Stem Cell Transplant Community Chapter Launch

Don Bathurst was diagnosed on January 8, 2018. After six rounds of VRd, and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in August 2018 he has achieved CR and sCR (depending on light chains) since November 2018. Since his retirement, he has focused my attention on his own health and ways that he can help others on their journey with this (chronic) disease, serving as a coach with the Myeloma Crowd. He also keeps his hand in professional activities as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, serving on the editorial board of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, where he is a Fellow, and serving as vice president of finance for the National Fire Heritage Center.

Mary Sage lives with her husband Michael (who is also a MM Caregiver Coach), her adult son Raymond who is also one of her caregivers, and 2 dogs (Stella and Jake). She has lived in the Pacific Northwest region since 1986. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 IgG Lambda, standard risk in November 2015 and placed on immediate disability due to several spinal fractures and compressions, severe pain and limited mobility. Like many others, prior to diagnosis, she experienced years of bizarre blood results and chronic back pain that was becoming increasingly debilitating. Mary had a stem cell harvest in 2016 and a stem cell transplant (SCT) in 2019. Currently, her bloodwork shows standard risk MM; her MRD is positive with 5 parts per million. Since 2015 she has had 2 relapses and has become refractory to 2 treatments. Presently, her maintenance treatment, since May 2022, is KPd (Kyprolis, Pom and Dex) at 3 weeks on and 1 week off. Mary is in a good response with this treatment and hopes to be able to hold these results for a long time. Her pain is managed by a dedicated pain team who work closely with her to maintain quality of life.

Amy Gebhardt currently lives in Nashville for the winter, summering in Upstate New York and on the St. Lawrence River with her husband of 24 years, Paul Gebhardt. Her career was very diversified including Retail Management, eCommerce, Public Relations, and Human Resources, and she has always enjoyed a new challenge. She left her position as Senior Regional Human Resource Manager at Rite Aid at age 54 to move to Nashville with her husband. Six months later she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. On August 1, 2018, she learned that she had Stage III Kappa Free Light Chain Multiple Myeloma. Her bone biopsy showed 90% cancer and her genetic testing revealed genetic mutations that put her in the high-risk category. She underwent 6 months of induction therapy and in February 2019 an autologous stem cell transplant. She achieved a stringent complete remission following the SCT. She has remained on maintenance therapy since May 2019. Amy enjoys bike riding, yoga, walking, sewing, and quilting. She spends time with family and friends as much as is safe during COVID. She devotes many hours a month volunteering time to Healthtree, Gilda’s House, and Jessica’s Heroes Foundation.