The 2022 Murph Challenge Day 26: Nicole Axely
On June 21, 2021, today’s fighter was not feeling well and reluctantly went to go get checked out. She found out her hemoglobin was at a 4.5 and she would need a blood transfusion. After more testing her and her family of five world was about to be challenged in a new way with the diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
As Nicole reflects back on the last year she says, “It has definitely been a different kind of year for myself and our family. Together we put on our boxing gloves and fought like hell, and let me tell you some of those fights weren’t easy! Standing here today and looking back we have been through a lot emotionally and physically, and we truly couldn’t have done this without the AMAZING support of our family, friends, Dr’s, nurses and complete strangers that care!! It is really humbling!”
After completing her chemo rounds she would need to delay her bone marrow/stem cell transplant because of a positive Covid test. Her November 4th transplant was postponed until November 30, 2021. “They call this your “second birthday,” and for good reason. A selfless donor from Germany is giving me life again. Please consider registering with BeTheMatch, it’s as simple as a cheek swab. You might save someones life!”
100 days after her original diagnosis, Nicole and her family heard the word: REMISSION! Although there is a lot to celebrate, she will continue on a short term “maintenance” chemo because she is MRD+ (minimum residual disease positive) which means she has higher risk for relapse. This treatment will reduce her risk of relapse by 50%.
Every Day We Fight is thankful to dedicate Day 26 of 32 to a fighter with one heck of a punch, Nicole Axely.
Team Murph: 25:47
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