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

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Hartley-Brown is an emerging leader in the field of Multiple Myeloma. She is an Associate Physician at Harvard Medical School and Assistant Professor & Medical Oncologist who specializes in treating patients with multiple myeloma. She practices clinical care at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer that affects Black Americans approximately twice more than Caucasians. Dr. Hartley-Brown has written several publications and has been a clinical research investigator for numerous clinical studies that has contributed to the advancement of clinical care for patients with multiple myeloma and plasma cell dyscrasias. As a Black female physician, she is dedicated to ensuring that the care for the myeloma community is equitable and affords all patients with myeloma an optimal level of care regardless of background, race or socioeconomic status.