Kristina Basant

AML coach since 2024

My 2 year old daughter Alina passed away in April of 2024 after battling AML with a rare and aggressive pediatric mutation. Alina was diagnosed at the young age of 17 months old and fought hard to try and get into remission. She had standard protocol treatments, immunotherapy and lastly joined a clinical trial as a final attempt to save her. Unfortunately her cancer was too aggressive and treatment options were no longer working due to the rarity of the mutation. I advocate today for children like Alina to be their voice in dealing with Childhood Cancer. I am here to provide support and resources to families facing AML and build connections. My areas of knowledge include, navigating clinical trials, second opinions, rare mutations, working while being a caregiver and life after loss.

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.

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.