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.

Tracy Kummer

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

I was diagnosed with IgA Kappa MM November 2018 at age 48 after a rib fracture, fatigue and shortness of breath that became evident during my normal exercise routines. I was floored! I was an otherwise healthy, active mom of 4 late teen/early 20 year old kids, teaching yoga and working as a physical therapist. My whole life, my families' whole life changed. My history with myeloma includes an ASCT 4/2019 and treatment consisting of Revlamid, velcade and dexamethasone. My husband and I became vegan and I continued working part time, really focusing on my health. I achieved MRD- status that only lasted 15 mo and therefore my disease was classified as “high risk”. At this time My specialist recommended a clinical trial, hoping I would get the CART arm, but alas, I was placed into the second arm of the trial which was DaraPomdex. Since my disease had quickly gotten out of control, I realized I needed to ramp up my commitment to my health and I removed alcohol from my regime (which I really needed to do anyway) and reducing stress. I “retired” from PT, became a life coach and my hubby and I started traveling. Fortunately, I have almost 5 years of complete remission. I am looking to coach others not only to share what I've learned, but to also give the support only connection from someone who is going through this will know. Lucky for me I had an extremely supportive husband, but I still felt like I was missing the support of people in my situation. For me, FaceBook and support groups didn't cut it. I wanted to have a verbal conversation with someone my age and closer to my situation. As luck would have it, I have met a wonderful friend with MM, as well as a few others and we are able to support each other. I realized that this is the gift I want to share, being able to help others negotiate this new chapter of life and to feel supported during this sometimes scary journey. It's truly better together.

Liz Levine

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi! I am 52 years old, married with 2 amazing kids in college. I was diagnosed with kappa light chain MM 2 years ago. Those first months were a fog to me but I stumbled across Healthtree online and started talking to a coach. My coach was beyond helpful. Multiple Myeloma is an uncommon cancer, complicated and simply put - overwhelming. I had a SCT on September 3rd, 2024 after 2 years on treatment. I am now feeling great and this picture is of me in my wig. I am a good listener and I now understand this disease. I’m very hopeful for all our futures. I would like to support someone else who is feeling overwhelmed with MM. if you’re going through transplant soon I can support you through it. If you have decided to harvest and wait, ineligible for SCT, or just decided against transplant I can support you as well.