Estate Planning Surprises: Batteries Included

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.

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.

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.

Eloise Hock Feinstein is a 16-year multiple myeloma survivor as of June 2023. She lived in Southern California since birth and practiced law there for over 30 years. But in December 2022, two events disrupted her 65 years of geographic stability. First, she met with HealthTree’s good friend Dr. Urvi Shah, a Memorial Sloan Kettering MM specialist in NYC, to discuss Eloise’s recent relapse. She was invited to join a small clinical trial, limited to MSK patients. The very next day her identical twin grandsons were born in NYC. What else was there to do but move to Manhattan asap? By February 2023, Eloise had rented a small apartment located a half-block from Central Park. A lawyer since 1982, Eloise was already planning on closing her Estate Planning law practice in the near future. Her house (and car!) in San Diego were sold in her absence by June. Eloise enjoys reading historical fiction and line dancing. Walking the streets of NYC now provides basic daily exercise that’s easy to achieve. Eloise and her dog and cat are happily on their way to becoming real New Yorkers, but will always be loyal to the HealthTree SoCal Chapter.