Valarie Traynham’s Advocacy Efforts for Black Myeloma Health

In late February 2025, Valarie Traynham, a myeloma survivor and HealthTree’s Black Myeloma Health Community Outreach Manager shared her powerful story covered by Essence and The Oklahoman. Below, we’ve summarized action items from her thoughts you can implement to support you in advocating for equitable healthcare. 

Understanding the Myeloma Disparity

Multiple myeloma is a serious and often misunderstood blood cancer that affects nearly 179,000 Americans. However, Black Americans are twice as likely to develop this cancer—and twice as likely to die from it—compared to White patients. Despite these alarming statistics, many Black patients are unaware of the cancer until they receive a diagnosis.

Valarie Traynham knows this reality firsthand. When she was diagnosed at 42, she had never heard of myeloma. Through her journey, she realized the lack of awareness, the disparities in treatment, and the need for advocacy. She now educates and empowers Black myeloma patients to advocate for equitable healthcare.

5 Ways to Take Charge of Your Myeloma Path

For Black myeloma patients, self-advocacy is essential to receiving the best possible care. Here are actionable steps to ensure you’re informed and empowered in your health:

1. Know Your Treatment Options

Many patients, like Valarie, are unaware of all the treatments available. Advances in treatments, including CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies, have improved survival rates. However, these treatments are not always equally accessible to Black patients.

• Ask your doctor about the latest treatment options
• Research new therapies and clinical trials
• Seek a second opinion if you feel unsure about your treatment plan

2. Participate in Clinical Trials

Black patients are historically underrepresented in clinical trials, yet these studies shape the future of myeloma treatments. Mistrust in the medical system, exclusionary trial designs, and lack of awareness contribute to low participation rates.

• Understand that clinical trials offer either the standard treatment or something better—never less
• Ask your doctor about trials you may qualify for
• Connect with organizations like HealthTree to find available trials

3. Find Culturally Competent Doctors

Studies show that Black patients who see doctors of the same racial or ethnic background experience better communication, trust, and health outcomes. Unfortunately, only 6% of U.S. doctors are Black, making it difficult to find one.

• Request referrals for Black myeloma specialists
• Use platforms like the Black Myeloma Health Initiative
• Advocate for medical schools to recruit and train more Black doctors

4. Seek Equitable Access to Care

Black patients often face systemic barriers, including insurance challenges, longer wait times, and dismissal of symptoms. Valarie emphasized that patients must assert their right to quality healthcare.

• Ask direct questions about insurance coverage for myeloma treatments
• If you’re denied treatment, request an appeal or seek legal advocacy
• Connect with support groups that can provide guidance and share experiences

5. Use Trusted Health Resources

Misinformation can be dangerous when managing a cancer like myeloma. Seek out reliable sources and community-based support.

• HealthTree’s Cure Hub® Registry helps patients share medical data, explore treatment options, and connect with others facing similar diagnoses
• Online communities, such as HealthTree Connect for Black Myeloma, offer education, advocacy, and a network of support

Turning Awareness Into Action

Valarie’s advocacy extends beyond education—it’s about action. She organizes events like the annual Hope for the Future in Black Myeloma Virtual Roundtable, where Black patients, doctors, and specialists discuss treatment advancements and address disparities. Events like these bridge the gap between information and real-world healthcare improvements.

As Black myeloma patients, raising awareness is key to closing the care gap. Talk to your community, encourage screenings, and educate others about the importance of early detection. The more informed you are, the better you can advocate for the care you deserve.

Final Thoughts 

Achieving equitable myeloma care requires systemic change to ensure Black patients have equal access to life-saving treatments, research opportunities, and culturally competent healthcare providers. By addressing barriers, a future can be created where every myeloma patient receives the care they deserve. 

“There’s no cure without us. If we’re not part of the research, we’re not part of the solution.” – Valarie Traynham

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Sources: 

• "There’s No Cure Without Us”: One Woman’s Mission to Transform Awareness and Care for Black Patients with Multiple Myeloma
• If You're Black and Sick, the Deck is Stacked Against You for Many Reasons