#BraveLikeCaitlin
Name: Caitlin ML Balint
Age: 38
Diagnosis: Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Years of Survivorship: 21 years
Location: New Fairfield, CT
Follow Caitlin on Instagram.
How has running or staying physically active affected your cancer journey?
I am 38 years old and live in New Fairfield, CT. I'm married to my wonderful husband Dave. We have a smart, beautiful and adventurous 6 year old daughter named Reagan. Although I do not have cancer, I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) when I was 17 years old and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) about 4 years ago. AIH is a chronic disease in which my immune system attacks my liver cells. PSC is a rare liver disease that damages the bile ducts inside and outside my liver. I have diligently managed these issues over the last 20 years with medication and under the close monitoring of the outstanding professionals at Yale New Haven Hospital. Unfortunately, there is no cure for either of these progressive conditions and I have reached the end stage. I have learned that I need a liver transplant, and that a living donor is my best chance for survival.
I credit my love for running and trying to stay fit with slowing the progression of my liver disease, prolonging my quality of life, and increasing my likelihood of a successful recovery. When I was first diagnosed in high school, I was told I could no longer play soccer so I started running. I ran cross country for my college in my junior and senior years. I qualified for nationals individually during my junior year and placed 52. I have never let my liver disease be an excuse or stop me from doing something.
As my disease has progressed, my activity level has diminished. Over the past 10 years, I have taken pride in surprising new doctors when they first meet me after only having looked at my file and liver scans. My liver has extensive cirrhosis, which is something like having a plugged-up filter. This creates a lot of internal pressure which puts a strain on the veins, arteries, and other organs throughout the body. The doctors expect me to present much worse, sometimes not even recognizing me as the patient. Many of my doctors cannot figure out how I function and say they have nothing nor anyone to compare me to. They have no other patients like me. My body has made many collateral pathways to alleviate the pressure. For example, my umbilical vein has spontaneously re-opened and I’ve formed a hepatic-femoral vein which shunts blood away from my liver and into my left leg. I credit my overall health to the cardiovascular benefits of endurance training.
What advice do you have for people on staying fit throughout their cancer treatment or recovery?
I would encourage people to be as physically active as they can. It’s a force multiplier for recovery, stress release, strength and confidence. After I had my gallbladder surgery in 2018, I walked as much as possible as after surgery. The walking helped speed up my recovery and lessen the pain. Within a few days, I was doing yoga because my doctors prohibited me from doing anything too strenuous. I went to a wedding a week later (and danced the night away). Staying fit is so important to recovery; the body can heal faster, and you can get your life back.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments since being diagnosed with cancer?
My proudest accomplishments since being diagnosed with my liver disease would be my daughter and my running. When first diagnosed, I was not sure if it was safe to have a child with such extensive cirrhosis. However, I was told I could try. Reagan is the best thing I have done. She has brought so much love, joy and laughter into my life. She is beautiful, athletic, energic, and intelligent.
I am also proud of my running. When I was first diagnosed in high school, I was told I could no longer play soccer. The doctors were concerned that my enlarged spleen could be damaged during contact sports, so I started running. Initially, I ran on my own, just 2 to 3 miles every day to stay in shape. During my sophomore year in college, my student advisor suggested that I try out for cross country. I thought he was crazy, but I tried out anyway. I ran cross country for my college in my junior and senior year. I placed second in my conference and second in New England’s. I qualified for nationals individually during my junior year and placed 52. I have never let my liver disease be an excuse or barrier to something that I wanted to accomplish.
How has Gabe's story impacted you or changed the way you view life as a cancer patient/survivor?
Gabe’s story has impacted me by giving me hope and encouragement. Gabe was incredibly hopeful and positive throughout her journey, never letting her diagnosis slow her down. She remained hopeful of making the 2020 US Olympic team despite all the medical issues and challenges she was facing. She never let it be an excuse, something that can be so easy to fall victim to.
Many times on the treadmill or when I’m out for a run, I start to feel like I can’t go much longer because of symptoms related to my liver disease. I think of Gabe and say to myself that if she can do it, you can do it.
You must dig down and find an inner strength that many of us don’t even realize we have. Gabe reminds us all that this inner strength exists. Running on hope says it all, you must stay hopeful throughout your journey, despite the challenges—because if you don’t, the disease will beat you.
What does being #BraveLikeCaitlin mean to you?
Being #BraveLikeCaitlin means never backing down, staying strong, never giving up hope, and always staying positive and thankful for the support from people around me. It’s the strength that Gabe demonstrated that we all possess within us.
I can remember some of the conversations I had with Gabe over Instagram message and she was always so encouraging. She inspired me to stay hopeful and imbued me with confidence. I know that when the time comes for me to have surgery, I will be Brave like Gabe and I will set an example for others to be brave like me.
What are you most looking forward to in the near future?
I look forward to finding a donor that is a match and becoming healthy. I can’t wait to have the energy to run longer and harder and to be able to enjoy running again.
I’m also looking forward to doing more with my family. I find myself needing to elevate my legs because the fluid is uncomfortable. I have so many places I want to visit with them, but I just can’t physically do it right now.
Most of all, I can’t wait to be somewhat normal and to know what amazing feels like. I have been told I am going to feel amazing and right now I do not know how bad I actually feel. I guess I’m wondering what it feels like to be healthy.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you?
I couldn’t have gotten through this process so far without my amazing and supportive husband who has been my cheerleader, my advocate, my shoulder to cry on, a level head, and willing to do anything to make me happy. My daughter, despite being only 7, has given me so much inspiration and encouragement.
Dr. James Boyer from Yale New Haven Hospital who has taken care of me since I was 17 is more family than physician, all my trust and faith is in him. He has been there for every medical procedure I have had, including the birth of my daughter. Dr. Kim To, who has also known me for many years, and has always been there to answer any question at any time of day. Her patient manner has filled me with encouragement and hope.
My family, who have been extremely supportive through the whole process and who have always been there for me. And my friends, I have been very fortunate to have met some of the greatest people in the world. They have always been there for me and I am so appreciative. I’m ready for the surgery and to become stronger after.
Finally, the donor, whoever that might be. I can’t thank them enough for the willingness to donate a portion of their liver. The support I have received from the people around me has been overwhelming and humbling. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.