Mark Bastian

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

My name is Mark, I am 65 years old. My husband Rodd & I live in San Miguel de Allende MX. In April 2022 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma by my doctor here in Mexico. Went through 4 months of treatment. In August of 2022, we traveled to Nashville TN to the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute to begin the process of Stem Cell Transplant. September 2nd I had my transplant. We stayed in Nashville to the beginning of October. We then traveled back to San Miguel. I am happy to report my transplant was a success. I am cancer cell free & myeloma free. Back at the gym, back to cooking & baking that I love so much. My background is in the baking industry. My life today is better than I could have imagined a year ago. Yes, I am a bit slower, do experience some back issues but it's nothing compared to where I was. I am so grateful for today. My husband Rodd just came back from a 6 week, 7,635 mile tour of the US. We called it "Remission Tour 2023". We visited family, my children & our grandsons. It was truly wonderful and beat expectation. Plus, I felt great on this trip. We met with my doctors in Nashville as well for a follow up great lab results. Having Multiple Myeloma was not easy, some of the worst days in my life. I am so grateful for the great doctors, nurses who treated me, the love and support I received from friends & family, mostly from the care I received from my husband Rodd. Could not have walked through this without him. When I found out I had Multiple Myeloma I void I would remain positive as possible, take this serious, ask for help, keep a sense of humor. All this help me in so many ways.

Jasson Osborn

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

I was diagnosed with MM at 41 yrs old after suffering a severe spinal fracture. Here i was a healthy, active, working mom of two teenage boys, and wife ... then boom! A biopsy was taken during my spinal fusion surgery and thats how I found out. I started treatment immediately and had my SCT 5/3/21. I handled everything very well and I am grateful for that! I believe my health, age and mindset were huge contributors to my success. My hope is that I can share and encourage others in my age bracket and just from a positive lens.

Todd Kennedy

multiple myeloma coach since 2020

I believe that hope and action can lead to your long and healthy life with myeloma! I have been married for 35 years and have raised my two sons, built deep friendships, and loved life in Orange County, CA for over 25 years. Despite living a healthy O.C. lifestyle, on the day after Christmas 2017, I unexpectedly heard those dreaded words, “You have cancer”. Thanks to the world-class expertise and care of Dr. Amrita Krishnan at City of Hope, my multiple myeloma is thankfully now in remission and my family and I continue to life live to the fullest! I was diagnosed with active myeloma at age 53. My genetic profile includes translocation 11:14. I had a successful autologous stem cell transplant at City of Hope in July 2018. My treatment plan has included PIs, IMIDs, Darzalex, Venetoclax, steroids, IVIG and bone strengtheners. My doctor and I believe in maintenance therapy and periodic monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). In January 2020, I "retired" from a 30+ year in the pharmaceutical industry to "give back" by refocusing my time and talents towards coaching and advocating for myeloma patients. My wife, Diane, also "retired" to focus on serving as a Myeloma Coach. If you are a caregiver or patient and want to connect with Diane, feel free to reach out to her via the Myeloma Coach website. I believe that myeloma patients have justifiable reasons for abundant hope! We are blessed to benefit from rapidly advancing scientific breakthroughs that have led to new treatment options, precision diagnostics and supportive care. I respectfully suggest, however, that hope is not enough. As patients, we must take personal action to turn hope into reality. These key action steps include: becoming informed on the basics of myeloma and your specific case; including a true myeloma specialist on your team; getting connected to the myeloma community; and actively participating in the ongoing development of your personalized, dynamic, comprehensive treatment plan. When I was diagnosed in 2017, I was overwhelmed on many levels. I was relieved, however, to discover that the myeloma community of patients, caregivers, and supporters is very tight. We support one another. We give back in appreciation of the love and support we have received. To get connected, know that HealthTree and the Myeloma Coach program are here for you! Wishing you silver linings, wonderful blessings, excellent health, deep love and great joy along your journey!