to the Dystonia Medical Research Fund.
It’s our pleasure to dedicate Day 4 of 32 to our amazing, talented, incredible friend Sheri Grube. Team Murph: 25:26
The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 2: Kayla Stotz
“Victory is sweetest where the battle is greatest, and that is how life is. When you look at all you have overcome to win the hardest battle, you will be more than proud of yourself.”
Kayla has been a friend and member of our health club for almost 5 years. We’ve watched her kids Dane and Piper grow up as they always tagged along as her sidekicks for class and training. Our health club is a place where Kayla got stronger physically, but also fights back against mental health as well.
Over the last couple years Kayla had been searching for answers with health challenges she had been facing. After being a continued advocate for her health she finally got an answer. Unfortunately, it was an answer that none of us wanted to hear….cancer.
When she shared the news, we knew that she would attack her Hodgkin Lymphoma battle with every ounce of strength in her body. We knew she would turn that diagnosis into determination.
“She is an amazing mother, wife, and friend. Even after her diagnosis, she stayed exactly that way. She never complained about any of what she was going through and kept a positive outlook on her situation.” – Kylee (friend and trainer)
For anyone that has taken class with Kayla over the years….she’s not big in stature but packs one helluva punch. She gives non-stop effort and grit in every class.
“It’s been a journey for sure! As hard as it was, I also found it rewarding seeing my strength and watching myself grow as a person through this experience. I’ve learned a lot about myself! Thank you for your continued support, love, prayers & for always being in my corner! I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive group of friends & family through chemo!”
– Kayla
After years of uncertainty and unanswered questions about her health, to 6 months of chemo and radiation battling cancer, Kayla heard an amazing word last month: Remission! There is still work ahead, but this woman exemplifies strength and toughness. She earned her victory hands.
Day 2 of 32 dedicated to our friend Kayla Stotz. Team Murph: 26:25
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website