Alison Seel

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

My husband Jo was diagnosed with myeloma in 2016, at age 30. We were stunned. We had been married just two years and were thinking about starting life together, not facing down a diagnosis of incurable cancer. In the past years, he has done well on treatment, we have welcomed two beautiful children into our family, and we have learned to live well with this disease. But those early days were so hard, and I often wish I could speak to my younger self and tell her that things would get easier. Since I can’t do that, I am hoping I can help others in that scary place through the coach program.

Charlotte Pineda

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

You are unique and so is your myeloma experience. While we have much to learn from each other; ultimately, only you can decide what’s best for you. As a Certified Professional Coach, I see myself as a partner who helps others create clarity and move forward as courageous self-advocates who make the best decisions for themselves. My vision is for each of us living with myeloma to live life to the fullest and on our own terms! In March 2023 I was hit with the news: “You have high-risk smoldering myeloma…It will likely progress to multiple myeloma within two years." Less than a year later, I learned that I had multiple myeloma. I started induction therapy which included Velcade (bortezomib), Darzalex (daratumumab), Revlimid (lenalidomide), and dexamethasone. Due to side effects, dexamethasone was reduced and then eliminated. Gratefully, I'm responding well to treatment at this time. To borrow a popular business term: myeloma means a life filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). Early on, I decided not just to survive–but to thrive. I take one day at a time and credit consistent meditation and exercise for helping me through each day. In addition to being a coach, I’m a meditation and breathwork teacher. I get so much satisfaction from helping others incorporate meditation and breathwork into their lives. I don’t attempt to force myself or others to “just be positive.” Instead, I focus on hope and optimism and work hard not to beat myself up for having bad days–and sometimes weeks. It’s all about resilience. As psychologist and TED speaker, Susan David said, “Hope and optimism are different from (false) positivity. They are future-oriented and earned by a willingness to work hard and problem-solve to create a better outcome…Your feelings are valid, important, and worthy of honoring with compassion, but they are not facts or directives that get to boss you around. You can show up to them with compassion, courage, and curiosity, and then make your own choices about how you move forward.” This is where hearing the stories of others on HealthTree Foundation has helped me, and I’m honored to give back and help others as a coach. It’s not easy; but with courage, hope, and optimism, I believe we can thrive! When I’m not coaching, you'll find me spending time with family, playing with my Jack Russell Terrier, meditating, practicing yoga, learning something new, or relaxing with a good book. I look forward to speaking with you!

Barbara Mower

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

My husband, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed in 2016. We had recently moved across country, so we knew no one. We live in a relatively rural area and have been treated by a local oncologist and a specialist at a cancer hospital 8 hours away. He underwent a stem cell transplant in 2016. Fortunately, the month after my husband's diagnosis, I met another caregiver with the same doctor and insurance company. She was kind enough to chat with me about finances, stem cell transplants, and navigating treatment remotely. My husband and I both benefited from her knowledge sharing and have endeavored to do the same when we learn of local patients. Our journey continues as he just came out of remission in August 2022.