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.