Kirk Lawson

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi friend! I am a 65 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.

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.

Alexander Jacobs

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

I was diagnosed -- to my surprise, with virtually no symptoms -- at age 34. Initially diagnosed by a private hematologist, I decided to seek treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. I ended up being treated with eight cycles of carfilzomib+ dexamethasone + revlimid (KRD) and, given that I was virtually MRD negative, went through a stem cell collection but opted not to do a transplant. I began revlimid maintenance therapy in 2021 and the current recommendation from my care team is to remain on it for the foreseeable future. I live in New York City, where I help run a nonprofit focused on social policy research. I worked (remotely) throughout most of treatment, which was of course challenging but thankfully not too debilitating. My wife and I are hoping to start a family, so I spent some time consulting with my doctor and others about how to do so safely with my current medications. Given the unusual age at which I was diagnosed, I have also tried (and continue trying!) to seek good information about how to manage the condition both psychologically and physically as a younger patient.