Erin Prendergast

AML coach since 2024

I was diagnosed with high risk AML at the age of 34. 12 weeks pregnant at the time, I found myself in a life threatening situation and subsequently lost the baby. Losing my daughter compounded the difficulties associated with treatment and recovery. I underwent induction 7+3 achieving CR and one round of HiDAC consolidation before SCT. I was MRD positive prior to transplant. I had a full match sibling donor and peripheral blood SCT was April 26, 2023. Fast forward 2.5 years, here I am post transplant, back to work, traveling, and teaching group exercise again. My disease remains in remission. I suffer from chronic graft vs host disease but I am navigating a full life despite its difficulties.

Brian Smith

AML coach since 2025

I was diagnosed with AML on August 21st, 2023. I had almost 80% blasts from my bone marrow biopsy. I received a 7+3 regime at OHSU, and was released in Mid-September. My next biopsy showed 17% blasts, so not in remission. Two weeks after release, I was admitted to the ICU with tumor lysis. I spent 6 days at Riverbend in Springfield, Oregon. I then went through another induction therapy with two new chemo agents. After that 28 day cycle, my next biopsy showed I was in remission. I went through two more rounds of that chemo. I was then referred back to OHSU for a stem cell transplant, which took place on March 12th, 2024. After 91 days near the hospital, I was released back home. I am 16 months post transplant, and at this time, there is no residual disease detected, no mutations detected, and my chimerism is 100% on both the myloid and T-cell sides. I am currently seeking to give back to this community through coaching or mentoring other AML patients.

Steve Hodges

AML coach since 2023

I am an AML patient who had 7+3, FLAG, multiple consolidations and additional Aza/Ven cycles pursuant to achieving complete remission through a Bone Marrow Transplant in late February 2023. My leukemia is in remission, despite an adverse prognosis, and my substantial GVHD challenges are finally under control. My immune system has not reconstituted but I've worked out ways to see people and limit my risk. I have had two secondary cancers: skin including basal and squamous with one that required rebuilding a new nose; more recently an aggressive prostate cancer for which I am in treatment currently. I enjoy the little things: sunshine, What's for lunch? What's for dinner? Let’s take a walk. Can I get a low-cost Bluetooth gizmo? What can I do with AI? Those zinnias are so beautiful! What a wonderful sunbeam! Can we have a cup of coffee together at an off time? And so on. I love playing piano for people at the hospital, the hospice, and online Sunday Zooms. I grew up working on cattle and horse farms. I am an amateur pianist who plays regularly for Hospital, Hospice, and others, a retired IT professional, and an active volunteer with several health and hospital Patient/Family councils. I am an active board member for youth and adult orchestras. I like books, hiking/walking and podcasts. I am a trained end-of-life advocate with an MSW, I’m a dad and very happy grandfather of four.