Huntsville, AL - Blood Cancer In-Person Event

Name: Huntsville, AL - Blood Cancer In-Person Event
Start: 2026-04-18T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-04-18T14:00:00-05:00

This event was not recorded

Apr 18, 2026

10:00AM - 02:00PM CDT

Holiday Inn at Research Park

5903 University Dr, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA

Overview

Join us for HealthTree Connect to Cures in Huntsville, AL, on Saturday, April 18th, and connect with other blood cancer patients and caregivers in your community.

Event will take place at the Holiday Inn Research Park - Discovery & Atlantis Rooms

This free, in-person event offers a meaningful opportunity to:

- - Learn From Academic and Community Doctors Through Interactive Panels
    Join conversations with local doctors and fellow patients, ask questions, and gain valuable insights.
  - Connect with Other Blood Cancer Patients and Caregivers
    Share your experience and hear from others who understand what you're going through. You’ll meet people in your community navigating similar diagnoses and challenges. We invite Black patients and loved ones to join us and take part in a special Black community session designed for connection, shared experiences, and culturally relevant support
  - Discover Key Resources at the HealthTree Fair
    Explore local and essential resources, tools, and support services available to you.
  - Take Home Personalized Materials to Support Your Journey
    Leave with financial guidance, educational handouts, and information about clinical trials—all tailored to help you navigate your care with confidence.

Lunch, parking and beverages will be provided, and you’ll leave with practical tools—and stronger community connections—to support your care journey.

Please note: This is an in-person event and will not be recorded.

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Speakers & Moderators

Mary Arnett

Mary joined HealthTree in 2022 as a part of HealthTree's team to help expand into all blood cancers. She now works as HealthTree's Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, helping to engage and involve community members in HealthTree's mission. When she isn't working, she loves being the fun aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews, attending concerts, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling to explore new cities.

Lauren Shea, MD

Dr. Lauren Shea is a hematologist-oncologist at The Kirklin Clinic at UAB Hospital, specializing in lymphoma care and bone marrow transplantation. Her work focuses on expanding access to innovative treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, transplant, and other immune-based approaches. She is particularly interested in advancing therapies that harness the immune system to improve outcomes while reducing side effects. Dr. Shea is also involved in clinical research aimed at developing new treatment options for patients, including those with complex or rare lymphomas.

Rozalynn Hite

Rozalynn Hite is the Patient Community Director and leads the HealthTree Coach program. She is also a myeloma caregiver to her husband Richard, and mother to three children. Rozalynn is passionate about providing support, education, and resources to help others live full and meaningful lives.

Valarie Traynham

Valarie embarked on her myeloma journey back in 2015, and ever since she's been on a mission. As a resilient myeloma thriver, her passion lies in not just navigating her own path but also in illuminating the journey for others. With a steadfast commitment to understanding the intricacies of the disease, she champions education, shedding light on health inequities that often lurk in the shadows. Driven by a profound belief in fairness, Valarie tirelessly advocates for equitable access to top-tier healthcare, clinical trials, and tailored treatments. Her journey as a beacon of knowledge and support began when she assumed the role of a support group leader. Today, she continues to extend her hand as a myeloma coach, mentor angel, and the guiding force behind the Black Myeloma Health Community. Valarie's voice echoes far and wide as she fearlessly confronts the disparities faced by myeloma patients. Through collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, she strives to forge pathways to solutions, ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve. Join Valarie on her journey of empowerment and advocacy as she lights the way toward a brighter, more equitable future in myeloma care.

Diahanna Vallentine

Diahanna is the Financial Program Manager for the HealthTree Foundation. She specializes in providing financial help, resources and education for blood cancer patients. As a professional financial consultant and former caregiver of her husband who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Diahanna perfectly understands the financial issues facing blood cancer patients.

Alejandra Güitron

Alejandra is an Industrial Engineer and the Patient Navigators Team Lead at HealthTree. For the past four years, she’s been helping myeloma patients find the resources they need to navigate their disease. A wife and mom of one—soon to be two—she loves nature, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.