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