Name: Amy Stiles
Age: 46
Hometown: Kodak, Tennessee
Why I’m Climbing for the MM4MM Team: I am climbing for all those that are unable to climb because multiple myeloma will not let them. Jeff’s recovery has been swift but I also know that multiple myeloma is a journey. I only hope that this journey that we will take in August can be yet another stepping stone to finally eradicating multiple myeloma. Plus, Jeff and I love hiking and what better way to celebrate such an awesome recovery then hiking Machu Picchu!!!!!!
My story: I am and always have been a very positive and glass half-full person. On May 28th, 2014, I felt as though my glass had been emptied out completely. What started out as an appointment to rule out sickness, quickly turned into the word that everyone dreads-CANCER. When I heard the words MULTIPLE MYELOMA, of course I went straight to my phone and Googled it (probably not the best idea I ever had). Next, my thoughts went to my family. We had a wedding coming up in September for our oldest daughter, Lauren. Who would walk her down the aisle? Would Jeff be around to see our boys graduate or our grandchildren(which we now have the most awesome 9 month old grandson!!!) As the weeks went by( especially after Jeff was off that dang renal diet), my glass started to slowly fill back to a more positive outlook. With successful treatments in Knoxville and Nashville (stem cell replacement), Jeff has made it through this difficult journey and continues to show improvement with each visit. It was not easy, but God was always with us and never left our sides. If multiple myeloma has taught our family nothing else, it has taught us to never take life for granted and appreciate the little things. Jeff and I have an almost 11-month-old grandson and I am determined that Jeff will be around to see all of his life events(sports, graduations, marriage, great grand children, and more). Family is everything. There is so much more to do and see with our 3 kiddos(Lauren-23, Austin-19, and Dalton-12), our son-in-law(Zach), and grandson(Zane- who is most definitely the boss!).

Raising money as well as getting the word out about MMRF is just one way I can personally help Jeff as well as others that have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Our journey is far from over and I look forward to seeing where our next many years together can take us!!!!!!