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.

Dr. Tiffany Hawkins Williams graduated from MUSC with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1990, Master of Science in Nursing in 2001, and Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2012. She is a retired certified pediatric nurse practitioner, with specialty in adolescent parenting, health disparities among underserved and disadvantaged children and adolescents, and childhood obesity. Dr. Williams was actively involved in mentoring diverse and underrepresented high school and nursing students. Tiffany was diagnosis with multiple myeloma in November 2013. The life changing cancer experience caused her to redefine her purpose, becoming a myeloma advocate committed to increasing awareness and improving outcomes. The transition from health care professional to cancer survivor and advocate was not easy but an organic process that broadened her passion from health disparities affecting children and adolescents to advocating for people living with cancer. Tiffany did what came naturally; she became an advocate, speaker, support group leader, and member of multiple patient councils and advocacy boards for national organizations and pharmaceutical companies. Tiffany is well known for her work on diversity in multiple myeloma and sits on multiple advisory boards, committees, and patient engagement groups as a patient advocate, and has contributed to published peer-reviewed journal papers. She was recently recognized for her work by Cure Magazine with the 2022 Multiple Myeloma Health Equity Heroes Award. Tiffany is determined to give voice to racial and ethnic disparities and the disproportionate burden of cancer affecting African Americans. Knowledge is power, and she is on a mission to increase knowledge and empower African Americans and others living with cancer to live their best lives. Tiffany is married to her best friend, Adrian. Together they have two adult children.