Higher Altitudes by Joanne Turner – A remarkable story of a young woman who cured herself from leukemia.
We continue with Joanne’s story, as told by her in the June/July ’97 edition of Shining Bright. It was then that Joanne described her ‘Journey of Joy’ as she battled with the news that she had leukaemia. She now writes for us, describing her journey during the last nine months. Those who know Joanne marvel at her positive attitude and courage.
No ice axe, ropes or crampons were required. In fact, no equipment or preparation whatsoever was given to climb this mountain. No one even asked me if I wanted to join the team. But there I was, back in May 1997, standing at the foot of the highest, most treacherous mountain I had ever known. I was certain that I did not want to be there. I was certain that it was going to be long and hard and agonising. But I was also certain that I was going to reach the summit.
Focusing my thoughts, I setout with vigour in my stride and passion in my heart. I was ready to conquer whatever I encountered on this scaling expedition. Now I sit and reflect on a ridge halfway up the mountain. There have been steeper sections than I ever thought possible and times when I was clinging on ready to let go. But I have also felt the wind in the peaks and this, of course, is not possible on the ground.
Early on, I realised that my teammates were going to play a critical role in my quest and I in theirs. As we all strive to attain a common goal, there is wonderful comradeship of the climbing party. The friendship and mutual trust and understanding are unequalled. We pat each other on the back after a particularly long day’s struggle. We pull each other up after one loses his or her step. We triumph over each of the crevasses we dared to jump over. We express our pain and discomfort and try to get some peace knowing that others share in our suffering. I respect that each of my teammates has approached the mountain in a different way and each will do whatever he or she believes is necessary to succeed. What is important is that we trust the rope which links us together and that we use it when necessary.
Along the way, I have been continually confronted with the loss of a team member. Some climbers are caught off-guard and are gone with the speed, unpredictability and strength of an avalanche. Others discover a wound but continue to press on despite the pain. Sometimes they get to the point wherthey can go no further and must forever rest on a ridge with a sensational view. Regardless of the circumstances, every member of the team is a success and those who never reach the summit are often the greatest heroes of all.
Although I focus on reaching the top, the end of this sometimes-grueling journey, I have realised that it is not the only reward. In the foothills or the first few weeks of my climb, there were waterfalls, flowers and berries. I noticed nature’s smallest details and appreciated her beauty like I never had before. But what I have experienced at the higher altitudes is more precious and rare because it has been so difficult for me to access. I know the view from the summit will be unparalleled but for now I happy reveling in my daily joys like the brilliance of the sunshine and the crisp fresh air.
In order to reach my goal, it is imperative that my body receives the attention it deserves. Utmost care must be taken with the food I consume and the physical exercise I perform. In one aspect, I am a climbing machine that must be maintained to perfection. But in another aspect, I am far from a machine because my heart and soul play such a vital role in the outcome. Much to my surprise, as my trek progressed, I came to realise that mental endurance was far a greater feat than physical endurance. And, thankfully, I have found something deeper, more spiritual, and even mystical on my mountain.
One of the most difficult tasks has been maintaining confidence in myself and in my abilities when danger is constantly on the horizon. I am surrounded with potentially hazardous situations that are generally out of my control. Without warning, a storm can set in and last for hours, days, or weeks. You never really know what to expect but then again, I quickly learned to stop expecting. Expectations become fruitless and often dangerous because they so frequently lead to disappointment. Step by step, I concentrate on my footing and having utmost trust in my body, my spirit and my guides.
Throughout my climb, I have always maintained that there was nothing worse than to give up after a failure. I have fallen several times and each time I fall, the harder it seems to get up again. My legs are a bit shaky on toof the unstable rocks, but deep in my heart I know I must press on and giving up is never a consideration.
I feel grateful that my mountain has had many ridges on which to rest, recuperate and enjoy the view. Often the steepest faces are just underneath a ridge and this makes the joy of reaching the ridge that much more rewarding. Sometimes I hang out on these ridges for days, even weeks. I savour the extraordinary light that is to be found nowhere else. I look below and triumph over my journey. I simply be.
Like oceans and stars, mountains are among the great things on earth that fascinate me, almost cast a spell over me. I suppose that is why I choose to view the task of healing myself as a mountain climb. In so many ways, the last nine months has been the most positive, inspirational and rewarding period of my life. I have climbed mountains in Canada, New Zealand and Indonesia but never have experienced such intoxication of the heights. There will be no need for champagne on my summit.
Joanne now lives overseas and when she reached the ‘five years clear of cancer’ summit – she married the man of her dreams.
