Kirk Lawson

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi friend! I am a 66 year old (new retiree) who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at age 63 through an annual physical. I am grateful for each day and try to approach life with an attitude of continuous learning and awe. Life is challenging! And, I believe the secret of a full life is trying to navigate all challenges as best as we can - and with an overall sense of optimism. I am grateful to HealthTree.org, an extraordinary organization making such a difference in the advancement of treatments and care of multiple myeloma. Having worked in healthcare for 35 years, I have seen few organizations make such a difference in finding effective treatments - with the endpoint a cure - for any disease. I am also honored to coach and offering you the same critical support that i received from several coaches back in 2022 when i was diagnosed. Here’s a bit more about my story. Caught quite early, and with no symptoms, I started quadruple induction therapy Spring 2022. I had an autologous stem cell transplant in September 2022 and started maintenance therapy in December 2022. Now 2 years post-transplant, I feel great – have as much energy and stamina as I have had in the past several years. On the spectrum of possible outcomes from a transplant, I have a relatively uncomplicated experience. I believe I owe the success of my journey to great care as well as an amazing support team including my family, friends and co-workers. My partner of 38 years and I divide our time between New York City and upstate New York and we are grateful for the lives we have built together. I hope to be able to share my experiences to benefit other patients with Multiple Myeloma, as well as their family members. My experience working in healthcare for the past 30 plus years has given me a great background to navigate our complex healthcare system as a patient. And recently I was certified in Coaching so I am eager to share what I can and help you navigate your unique journey with a compassionate perspective. I am grateful to be able to be here for you to help you on your journey, without judgement , and with an open mind, open heart and to actively listen and support you.

Kimberly Branche

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

I am a coach, author, warrior, Army Veteran, Air Force MilSpouse, and mom of 3 adult children (3 grands). I enjoy inspiring and empowering others to face challenges and soar. I am a creator and love writing, reading books, and crafting. In 2014, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and my doctors immediately wanted to begin treatment. Unfortunately, my insurance company denied my treatment 3x and the clinical trial that was offered to me. Looking back, I realized I was Smoldering, less than 20% of my plasma cell was affected and one CRAB criteria, anemia. I decided to dig deep, make some changes in my life, and begin educating myself on MM. I continued to be monitored for my regular checkups and labs. After facing SMM I decided to take back my life and I birth Branche Basu Boutique, a skincare line that educates consumers on the use of toxic ingredients and how they affect the body. I became a certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer helping women with wellness and selfcare. Fast forward, Sep 11, 2023, I had my 3rd bone marrow biopsy and progressed to High Risk SMM. By December my myeloma numbers continued to climb and March 21, 2024 we scheduled my 4th biopsy. I was hit with the news that I would need to begin treatment as my BMB numbers increased well over 66%. I would indeed need treatment. April 2024 I went through treatment and by September 2024 a Stem Cell Transplant. Today I am learning to navigate, being a Multiple Myeloma Warrior. One thing I know for sure I am a WARRIOR and so are you! We got this!

Margo Holleran

multiple myeloma coach since 2022

I was diagnosed with MM IgG Kappa on October 12th 2017 after 6 months of numerous sinus and bladder infections. A knowledgable nurse practitioner and radiologist took the time to understand my issues and infections. I followed their advice of a CT scan to rule out kidney stones and acquired additional blood work. My PCP ruled out multiple myeloma, had additional blood work suggested by the radiologist that viewed my scans. I went to see a hematologist-oncologist who suggested a 24 hour urine test and additional MM panel. Bloodwork came back, Mspike of 3.14, I had a bone marrow biopsy on September 29th, 2017. Two weeks later I was diagnosed with IgG Kappa MM. Started RVd right away, went into complete remission, although the Velcade gave me horrible neuropathy. I am being treated at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, second opinion Dana Farber. I still continued to work full time in medical device cardiac surgery sales and finally took off 3 months to become a patient and sought additional treatment for my neuropathy. Took one year off of treatment to give my neuropathy a rest, it came back with a vengeance. I went back on Revlimid and dexamethasone, neuropathy continued to get worse, switched to Pomalyst and Darzalex, went back into complete remission. Currently on maintenance Darzalex every 6 weeks as a monotherapy. COVID vaccines X5 I worked full time for 6 yrs. I was a sales Director for a Vascular & Cardiac Surgery. Now semi-retired except for my advocacy work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and The International Myeloma Foundation, and HealthTree Foundation. Current Status: MRD negative I am now a Board Certified patient Advocate and have my certification in non profit management. I also have a certification in cannabis horticulture & business. I believe humor is the cure for all that ails. I started an irreverent cancer blog called www.cathychemo.org Please feel free to contact me at margoholleran@gmail.com