Lori Russell

multiple myeloma coach since 2024

Hi, I was diagnosed with myeloma in 2018 at the age of 49. What a surprise! I have what? Melanoma? Mesothelioma? To be honest, it took me an 8 day hospital stay to fully understand that I had multiple myeloma and what that meant. I was a highly anemic 49 year old female with a bad back. My doctor was not looking for blood cancer. She ordered an x-ray of my spine so that she could refer me to an orthopedic specialist. The x-ray showed many lesions and a cluster of tumors. No wonder I was swearing like a sailor every time I tried to get out of bed. I could not tie my own shoes, brush my hair, or drive. After full body x-rays and blood work, treatments began immediately. Radiation on my back and leg. Turns out my left femur was almost decimated. I had no idea. I became the proud owner of a titanium rod, hip to knee. After 6 months of radiation and chemo, I underwent a successful autologus stem cell transplant. I just passed my 4 year transplant anniversary. I'm doing well on a maintenance drug. I work full time as an University Administrator, walk 2-3 miles a day, ride my bike, and have found a fondness for chair yoga. I am married with 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. My family is a blessing. I am a faith filled person who never walks alone.

Dave Braucht

multiple myeloma coach since 2023

Having faced 4 cancer diagnoses, including Multiple Myeloma and a related disease of AL Amyloidosis, I understand the shock and fear that patients experience. My personal journey, coupled with my father's and sister's own Multiple Myeloma and AL Amyloidosis diagnosis, treatments, and experiences has given me over 30 years of firsthand knowledge. I specialize in coaching patients, particularly those with AL Amyloidosis and other blood cancers like CLL, offering support and guidance based on my unique perspective. I'm passionate about empowering others with hope and knowledge, especially regarding AL Amyloidosis, which is often missed or misdiagnosed. I want patients to know there are many great treatments available and to avoid outdated information online. As a HealthTree Myeloma Coach since Fall 2023, and current Co-Lead of the Pacific Region Cure Hub Cure Team, I'm dedicated to supporting patients at all stages of their journey. My expertise includes: 
* AL Amyloidosis 
* Navigating Health Insurance and Financial Resources (I am a HealthTree Financial Coach) 
* Certified Cure Hub Coach
 * Long-term Daratumumab treatment insights 
 * Stem cell transplant considerations
 * Bispecific Antibodies Beyond patient advocacy, I connect with others globally as a Ham radio operator and serve as a volunteer examiner (VE), helping aspiring hams obtain their FCC licenses. My faith, family, and country are central to my life, and I enjoy camping, hunting, fly fishing, and time with my Golden and Flat-Coated Retrievers. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions! Even if you just want to chat and learn more about coaching with me, that's great. I can send you a link to my scheduling tool by email or text message. It's easy to find a time that works for us. I'm looking forward to connecting and helping you navigate your path.

Rick Sturm

multiple myeloma coach since 2021

First diagnosed in January 2020 because of a fractured lumbar vertebra. A CT scan also showed numerous lytic bone lesions. I got a recommendation of an awesome oncologist in Denver at the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute (CBCI). My initial treatment (induction therapy) was Velcade, Revlimid and Dexamethasone (I had a severe reaction to Velcade). After 5 months, I had an AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANT. After that, I was on maintenance with Darzalex FasPro (daratumumab) which initially was quite effective. However, after 2 years on that drug, my numbers started going in the wrong direction. The next step was pairing daratumumab with VENETOCLAX. Then in October 2023, I received CAR-T therapy (CARVYKTI). Two months after that treatment, I had achieved Stringent Complete Response (=complete remission) and after 6 months, a biopsy found ZERO myeloma DNA. As my oncologist put it, "You're not MRD Negative, you're MRD Negative, Negative. You're super negative!"