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.

Diahanna Vallentine

AML coach since 2023

I was a caregiver to my husband for 12 years. I am now a Board Certified Patient Advocate an Oncology Patient Navigator as well as a Financial Advisor of more than 22 years. As the HealthTree Financial Program Manager and lead Financial Coach, I help patients negotiate the financial side of cancer care to reduce financial toxicity. I can help you locate financial assistance to help you stay on treatment. Any financial questions you have from budgeting, SSDI, FMLA, SSI, Retirement, Medicare, Medicaid, Life Insurance, medical bill management etc., I would be glad to provide you with guidance. I look forward to assisting you.

Carolyn Briles

AML coach since 2023

In November 2016 I was diagnosed with AML. I was 67 and had just retired from a job I'd had over 30 years. I did the traditional 7+3 treatment and gained remission. However, 10 months later I relapsed and was scheduled for a bone marrow transplant. I had a "reduced intensity" allogeneic transplant due to my age. My transplant was October 17, 2019. I did have a few side effects (GVHD) but was able to go home within 25 days after the transplant. I'm living a normal life with my husband, my dogs and fill in my time with travel and hobbies. I enjoy helping people who are dealing with an AML diagnosis, or those that have questions about treatment and the process of a transplant. I think with my experience I can help other AML patients get through it.