Randi Schwartz

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

Hi! I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at age 47 and had an autologous SCT in August of 2016. This summer, I will be celebrating my 5 year “new” birthday -a wonderful milestone! To date, my myeloma presents free of high risk genetic markers; however, it is accompanied by the complication of light chain deposition disease which compromises kidney function. As someone who loves the outdoors & endurance sports (running, biking, hiking, triathlon) dealing with kidney issues has been a tricky piece of my puzzle while I’ve worked to re-gain parts of my pre-myeloma life. Tricky as it may be, with the support of a good team of medical professionals, family, friends, and myeloma community paired with properly educating and advocating for myself, I have been incredibly fortunate to return to many of the things I love while managing this disease. For me, the power of mindset has played a huge role in living a vibrant life while co-existing with an incurable blood cancer. As a practitioner & coach of mind body medicine (and yoga instructor) I have personally experienced how powerful our daily practices and lifestyle can be in optimizing our sense of well-being and inner peace-especially while facing the many challenges and uncertainties of a cancer diagnosis. I have had the honor of sharing these practices with many cancer patients and others dealing with adversity and have witnesses the life changing results of developing a tool box of healthy coping strategies within a “safe circle of support.” Going through a cancer diagnosis is, no doubt, scary and can feel very lonely. My hope is to help any Myeloma patient I can through their journey; emotionally, physically, spiritually and in any way I can to help empower him or her through the process. Whether they want to laugh, cry, ask questions or compare notes, I want to support myeloma patients in navigating their needs and to never feel alone in doing so.

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 maintenance consisting of Revlamid, velcade and dexamethasone. We did all the things. Almost...My husband and I became vegan (which has since morphed to a plant "forward", low processed food diet) 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 removing alcohol from my life (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 just over 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 (which ended up terrifying me at times) and the local 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.

Cynthia Martinez

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

After retiring from a career as a registered nurse, I was diagnosed with kappa light chain myeloma in 2015—a turning point that reshaped my life. What followed was a complex path marked by spinal fractures, a stem cell transplant, lung infections, and, in time, relapse. Throughout it all, I’ve learned that while we can’t control everything in this journey, we can choose how we care for ourselves: through movement, nourishment, and rest. Today, I walk 5 to 7 miles a day, follow a Mediterranean-style diet, and do my best with sleep—knowing that even small victories matter. My husband and I still travel, especially enjoying cruises, embracing adventure with thoughtfulness and caution. As a coach, my mission is to walk alongside others living with multiple myeloma—offering support, shared experience, and encouragement. I believe in the power of listening, adapting, and finding moments of joy, even in difficult times.