Rozalynn Hite

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I'm here..

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.

Mark Pouley

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

In March of 2015, I was your basic healthy 53-year-old man, but I figured it was time for a check up. I made an appointment with my doctor and he ran all the usual tests. I left that appointment with a clean bill of health and a recommendation to exercise more. Four days later my doctor called me. You know it isn’t good if your doctor calls. I remember his words distinctly. “Your lab tests show monoclonal gammopathy, which may be early multiple myeloma.” None of those words meant a thing to me, until he said it was a type of cancer and he referred me to a hematologist. I couldn’t have been more stunned. Eventually, after a multitude of tests and seeing a mylemoa specialist the diagnosis was confirmed and I started initial treatment. I eventually had an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in the summer of 2016 followed by three years of intensive maintenance. Today I am MRD negative and still on a lower dose of Pomalyst for maintenance. I’ll never forget the shock I felt leaving my specialist’s office after that first visit, but over time I’ve grown to have complete faith in him and the team. He is not locked into the statistics and he has great hope for my future. I learned about the amazing advances in myeloma treatment that I believe will keep me alive and kicking well beyond the previously stated expiration date. Now I want to share my story and assist others that have been shocked by this same news.