In 2010 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 phase 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. During the time of my treatment I began to focus inward looking for alternative well-ness along with heavy doses of chemotherapy. For those not familiar the first six months of the R – C.H.O.P. treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma are pretty brutal with fatigue, nausea, hair-lose and many other side effects that change and continue for years afterwards.
After my first 6 months of treatment I decided to experience different ways of reviving my mind, body and spirit. Sweat lodging, marathon running, polar bear swims and many other fun life enhancing activities. I didn’t drag Jolie along for all the fun activities but the polar bear swim on New Years Day 2011 was an absolute reason to celebrate and an excellent way to rejuvenate . I mean, come on! What better way to rejuvenate then a New Years Day swim out on The End (Montauk, Long Island, NY).
The New Years Day Polar Bear swim was awesome. Jolie and I went between, sauna, steam room and ice cold showers back and forth 3 times; on the 4th we ran down the steps onto the sand, which was mixed with snow, into the freezing ocean. I can’t explain how painful this is. You literally feel the a rapid shock run through your bones. When it’s all over you can say “Wow that was crazy & I really love life”.
Gary Alony 