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. Columbus D. Batiste, an Interventional Cardiologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine, serves as the Regional Chief of Cardiology for Southern California Permanente Medical Group. In 2010, Dr. Batiste shifted his approach to chronic disease management, focusing on long-term solutions involving nutrition, stress reduction, and exercise instead of relying solely on prescriptions and procedures. He led a collaboration with Samsung Technologies in 2016 to develop a virtual cardiac rehabilitation program that has since treated over 15,000 patients. Dr. Batiste's commitment to community health led to the founding of the nonprofit Healthy Heart Nation, dedicated to addressing social determinants of health. He is also an advocate for whole food plant-based nutrition, having lectured internationally, and is set to release his book, "SELFish: A Cure for a Stressed & Broken Heart.