The Murph Challenge Day 10: Stephanie Wheeler
Day 10 of 31 is dedicated to my cousin Stephanie Wheeler. She received her Stage 3C breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 34 in March of 2019. Her cancer was grade 3 so she began chemotherapy two and a half weeks after bilateral mastectomy. Following chemotherapy she had her exchange surgery as part of the reconstructive process. A couple of weeks following this surgery, she began five weeks (25 rounds of radiation) and finished active treatment two days before Thanksgiving 2019.
“Following active treatment, I had immense fatigue (at times sleeping nearly 24 hours) and joint pain. It was hard for me to hold a pen, open jars, put pants on and my hands and wrists were indescribably painful. At first I wrote it off as post-cancer fatigue and pain, but as I got further out of treatment and symptoms progressed. After numerous appointments I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (systematic and chronic autoimmune disease) in the Spring of 2021.”
What I’m most inspired by in Stephanie’s journey is she found the strength to open her own private therapy practice in the middle of Chemo. She found a way to fight for others as she was fighting her own battle. “This is my life’s passion. I work with trauma and guide people as they heal and grow from earlier traumatic experiences. This has kept me going. I love my life. I love simple pleasures. I appreciate self, professional, relational, and spiritual growth. All of that brings me peace and keeps me grounded.”
Every Day We Fight is honored to dedicate Murph Challenge 10 of 31 to Stephanie Wheeler. A survivor and fighter for herself and others.
Day 10 Murph Time: 30:30
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