Lisa Gray

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

Hello! I was diagnosed with high-risk myeloma in 2023, at the age of 56, after months of undiagnosed back and rib issues. I led a busy and active life working in senior fundraising roles for cancer nonprofits, traveling frequently, playing competitive tennis, and being happily married. Having worked with cancer patients and families for years in a non-medical role, being a patient has given me a new perspective and reinforced the importance of being an advocate to support my care. My cancer journey started with radiation and induction treatment. After only a few months of treatment, I ended up in ICU in 2023 with a lung infection, respiratory failure, and sepsis. Once home and somewhat recovered, I restarted treatment and working full-time. By May 2024, I had only a small amount of myeloma detected and was considered in remission. Unfortunately, I relapsed within two months as I was considering ASCT. I harvested stem cells but decided to have CAR-T (Carvykti) which had recently been approved as 2nd line for relapsed or refractory MM. I felt that CAR-T was the best path for me at the time for many reasons (early relapse, clinical trial results, etc.), and I had my CAR-T infusion in Dec 2024. As an advocate for cancer patients and their families and a multiple myeloma patient, I welcome the opportunity to help support others on their journey.

Larry Brown

multiple myeloma coach since 2025

I was diagnosed in November 2014. I had tandem stem cell transplants 2 in 2015. I was 49 yrs old when first diagnosed. I was exposed to toxic water at camp Lejeune NC from my father’s service in the Navy. I’m currently in Remission

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 treatment consisting of Revlamid, velcade and dexamethasone. My husband and I became vegan 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 and I removed alcohol from my regime (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 almost 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 and 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.