Steve Hodges

acute myeloid leukemia 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.

PAT HODGES

acute myeloid leukemia coach since 2024

My husband was diagnosed with AML in early June, 2022. He had 9 months of therapy and had his allo BMT 14 months ago. Upon diagnosis- I immediately went to research mode where I had some experience. Healthtree.org was the first site that I found. I was immediately impressed by the depth and breadth of the website. We were able to talk to two employees who were extremely helpful. In addition, I combed medical websites. For me, knowing information was key. We could then bring this up to his physicians. Not everyone wants to know all of this information. As a matter of fact, most people do not. And that’s ok! The most valuable words that I heard were -It’s a rollercoaster-strap yourself in, Everyone is different, you are a unique individual. Do not compare yourself with others. Never give up hope! The field is changing everyday. There are new medicines every year and there is so much research going on. Steve and I were a team from day one How can we help you? Individually or together?

Carolyn Briles

acute myeloid leukemia 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.