Navigating a New, Complicated World: A Myeloma Patient Story

Margo married the love of her life in June 2017 and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma four months later. 

Because she had been feeling healthy, her diagnosis came as a complete shock. She had just started a beautiful life with her new husband. 

Margo's head spun as she began investigating her diagnosis of multiple myeloma, discovering it was a complicated disease. She went to the internet and found a myeloma support group near her home. The group's speaker was from The Myeloma Crowd, currently called the HealthTree Foundation. 

Margo was fascinated by the information she learned about the HealthTree Foundation and the free programs it offered. 

The resources HealthTree offers have helped Margo navigate her new, complicated world. In fact, because of how they helped her, she wanted to share what she had learned with others going through similar struggles. 

“One of the best parts of HealthTree is the Cure Hub. [HealthTree] Cure Hub allows patients to upload their data and become part of the research. Research is so critical with this disease.”

Another program within Cure Hub that intrigued Margo was The Twin Machine, a platform where you can anonymously find and connect with patients with similar experiences or genetics. As part of her desire to give back, Margo joined the HealthTree Myeloma Coach program.

“It is a unique way to give back and help people at their worst times. Having a personal guide through your myeloma journey is so important. It gives patients a dedicated voice to listen to the physical and emotional trauma myeloma tends to put people through," Margo shares. 

Margo's dedication and passion for supporting her fellow myeloma patients didn't stop there. This past October, Marago hosted an online fundraiser for the HealthTree Foundations research initiative, where she was able to help us raise nearly $3,000! We are grateful to Margo and all the generous donors who contributed their funds toward myeloma research. 

You can join Margo and many other myeloma research supporters by participating in the following: 

1. Create a HealthTree Cure Hub account, where you can view personalized, recommended treatment options, track your myeloma, and participate in myeloma research by completing patient surveys. 
2. Donate to HealthTree Research by texting CURE to 24365, calling 800-709-1113, emailing donations@healthtree.org, or by visiting our website https://healthtree.org/myeloma

"I am grateful for HealthTree," Margo concludes, "There is no other organization like this.”

A note from Margo below: 

I needed another outlet for my cancer, so I took three months off from my career and created cathychemo.org. It is an irreverent blog about the funny side of dealing with cancer.  If you need to laugh, please log on.

To view other Myeloma Patient Stories, visit our website here: Myeloma Patient and Caregiver Articles