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.

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.

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 for a Bone Marrow Transplant in late February 2023. 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.