Hope for the Future in Black Myeloma- A Black Myeloma Health Panel

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. Shakira J. Grant is a physician, entrepreneur, and healthcare executive working at the nexus of clinical care, health policy, and artificial intelligence. She is the founder of CROSS Global Research & Strategy (CROSS), which delivers end-to-end support for responsible health-AI adoption—advancing workflow integration, equity, and policy while building literacy through the CARE AI program. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology, she brings nearly two decades of patient-care experience to AI strategy and design. Her policy background includes service as a health policy advisor to the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means. Dr. Grant previously served as an Assistant Professor and principal investigator at UNC–Chapel Hill. She has earned IBM certifications focused on the ethics of AI and transforming businesses with AI. The author of 35+ peer-reviewed publications, she centers solutions that improve access for marginalized communities and was named a 2023 Healio Next-Gen Disruptive Innovator.

Raleigh Ayo Fatoki, MD, MBA is a Hematology-Oncology fellow at the University Miami-Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research interests include Multiple Myeloma and the biological drivers of disparities in people of African descent. Dr. Fatoki studied Economics at Howard University before completing a joint MD/MBA program at Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. He trained in Internal Medicine with Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA.

Brandon Blue, MD Assistant Member, Malignant Hematology Department H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Dr. Blue is an Assistant Member and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center. He earned his MD from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. He completed an Internal Medicine Residency in the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine and a Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Blue completed a Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Blue’s clinical interests include treatment of plasma cell disorders and evaluation of patients pre and post stem cell and bone marrow transplant. His research interests include reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for plasma cell dyscrasias.