Hope for the Future in Black Myeloma- A Black Myeloma Health Panel

Event Description
Can We Find Hope in the Future of Black Myeloma Health?
There have been so many advancements in treatments for multiple myeloma in recent years. Myeloma patients can find hope in novel immunotherapies, such as CAR-T cellular therapy and bispecific T cell engagers (BiTE).
What do these novel therapies look like for the Black myeloma patient? Are there barriers to accessing these treatments? Are Blacks responding the same?
Join us to hear from doctors Brandon Blue, Shakira Grant, and Ayo Fatoki as they discuss the novel therapies and share their views on the future of myeloma for the Black community.
Schedule & Agenda

Valarie introduces the agenda of the event and featured speakers.

Valarie introduces the agenda of the event and featured speakers.

What myeloma drugs allow hope in the future of Black Myeloma and why?

What myeloma drugs allow hope in the future of Black Myeloma and why?
Type your questions for Dr. Blue and we will answer them!
Type your questions for Dr. Blue and we will answer them!

What barriers stand in the way of Black healthcare equality and equal treatment of multiple myeloma?

What barriers stand in the way of Black healthcare equality and equal treatment of multiple myeloma?
Type your questions for Dr. Grant in the chat and we will answer them!
Type your questions for Dr. Grant in the chat and we will answer them!

Why Dr. Fatoki chose to be a myeloma specialist

Why Dr. Fatoki chose to be a myeloma specialist
Type your questions in the chat for Dr. Fatoki and we will answer them!
Type your questions in the chat for Dr. Fatoki and we will answer them!
Speakers & Moderators

Valarie embarked on her myeloma journey back in 2015, and ever since she's been on a mission. As a resilient myeloma thriver, her passion lies in not just navigating her own path but also in illuminating the journey for others. With a steadfast commitment to understanding the intricacies of the disease, she champions education, shedding light on health inequities that often lurk in the shadows. Driven by a profound belief in fairness, Valarie tirelessly advocates for equitable access to top-tier healthcare, clinical trials, and tailored treatments. Her journey as a beacon of knowledge and support began when she assumed the role of a support group leader. Today, she continues to extend her hand as a myeloma coach, mentor angel, and the guiding force behind the Black Myeloma Health Community. Valarie's voice echoes far and wide as she fearlessly confronts the disparities faced by myeloma patients. Through collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, she strives to forge pathways to solutions, ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve. Join Valarie on her journey of empowerment and advocacy as she lights the way toward a brighter, more equitable future in myeloma care.

Shakira Grant, MBBS, is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She holds a dual faculty position in both the Linebarger Cancer Center’s Division of Hematology and UNC’s Division of Geriatrics. Her research is focused on aging-related vulnerabilities and how they impact the health outcomes of older adults with myeloma and other hematological malignancies. She is one of the few hematologist/oncologist/geriatricians in the country and a leader in the field of Geriatric Hematology. Dr. Grant served a fellowship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at the University of Washington and a residencies at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. She earned her medical degree at the University of the West Indies in Barbados.

Raleigh Ayo Fatoki, MD, MBA is a Hematology-Oncology fellow at the University Miami-Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research interests include Multiple Myeloma and the biological drivers of disparities in people of African descent. Dr. Fatoki studied Economics at Howard University before completing a joint MD/MBA program at Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. He trained in Internal Medicine with Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA.

Dr. Brandon Blue is an assistant professor at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. His clinical interests include treatment of plasma cell disorders and evaluation of patients pre and post bone marrow transplant. His research interests include reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for plasma cell dyscrasias. Dr. Blue recently completed a Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Blue recently completed a Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center. He completed an Internal Medicine Residency in the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, and a Hematology/Oncology Fellowship in the Department of Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He earned his MD at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN.
Join the Conversation
This event is part of the Black Myeloma Health group in HealthTree Connect, a social media platform for people with blood cancer. If you want to connect with other patients and caregivers and talk about this topic, join HealthTree Connect.
Have Any Questions?
Thank you for your interest in the event. If you have any questions, we would love to help!
Feel free to give us a call or send us a message below.
Get In Touch With Us
1-800-709-1113
Support@healthtree.org







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