SoCal Myeloma Community Chapter: Eating Healthy in the New Year

Event Description
The Southern California Myeloma Community Chapter welcomes two oncology dietitians to share their tips on healthy eating for patients with multiple myeloma. Whether we are overeating due to steroids or stress, or undereating due to digestive issues, treatment or stress, multiple myeloma can wreak havoc with patients’ and care partners’ healthy eating goals. Our guest speakers, Michelle Hamilton, an oncology dietitian and Kathryn Kanter, an oncology dietitian specializing in blood cancers at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, will provide research-based strategies and suggestions to help us make healthier food choices in 2022. They will provide practical tips and answer our nutrition questions and concerns. Join us to start the year off on a healthier eating path.
Schedule & Agenda
Speakers & Moderators

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.

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.

Kathryn is an oncology dietitian at UT Southwestern. She received her bachelors and masters degree from Saint Louis University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She began working at UT Southwestern Clements University Hospital in 2015 where she specialized in oncology and critical care nutrition. In 2020, Kathryn transferred to Simmons Cancer Center and now primarily works with patients with hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. Kathryn enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her cat, Callie, in her spare time.

Michelle Hamilton is a registered dietitian and certified specialist in oncology at UT Southwestern. She received her undergraduate degree at Baylor University and masters at UT Southwestern. Michelle has a genuine passion for oncology and has been an oncology dietitian for approximately 5 years. She also has a focus on cancer survivorship and leads a 6 week healthy eating class for oncology patients. Prior to working at the cancer center, she worked in outpatient weight loss counseling and outpatient enteral nutrition management. Her hobbies include jogging, reading and cooking at home.
Join the Conversation
This event is part of the Pacific Regional Cure Team group in HealthTree Connect, a social media platform for people with blood cancer. If you want to connect with other patients and caregivers and talk about this topic, join HealthTree Connect.
Have Any Questions?
Thank you for your interest in the event. If you have any questions, we would love to help!
Feel free to give us a call or send us a message below.
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