Ilana Massi

AML coach since 2023

I was a nurse by background with a challenging career as an executive at a huge pharmaceutical company. That came to a screeching halt on October 24, 2014, when I developed a dry cough for a week, then a high fever. A visit to local ER brought a diagnosis of AML with FLT3 mutation which meant I would require a stem cell transplant. I was in-patient for 5 months while my doctors tried to get me in remission, find a donor and prep for SCT. That was almost 9 years ago but I have had a rocky course due to graft-vs-host disease and its complications. During that time, I have done extensive volunteer work for Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Healthtree and individual informal coaching for other AML patients. I am also on patient advisory boards for over 8 AML trials. My experience includes patient education from nursing background, public and one to one speaking, fundraising, assisting with financial/resource finding, and numerous activities related to clinical trials. This background builds on my long experience with severe chronic disease. Personally, I recently lost my husband of 44 years to cancer. I have 5 sons and 3 grandsons.

Steve Hodges

AML coach since 2023

Steve is an AML patient who has 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 under control. My immune system has not reconstituted but I've worked out ways to see people and limit my risk. I enjoy the little things: sunshine, What's for lunch? What's for dinner? Can I get a low-cost Bluetooth gizmo to use on Zoom calls? Can we have a cup of coffee together at an off time? I love playing piano for people at the hospital, the hospice, and online Sunday Zooms. Steve grew up working on cattle and horse farms. He’s an amateur pianist who plays regularly for Hospital, Hospice, and others. He is a retired IT professional, and an active volunteer with several health and hospital Patient/Family councils. He is an active board member for youth and adult musical organizations. Steve likes books, hiking/walking and podcasts. He's a trained end-of-life advocate who holds an MSW, a dad and very happy grandfather.

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 with a WBC of +180k and a very difficult decision was made alongside my husband, family, religious support, and medical staff to undergo a medically indicated termination. Losing my child compounded the difficulties associated with acute leukemia treatment. 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. Almost two years post transplant, I am back to work, traveling, and teaching group exercise again and my disease remains in remission. I currently suffer from chronic graft vs host disease but I am navigating a full life despite its difficulties.