Men’s Health Month: Black Men Taking Control of Their Health

Name: Men’s Health Month: Black Men Taking Control of Their Health
Start: 2026-06-18T14:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-18T15:00:00-04:00

Jun 18, 2026

02:00PM - 03:00PM EDT

Online Event

Overview

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to bring greater awareness to the physical, emotional, and mental health challenges men often face, but don’t always talk about.

Join us for an honest and impactful conversation featuring Black men who have faced blood cancer and are sharing the realities of their health journeys. Through personal stories and lived experience, this panel will explore topics such as misdiagnosis, learning to listen to your body, trust within the medical team, mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, and how pride and fear can sometimes prevent men from seeking care early.

This conversation is about more than treatment. It’s about recognizing when something isn’t right, speaking up, asking questions, and understanding the importance of prioritizing your health before a crisis happens. By sharing their experiences, these men hope to encourage more open conversations around Black men’s health and remind others that seeking help, support, and care is not a weakness but a necessity.

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, or supporter, this discussion will offer insight, encouragement, and perspective that could help someone take action sooner.

Agenda

2:00 PM

Introduction

Valarie Traynham

Valarie introduces the agenda and our speakers Oya Gilbert, Thomas Goode, Donnie Houston

2:05 PM

Presentation

Oya Gilbert, Thomas Goode, Donnie Houston

Our guest speakers share about their experiences

2:35 PM

Questions and Answers

Audience

Come with your questions and we will answer them!

Speakers & Moderators

Valarie Traynham

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.

Donnie Houston

Donnie Houston was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2023 and underwent a stem cell transplant in September 2023. Currently on a monthly maintenance program, Donnie serves as a coach for the HealthTree Foundation and is an active member of the Fort Worth Multiple Myeloma Support Group. Through these roles, he provides encouragement, education, and peer support to patients and caregivers while remaining committed to advancing awareness, patient empowerment, and compassionate support for those navigating a multiple myeloma diagnosis.

Oya Gilbert

Oya Gilbert is a nationally recognized multiple myeloma advocate, health equity leader, and Founder & CEO of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation (HH&HH). After being diagnosed in 2017 following nearly two years of misdiagnoses, he transformed his experience into a national movement advancing early detection, equitable access to care, and culturally competent health education. A published contributor to peer-reviewed research and congressional witness, Oya bridges science, policy, and community. His 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball convened leaders across healthcare, culture, and policy—including a U.S. Senator—to drive real action on health equity. Known as “Grand G,” he uses hip-hop as a catalyst for change.

Thomas Goode

Thomas Goode grew up in Virginia. After high school, he joined the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. His love for exercise led him to receive his Master's in Sports and Health Science. Thomas was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2005. He has undergone three stem cell transplants. He began his advocacy at his clinic by speaking to other patients about their upcoming stem cell transplants. In 2014, Thomas became a Patient Ambassador for a pharmaceutical company. Participating in this role allowed him to tell his story and encourage other patients to live their lives to the fullest. Thomas spends time at the gym, his haven for exercise and social networking. When he is not at the gym or cycling, he spends time with his family and friends. He runs a myeloma support group in his area and is on the International Myeloma Foundation's African American Initiative advisory council