Learning from the experiences of others can be helpful, especially if you’re uncertain about joining a clinical trial. Many HealthTree community members have shared their personal stories to inspire and guide others. Here are a few testimonials:

Why I Chose a Myeloma CAR T Clinical Trial at Relapse

"I completed the study last November and am delighted with my choice. I reflect on the blessing of a clinical trial that allowed me to access a remarkably effective treatment earlier rather than later. I am now MRD negative and hope that lasts for a long time. With another reprieve from myeloma, I look forward to continuing my work serving you as we strive together toward a cure."
— Jenny Ahlstrom, Founder and CEO of HealthTree Foundation, myeloma patient advocate

Finding Hope through Clinical Trials: A Myeloma Patient Story

"In 2020, my oncologist informed me that I had exhausted nearly all standard treatment options. Fortunately, I was referred to drug trials at Levine Cancer Institute (LCI). Dr. Paul, my LCI oncologist, has enrolled me in three drug trials to date. You might think that drug trials are my last option, and in truth, they are. However, there are many other trials with different modalities available."
— Steven Hope, Myeloma survivor, self-advocate, and contributor to finding a cure

More Patient Stories

Discover more inspiring stories from individuals who have participated in clinical trials and advocated for myeloma research. Join the HealthTree community and continue reading about these extraordinary people such as: 

• John Rosengard, diagnosed in November 2017, shared his experience: "I could not ask for a stronger medical team, yet the clinical trial environment meant that my experts had two more networks, with the study sponsors and the peer study hosts around the world, if a symptom or treatment result needed checking. I never worked with more than six people at UCSF but felt like there were twenty or more experts looking at my data and challenging each other to confirm diagnoses and treatment options over the critical three years of the study.”

• Cindy Brown, a Myeloma Research Advocate and HealthTree Coach emphasizes the importance of patient involvement in research, stating, "By participating in research, we can accelerate the development of new treatments and move closer to a cure." 

• Dave Braucht, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Research Participant and Coach notes, "Being part of research through HealthTree Cure Hub allows me to contribute to advancements that can benefit not only myself but the entire myeloma community." 

• Sally Torgeson, Myeloma Research Participant and HealthTree Coach reflects on her experience, saying, "Participating in research has given me hope and a sense of purpose, knowing that my involvement can lead to better outcomes for future patients."

• Qunbin Xiong, Myeloma and Amyloidosis survivor and HealthTree Coach shares the importance of seeking a clinical trial even at the beginning of your treatment: "My diagnosis of amyloidosis was delayed, like many patients, so once the diagnosis was confirmed, I began treatment right away without even thinking of a clinical trial, by the time I learned enough about this disease and the availability of a clinical trial, it was already too late, as trial enrollment accept patient before any treatment starts. I regret that I missed the trial."

See More Patient Stories Here