Mary Sage

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

Let's Chat! One time or more, I am here for you at whatever level needed. I enjoy texting and email and if desired a phone call or we can set up a FaceTime call. Mary Sage lives with her husband Michael who is her primary caregiver and is also himself a coach, her adult son Raymond, who is a secondary caregiver in the home, and 2 dogs, Stella and Jake. She lives in the Pacific Northwest region on an island accessible only by a ferry. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 IgG Lambda in November 2015 and placed on immediate disability due to spinal fractures, severe pain, and limited mobility. Like many others, prior to diagnosis, she experienced years of bizarre blood results and chronic back pain that was becoming increasingly debilitating. Mary had a stem cell harvest in 2016 and a stem cell transplant in 2019 and received 2 years of a strong response until her second relapse. In the past year she has become non-secretory, so her team uses new pain levels or increased pain levels to indicate tests that need to be run. PET scan and BMB are the primary tests used to track changes to her MM. Mary has been on 5 different protocols and treatments, has become refractory to 2 treatments and her record for using any one protocol seems to be 2 years then a change is investigated. Currently, her bloodwork shows standard risk MM; her MRD is positive with 5 parts per million. Her present maintenance treatment is Pomalyst (May, 2022). After 1 year on KPd, Mary's MM markers are now in range and she is able to say she is in a clinical remission - this is her year to move about more freely (although still cautiously) and enjoy a few more activities not afforded when her blood work showed progression. Mary is also trained in Hospice and grief support (since 2004). Mary welcomes any who might need Hospice Support for their journey or their loved ones. This work is done remotely and can include FaceTime or phone calls or any other modality as needed/desired. It is an honor to walk this journey with you during this challenging time.

Marie Barnes

multiple myeloma coach since 2026

In the fall of 2024, I was seen in the emergency room for severe pain on my right side. The results showed an unknown etiology and anemia. My PCP was proactive and also ordered multiple tests and a referral to a hematologist for the anemia. The anemia was concerning because there was no history. After multiple labs, PET scan and bone marrow biopsy, I was diagnosed on December 16, 2024. I received weekly treatment from January to April 2025. The plan was for me to have a stem cell transplant (STC). The transplant occurred at the end of May, and I established remission on October 1, 2025. Recent complications caused my maintenance to cease. On Jsnuary 13, 2026, my maintenance treatnent resumed.

Kirk Lawson

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi friend! I am a 66 year old (new retiree) who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at age 63 through an annual physical. I am grateful for each day and try to approach life with an attitude of continuous learning and awe. Life is challenging! And, I believe the secret of a full life is trying to navigate all challenges as best as we can - and with an overall sense of optimism. I am grateful to HealthTree.org, an extraordinary organization making such a difference in the advancement of treatments and care of multiple myeloma. Having worked in healthcare for 35 years, I have seen few organizations make such a difference in finding effective treatments - with the endpoint a cure - for any disease. I am also honored to coach and offering you the same critical support that i received from several coaches back in 2022 when i was diagnosed. Here’s a bit more about my story. Caught quite early, and with no symptoms, I started quadruple induction therapy Spring 2022. I had an autologous stem cell transplant in September 2022 and started maintenance therapy in December 2022. Now 2 years post-transplant, I feel great – have as much energy and stamina as I have had in the past several years. On the spectrum of possible outcomes from a transplant, I have a relatively uncomplicated experience. I believe I owe the success of my journey to great care as well as an amazing support team including my family, friends and co-workers. My partner of 38 years and I divide our time between New York City and upstate New York and we are grateful for the lives we have built together. I hope to be able to share my experiences to benefit other patients with Multiple Myeloma, as well as their family members. My experience working in healthcare for the past 30 plus years has given me a great background to navigate our complex healthcare system as a patient. And recently I was certified in Coaching so I am eager to share what I can and help you navigate your unique journey with a compassionate perspective. I am grateful to be able to be here for you to help you on your journey, without judgement , and with an open mind, open heart and to actively listen and support you.