Accelerating Research for NonSecretory Myeloma Patients with HealthTree Cure Hub
Join Vicki and Audrey as we discuss how we can make a real impact in non-secretory myeloma research and treatment by contributing to HealthTree Cure Hub. We look forward to seeing you and learning together.
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.
Vicki Jones
In the 20 years since her diagnosis Vicki has learned a lot about fighting myeloma. In her own words, "When I was diagnosed it felt like I was the only one in the world with this disease. After always having been a bit of a loner, suddenly I yearned for someone to talk to that understood what I was going through. Now I want to be that someone for other myeloma patients and caregivers". Vicki has been on just about every chemo regimen and has had a stem cell transplant. Every drug regimen has worked against her Myeloma but she has never been in complete remission. She recently became a nonsecretor and is learning to deal with this new diagnosis. "When I was diagnosed in 2004 it made me sad to think I would never know what it was like to grow old. Now when I look in the mirror and see all the wrinkles, I’m overjoyed!"
Todd Foster
Todd Foster is the Director of Digital Patient Engagement at HealthTree. He worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center for 12 years before helping myeloma patient, Jenny Ahlstrom, start up HealthTree. He specializes in patient experience, helping patients understand their options, and becoming decision makers with their care teams. Prior experience includes IT development projects at Intermountain HealthCare and UnitedHealthcare. Todd has a passion for using technology that can help patients have a better life, and along the way, help to further research for a cure.
Nathan Sweeney
Nathan Sweeney, Ph.D. - Dr. Sweeney is the Manager of Clinical Research for the HealthTree Foundation and a pediatric cancer survivor (ALL). He has 13 years of research experience including undergraduate research at the University of Utah, doctoral research in Cancer Biology at the University of Arizona, and post-doctoral research at the Huntsman Cancer Insitute. When he's not researching cancer you can find him mountain biking, fishing, or playing make-believe with his 5-year-old daughter.