Norwalk Couple To Trek Alaska, Raise Multiple Myeloma Awareness

NORWALK, CT — When JP Kealy noticed a pain in his back during a weightlifting session in his basement during the spring of 2014, he thought he had simply pulled a muscle and decided to wait it out.

A week later, he decided to see a doctor about the still-present pain and was prescribed pain medicine. With still no change a week later, his doctor ordered an X-ray and MRI, which revealed he had three fractures and a tumor the size of a golf ball on his spine.

"I had no idea I had the tumor there until I started lifting weights," JP said. "If I hadn't lifted that night, I might still not know."

JP was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells for which there is currently no cure. According to his wife, Annamarie, the day of the diagnosis was a moment she will never forget.

"I didn't even know what multiple myeloma was," Annamarie said. "I had never heard of it. I had absolutely no idea. I couldn't have told you it was blood cancer."

In the seven years since the diagnosis, the Norwalk couple has tackled each day like a long journey, trying not to get ahead of themselves but supporting each other every step of the way.

"I always say one day at a time," Annamarie said. "We try not to worry about six months from now, a year from now, because ... there are choices and treatments. You just have to take one day at a time, otherwise it absolutely is overwhelming."

It is that mentality that will help them on their latest challenge: a six-day expedition in Alaska, during which the couple will cross over glaciers, travel through deep valleys and ascend steep peaks in an effort to raise awareness for multiple myeloma.

The Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma climb will take place Aug. 16-21, and is a joint initiative between the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and CURE Media Group.

During their trek, JP and Annamarie will be part of a 12-person team consisting of multiple myeloma patients, caregivers, family members and doctors.

"People that do these treks tend to be very positive and optimistic, and that's sort of what we have always focused on," Annamarie said. "It's like our support group, and they're people who really do want to make a difference in terms of raising awareness for the cancer and raising funds for research for the MMRF."

The Alaska climb will mark the couple's third trek for the program, having previously traveled through the Everest Base Camp and Patagonia areas.

"JP and I always say we will continue to climb mountains as long as we can until there's a cure," Annamarie said.

As the anxiety of preparing for these types of expeditions has mostly faded with experience, Annamarie said the couple is just excited to get started.

"I think it's just going to be breathtaking with the scenery, and just the vastness and size of Alaska," Annamarie said. "I think it will be manageable, but I'm sure there will be a couple of challenging days."

JP agreed, noting the couple plans to head to the area a little early to get acclimated.

"We're really looking forward to it ... it's going to be awesome," JP said.

Should the trek prove more difficult than anticipated, the husband-and-wife team plans to tackle it the same way they have traversed the past seven years together: staying positive and taking the journey one moment at a time.

"We're kind of there for each other," Annamarie said. "I think, for me, it's hard because I want to make [JP] better and I would love for it to just go away and him to be cured, but I feel like at least we can support each other when we're on these treks together."

According to Annamarie, her husband's mental strength is nothing short of inspiring, so much so that she and the couple's four children have tattooed the phrase "JP Strong" onto their bodies.

"I think that is what has sustained him all these years," Annamarie said, "just really trying to stay positive. We don't get too excited at the highs or too excited at the lows, because it changes. It's kind of a rollercoaster ride. You just have to get through it one day at a time."

For JP, it's the positivity he and his family have maintained since the day of his diagnosis that is the key to where he is today. Though he recently began receiving chemotherapy, Annamarie noted her husband is currently in "a very good place" both physically and mentally.

"Unfortunately I was dealt a crummy card, and I have to deal with it," JP said. "My thought is [that] it is what it is, and we'll fight through it, but for anyone else just stay strong."

Anyone who wishes to donate to the couple's fundraising page can do so here.