BJ Martell

BJ's Margaritas
 

December 1st 2017 was by far the darkest day of my life, for both myself and for my family. Three words from our doctor “You have leukemia” is something no-one should ever have to hear in their lifetime.

The conversation plays over and over in my head still, nearly two years later and I am sure it always will. The emotional impact of being diagnosed is something so powerful I could never have imagined. From diagnosis of Hairy cell Leukemia, to treatment, everyone’s involvement, from the doctors to nurses to help from LLSC, was second to none. The support our family received was more than incredible, from old and new friends alike, which made this battle that much easier. As hard as being diagnosed and receiving treatment was, it has changed our lives so many ways, but for the positive! I hope to think I have made a positive change in all my friends and family lives, regarding the way they look upon life and the way they live it! I live every day for today and encourage everyone of my friends and family to do the same. Unfortunately, it took 45 years and to be Diagnosed with Leukemia to have this mind set.

With my leukemia currently in remission, a small group of new friends I like to call family now, took it upon ourselves to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2018 Light The Night walk and formed a special group called BJ’s Margaritas! What started as a small goal that seemed somewhat unachievable turned into something far more special than that. Our team was able to raise almost $10,000 and received our own personal tent on the night.

In 2019, we went bigger yet again with our personal goal set for $10,000, which we hope to exceed.

Just to see how fast the Margaritas have grown in just one year is truly amazing and I can’t wait to see where it takes us in the future. My hope is to raise as much awareness for blood cancer and touch as many lives in a positive way as I can on this journey. However, I can only do so by surrounding myself with a group of friends and family to have fun and enjoy life! With this support and great friends, anything is achievable and beatable!

Sending love from Margaritaville!