Martha Commesse

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma High risk last year 2024. He is currently 75 years old and he is on remission after SCT We choose MD Anderson Hospital in Houston Texas for treatment. I learned with this experience that every decision we made was important to evaluate it carefully and that we also needed it to become our own Advocates I realized very soon that we were lacking something very important: “knowledgment about this desease” Through my life I have heard a phrase that makes sense now: “obtaining education it’s important, but more important it is, from whom you are getting it” Fortunately we found out about Health Tree Foundation. I will like to become a coach to help others go through this journey and to keep continually educating myself .

Derek Johnson

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I was diagnosed in 2019 at 34 years old, on my grandmother’s birthday. Though, symptoms were compounding for over 9 months. I had some cough and congestion that held-on for 1 1/2 months. Then I had extreme eczema on my hands which made it apparent my immune system was starting to go haywire. Finally, leading-up to diagnosis was extreme back pain and 1/2 hour long back spasms. Hindsight is 20/20. Obviously, I shouldn’t have gone 10 years without a blood test. With that in-mind, perhaps my Myeloma could have been caught sooner instead of 90% Myeloma concentration found at the ER with a subsequent 2 1/2 week hospital stay due to uncontrollable pain. Now, I advocate for anyone with odd symptoms to schedule a blood test as it could save their life! Though, it’s funny looking-back as my pup had regular blood tests… we’re educated that’s the best way to catch major health issues for our furry friends, right? My introduction to Myeloma and cancer was not gentle. I was kicked-into the fire pit. But thanks to close family support, my pup, and fortunately an A+ oncology team I’ve made it out the other side. As I was getting past the emergency phase and into the maintenance phase there were some real shockers. I learned that I was outside the normal age-range for this cancer. I learned nearly 6months after diagnosis that there is no cure. Thus, I’d be on cancer meds for the rest of my life. Finally, why would I need a stem cell transplant? I had a successful stem cell transplant experience in July of 2020. I’ll admit it was a rough ride, but the hospital food was beyond excellent and made it that much better. Having Cancer sucks. There’s no other way to put it. No one wants to receive news they or a loved one has cancer. Though, thanks to modern medicine, Multiple Myeloma can for the most part be kept under control and maintained. Sure, there may be some physical limitations due to cancerous effects on the body and/or side effects from medications. But thanks to new cancer medications, one can still live a life worth living with some alterations. Don’t allow this cancer to get the best of you…

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.