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.

Rahma Warsame, MD Associate Professor of Medicine and Oncology Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency Associate Chair of Belonging Consultant Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine Dr. Rahma Warsame is a hematologist who specializes in treatment of blood cancers specifically Multiple myeloma and Amyloidosis. She was a Carol Emmott Fellow, class of 2022 a national program focused on addressing gender equity in healthcare. She is the Associate chair of Belonging for the Division of Hematology. Her research focuses on light chain amyloid and multiple myeloma, as well patient reported outcomes such as quality of life. In addition Dr. Warsame studies and publishes on issues with respect to healthcare disparity and belonging in healthcare. Dr. Rahma Warsame completed her residency and hematology/oncology fellowship and advanced dysproteinemia fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester and joined faculty at Mayo Clinic in 2017.

Brandon Blue, MD Assistant Member, Malignant Hematology Department H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Dr. Blue is an Assistant Member and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center. He earned his MD from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. He completed an Internal Medicine Residency in the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine and a Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Blue completed a Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Blue’s clinical interests include treatment of plasma cell disorders and evaluation of patients pre and post stem cell and bone marrow transplant. His research interests include reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for plasma cell dyscrasias.