I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016 at 48 years of age. In the years since, I have undertaken two autologous stem cell transplants in 2016 and a salvage transplant in 2019. Unfortunately neither lasted as long as we would have hoped. From initial treatment to today I have benefited greatly from various pharmaceuticals, the majority developed relatively recently. My fight, like many others, against MM is, and will be, very much dependent on the continued research and development of additional pharmaceuticals and treatments (CAR-T and BiTE) that the The MMRF and researchers are so very focused on today. The progress is exciting, and we depend on it.

I have been a supporter of The MMRF since my initial diagnosis. The more I have learned of its wide ranging work in seeking new treatments and ultimately a cure for MM the more I support its mission. Also, the work Kathy Giusti and The MMRF do in bringing together other non-profits to learn from each other is outstanding. I learned of MM4MM through this association and was compelled to join to test myself physically and to continue to raise awareness of MM.

I am very excited to be a part of this team hiking in the Colorado Rockies – it will be a physical test given the altitude but a great chance to unplug and enjoy nature and meet new people with their own stories and connections to MM.