A Story of Faith, Strength, and Courage: Greg Proctor's Journey with Multiple Myeloma

For patients with multiple myeloma and their loved ones, the cancer journey can be filled with uncertainty and challenges.

Gregory Proctor has certainly dealt with his share of challenges since being diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

His diagnosis was a shock; the timing of it could not have come at a more inconvenient time (though, is there ever a convenient time for a cancer diagnosis?) 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pain in Greg's back, leg, and hip (which eventually led to his complete inability to move) finally led to his multiple myeloma diagnosis. 

As he entered induction therapy, he was shocked to discover that his insurance wasn’t willing to pay. Although Gregory had consistently met his premiums for years, the insurance company required a $15,000 deductible to be paid before they would resume coverage. 

Shocked, Greg and Monica contemplated. They had been without revenue during the pandemic had experienced some unfortunate financial situations a few years earlier, and simply didn’t have that kind of cash flow available at this point in their lives. 

Frankly, Greg and Monica were desperate, so they humbled themselves to ask friends and family for aid, set up a GoFundMe page, and finally went to the Veterans Hospital to ask for assistance. 

They entered the facility with hope, but it wouldn’t be easy. After being denied several times, Greg finally received their support (and full coverage) after going through diagnostic myeloma tests again and finding the right doctors to advocate for him. 

Thankfully, Greg’s induction therapy and stem cell transplant got him into remission, and to this day his myeloma remains under control. 

These setbacks and experiences have inspired him to help other multiple myeloma patients. He volunteers with the LLS and has written a book to inspire them to go through their journeys with faith, strength, and courage. 

You can find a copy here if you're interested in reading his book.  

Amazon Book Link

*Disclaimer: HealthTree Foundation has no financial relationship with the purchase of this book.

If you and/or your loved ones are struggling financially due to your myeloma diagnosis, check out our financial resources page or connect with a myeloma financial coach in order to get the support you need today. You're not alone!