Name: Melissa Ryan
Age: soon to be 50!
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Why I’m Climbing for the MM4MM Team: To combine two things I am passionate about: Finding a cure for a disease that effects my dear friend plus, enjoying time in nature in a beautiful setting with that dear friend.
My Story: (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?) 
I got to know Cindi after she had already been through the stem cell replacement and was living in remission. What I soon noticed about her was a certain special spirit. Her actions and words seemed to focus on caring and showing love. Her attention was on rising people up by supportive words and heartfelt listening. She offered encouragement to me during a difficult time and had a way of communicating her belief in my abilities. She helps me to stay true to what is of lasting value in life: relationships and supporting those we care about. So when she came up with this idea, to celebrate 10 yera since her stem cell replacement by raising funds for continued research to cure this disease and at the same time participate in a trip to Machu Picchu (a destination long on my list of wishful trips) which just happens to combine by love of nature, hiking and the out-of-doors, I decided to join!