Earlier this week, the myeloma community lost one of its pioneers, James D. Bond.
Known as Jim, he was passionate about sharing his cancer story with others to inspire them- letting them know they were capable of more than they thought.
He and his wife Kathleen shared their inspiring story in-person and virtually nationwide (and internationally!)
Jim was diagnosed with myeloma in 1992. He was told by a leading cancer center that he would most likely live a few months, although some patients were living two to three years with select treatments.
He proved them wrong with excellent medical care, determination, and good fortune.
Jim participated in the original trial that would later approve bortezomib (VELCADE), a life-saving myeloma treatment that would later become a staple in many induction therapies.
He would also have four stem cell transplants throughout his cancer journey- even when he was considered to be "too old." Jim proved doctors wrong once again by proving his physical fitness, thus allowing him to have another stem cell transplant that would give him more quality years of life with his loved ones.
Speaking of physical fitness, Jim would inspire other myeloma patients by sharing his efficient stem cell transplant recoveries, his hundreds-of-mile bike rides, and his dedication to fitness even when things were difficult.
Jim and Kathleen were also well-known for their "8 PM Rule". They decided that they would stop all cancer talk a few hours before bedtime, and that would help them sleep better. Kathleen always said that it originally was a 9 PM Rule, but they grew older. If it ever got to be a 7 PM Rule, she wasn't telling anyone.
We admire Jim and will miss his influence in the myeloma community. If you're interested in learning more about him, you can read his book, The Man in the Arena: Surviving Multiple Myeloma Since 1992. Profits are donated to American Cancer Society, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Dana Farber Cancer Center, and the Mayo Clinic—each of which are critical to Jim's story.
Thankfully, Jim left a digital legacy that myeloma patients of now and the future can still access and learn from.
You can hear or read from him here:
You can also read his obituary here:
Earlier this week, the myeloma community lost one of its pioneers, James D. Bond.
Known as Jim, he was passionate about sharing his cancer story with others to inspire them- letting them know they were capable of more than they thought.
He and his wife Kathleen shared their inspiring story in-person and virtually nationwide (and internationally!)
Jim was diagnosed with myeloma in 1992. He was told by a leading cancer center that he would most likely live a few months, although some patients were living two to three years with select treatments.
He proved them wrong with excellent medical care, determination, and good fortune.
Jim participated in the original trial that would later approve bortezomib (VELCADE), a life-saving myeloma treatment that would later become a staple in many induction therapies.
He would also have four stem cell transplants throughout his cancer journey- even when he was considered to be "too old." Jim proved doctors wrong once again by proving his physical fitness, thus allowing him to have another stem cell transplant that would give him more quality years of life with his loved ones.
Speaking of physical fitness, Jim would inspire other myeloma patients by sharing his efficient stem cell transplant recoveries, his hundreds-of-mile bike rides, and his dedication to fitness even when things were difficult.
Jim and Kathleen were also well-known for their "8 PM Rule". They decided that they would stop all cancer talk a few hours before bedtime, and that would help them sleep better. Kathleen always said that it originally was a 9 PM Rule, but they grew older. If it ever got to be a 7 PM Rule, she wasn't telling anyone.
We admire Jim and will miss his influence in the myeloma community. If you're interested in learning more about him, you can read his book, The Man in the Arena: Surviving Multiple Myeloma Since 1992. Profits are donated to American Cancer Society, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Dana Farber Cancer Center, and the Mayo Clinic—each of which are critical to Jim's story.
Thankfully, Jim left a digital legacy that myeloma patients of now and the future can still access and learn from.
You can hear or read from him here:
You can also read his obituary here:
about the author
Audrey Burton-Bethke
Audrey is a content writer and editor for the HealthTree Foundation. She originally joined the HealthTree Foundation in 2020. Audrey loves spending time with her supportive husband, energetic four-year-old, and new baby.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for news, stories, clinical trial updates, and helpful resources and events with cancer experts.