Sevil Turker

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

My multiple myeloma journey began in July 2019 at age 51. I was overwhelmed by the diagnosis. I had a million questions to ask and a million decisions to make. Contacting the HT coaches was one of the best decisions I have made. They gave me hope, answered my questions and held my hand during the treatment. After the induction phase, I was in remission. Due to the high risk nature of my MM, I went through tandem stem cell transplants. I remained in remission for three years. The relapse was caught very early and I immediately started the current standard therapy (isatuximab/carfilzomib/dexamethasone). Luckily I'm back in remission. When I was first diagnosed, I never thought I would live this long. I'm grateful to still be alive. I try to contribute to the various MM communities in which I am involved through volunteer work. I live in Frankfurt, Germany and speak Turkish, English and German.

Todd Kennedy

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

I believe that hope and action can lead to your long and healthy life with myeloma! I have been married for 35 years and have raised my two sons, built deep friendships, and loved life in Orange County, CA for over 25 years. Despite living a healthy O.C. lifestyle, on the day after Christmas 2017, I unexpectedly heard those dreaded words, “You have cancer”. Thanks to the world-class expertise and care of Dr. Amrita Krishnan at City of Hope, my multiple myeloma is thankfully now in remission and my family and I continue to life live to the fullest! I was diagnosed with active myeloma at age 53. My genetic profile includes translocation 11:14. I had a successful autologous stem cell transplant at City of Hope in July 2018. My treatment plan has included PIs, IMIDs, Darzalex, Venetoclax, steroids, IVIG and bone strengtheners. My doctor and I believe in maintenance therapy and periodic monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). In January 2020, I "retired" from a 30+ year in the pharmaceutical industry to "give back" by refocusing my time and talents towards coaching and advocating for myeloma patients. My wife, Diane, also "retired" to focus on serving as a Myeloma Coach. If you are a caregiver or patient and want to connect with Diane, feel free to reach out to her via the Myeloma Coach website. I believe that myeloma patients have justifiable reasons for abundant hope! We are blessed to benefit from rapidly advancing scientific breakthroughs that have led to new treatment options, precision diagnostics and supportive care. I respectfully suggest, however, that hope is not enough. As patients, we must take personal action to turn hope into reality. These key action steps include: becoming informed on the basics of myeloma and your specific case; including a true myeloma specialist on your team; getting connected to the myeloma community; and actively participating in the ongoing development of your personalized, dynamic, comprehensive treatment plan. When I was diagnosed in 2017, I was overwhelmed on many levels. I was relieved, however, to discover that the myeloma community of patients, caregivers, and supporters is very tight. We support one another. We give back in appreciation of the love and support we have received. To get connected, know that HealthTree and the Myeloma Coach program are here for you! Wishing you silver linings, wonderful blessings, excellent health, deep love and great joy along your journey!

Diahanna Vallentine

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

I was a caregiver to my husband for 12 years. I am now a Board Certified Patient Advocate an Oncology Patient Navigator as well as a Financial Advisor of more than 22 years. As the HealthTree Financial Program Manager and lead Financial Coach, I help patients negotiate the financial side of cancer care to reduce financial toxicity. I can help you locate financial assistance to help you stay on treatment. Any financial questions you have from budgeting, SSDI, FMLA, SSI, Retirement, Medicare, Medicaid, Life Insurance, medical bill management etc., I would be glad to provide you with guidance. I look forward to assisting you.