Kenny Capps

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015. After decades as an athlete of questionable ability (and a writer and business owner of dubious intelligence), cancer changed my perspective. I focused on quality-of-life solutions. After a bone marrow transplant, I focused on distance running, cycling, and swimming once again. I discovered a coping mechanism and a way to combat pain, fatigue, and treatment side effects through purposeful movement and (mostly) focused nutrition. In 2018 I ran across North Carolina on the Mountains to Sea trail. I ran 1,175 miles in 54 days averaging 22 miles a day while undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. Today, I am still fighting cancer with daily chemotherapy and still training for ultramarathons and epic adventures. I am the Executive Director for Cancer Active, Inc. (throwing-bones.org), whose mission is to encourage all blood cancer patients to stay healthy and active through treatment. I was educated at the University of Georgia (AB), the University of Denver (JD) and I am currently a candidate for Masters at of Public Health at the University of North Carolina. I have three children, ages 23, 20, and 11 (as of 2024). I advocate for all individuals living with cancer, and want to encourage you all to keep moving forward. Every day is another opportunity to take a step. Being active is one of the ways to stay ahead of life and to enjoy it more.

Ana Rocha

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

Hello I'm a Portuguese woman. I'm 53 years old and I was diagnosed with myeloma (non-secretory) in July 2021. I went to the hospital with a lot of back pain and I couldn't move my right arm anymore and I could barely walk. As soon as I was diagnosed, I started doing the 1st chemotherapy on my birthday, 08/30/2021. I was hospitalized for 8 months. 3 of which I couldn't move and then I went to the long term care and started physical therapy and started walking. I've already had 2 autologous transplants and I'm currently in remission with suspected MRD+. In Portugal, MRD is not evaluated.

Susan Kissinger

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

My primary care physician referred me to hematology oncology based on results from routine blood work. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) in February 2024 at age 71. I was experiencing some fatigue from anemia at the time of diagnosis but was cleared to travel for a dance holiday in Cuba. The day before I was to travel, I entered the hospital with bacterial meningitis of unknown source. I initially declined stem cell transplant (SCT), however, my body’s response to the standard of care (SOC) first line drug therapy was not satisfactory. In December, 2024, I agreed to SCT. Post SCT I had measurable residual disease (MRD), and was therefore, eligible to participate in a 3-year clinical trial (CT) involving Elrexfio (elranatamab), a bi-specific drug. In October, 2025, the first 6-month milestone in the CT, I had zero measurable disease (MRD negative) as determined using a newer bone marrow biopsy testing technology, ClonoSeq. I choose to be in loving relationship with MM rather than at war with part of myself. I am retired and live with a general sense of well-being. My husband of 50 years is my primary support person. Our daughter, her dog, and new husband are sources of joy. MM keeps me focused on healthy life-style. I complement drug-based cancer treatment with alternative therapies (Feldenkrais, acupuncture and Sacral Occipital Therapy (SOT) based chiropractic). I regularly meditate, rest, exercise, and cook locally sourced organic or regeneratively farmed meats, eggs and plant-based foods. Wearing a mask, I sing with a community gospel choir and take ballroom dance lessons. As a coach, I’d like to be a calm and reassuring resource to others working through the challenges and uncertainties of living well with myeloma.