Shelly Ford

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

A Journey of Resilience and Hope Hello friends, I wanted to share a personal story that I hope will inspire and connect us all. In September 2021, at the age of 54, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM) after numerous visits to my primary doctor, orthopedic, chiropractor and spine specialist. My journey began with unexplained back pain that eventually led to a spine fracture in February 2021. Despite being under the care of specialists, I experienced additional compression fractures and abnormal ferritin levels, which prompted a referral to a hematologist in August 2021. After further testing, my diagnosis was confirmed in September 2021. I began treatment with Revlimid, Dexamethasone, and Velcade, and I am grateful to share that I achieved a complete response by December 2022 and remain in remission. Although I have decided not to undergo a stem cell transplant (SCT) at this time, I recently sought a second opinion and had a bone marrow biopsy. Throughout this journey, I have learned the importance of researching and educating oneself, and I encourage everyone to ask lots of questions during medical appointments. As a nurse and former administrator for a memory care community, I continued to work full-time during my treatment. Recently, I have taken time off to focus on my health and well-being. I am blessed with two adult children and three wonderful grandchildren who bring joy and purpose to my life. My hobbies, including paper crafting, sewing, and baking, continuing to be a source of comfort and creativity. My grandchildren keep me going, and I cherish every moment spent with them. I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you and assisting you with yours. Together, we can support and uplift each other as a community. Warm regards, Shelly

Angela Byrd

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hello, I was diagnosed in July 2021. What I didn’t know was for 11 years before I was MGUS. I was started on Revlimid in Oct 21 and still take 25mg daily for 21 days monthly. I have adrenal insufficiency, stage 3 kidney disease, chronic anemia which I did not have before I was diagnosed. Because I felt so good with really no problems I don’t think I took this diagnosis seriously. I’m a Mom of 2 adult daughters and 4 Grandchildren. I have a great support system but my family has no idea what this Cancer is. I’m a Veteran, but I have no idea if this Cancer came from something I could have been exposed too. No one in my family have cancer and I come from a large Military family.

Cynthia Martinez

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

After retiring from a career as a registered nurse, I was diagnosed with kappa light chain myeloma in 2015—a turning point that reshaped my life. What followed was a complex path marked by spinal fractures, a stem cell transplant, lung infections, and, in time, relapse. Throughout it all, I’ve learned that while we can’t control everything in this journey, we can choose how we care for ourselves: through movement, nourishment, and rest. Today, I walk 5 to 7 miles a day, follow a Mediterranean-style diet, and do my best with sleep—knowing that even small victories matter. My husband and I still travel, especially enjoying cruises, embracing adventure with thoughtfulness and caution. As a coach, my mission is to walk alongside others living with multiple myeloma—offering support, shared experience, and encouragement. I believe in the power of listening, adapting, and finding moments of joy, even in difficult times.