Thanks, Giving, and Receiving: An Opportunity to Learn and Share within our Myeloma Community
This is our third annual “Thanks, Giving, and Receiving” focused-meeting, BUT we added a twist this year! We are “taking it to the streets” and consulting our real-world eyes, ears, and boots-on-the-ground patients and care partners for their insider tips and tricks for navigating the ever-changing resources available for myeloma patients. We have three community members who will share their first-hand knowledge and experience with programs and resources for financial assistance and navigating insurance, including Medicare and commercial plans. We encourage everyone to bring your success stories and challenges to share with the group as well. As we close out 2023, we come together with gratitude for this community and all that is to come. We will share exciting announcements for 2024 and opportunities for every patient to help accelerate research and cures for multiple myeloma. You don’t want to miss this – it is our last meeting for 2023.
A panel of myeloma community members will share their first-hand knowledge and experience on programs and resources for financial assistance and navigating insurance, including Medicare and commercial plans. This will include opportunities for group discussion, questions and answers.
Let’s get to know each other!
Audrey Burton-Bethke
Audrey joined the HealthTree Foundation as the Myeloma Community Program Director in 2020. While not knowing much about myeloma at the start, she has since worked hard to educate herself, empathize and learn from others' experiences. She loves this job. Audrey is passionate about serving others, loves learning, and enjoys a nice mug of hot chocolate no matter the weather.
Diane Kennedy
Diane has been an active and engaged care partner with Todd, her husband, since he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017. In January 2020 they retired to devote their time and talents as patient advocates, HealthTree coaches, and myeloma community leaders. They are committed to helping improve and advance cancer care for all patients and feel a collaborative, virtual support group is an excellent way to help educate and empower patients and their families. Diane and Todd have lived in Orange County, CA for over 25 years where they raised their two sons.
Todd Kennedy
Todd Kennedy was diagnosed with myeloma in 2017 and has become a tireless advocate for myeloma patients and research. His background includes over 30 years working in the pharmaceutical industry until he and his wife Diane retired from their respective first careers to devote their time and talents to strengthen the myeloma community. They collaborate with HealthTree and other trusted partners to educate and empower myeloma patients and caregivers and accelerate the arrival of cures.