Inspirational Stories

Jennifer of Hayward, CA, was diagnosed with myeloma (MM) in 2008. During this process, she endured a year of intense chemotherapy, followed by an autologous stem cell transplant where her own stem cells were harvested and reintroduced into her body on January 8, 2010.  This resulted in an extended hospital stay followed by radiation treatments.  She is currently in remission and remains under doctor’s care.

After her diagnosis and treatments, she wanted to give back to others living with the disease.  In October 2010, she became involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a representative and fundraiser for the organization. Currently, she is a trained peer volunteer for the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection® Program which is a free service of LLS.  This program matches blood cancer patients or family members of patients with someone who has gone through a similar illness.  She enjoys coaching, providing a listening ear, support, and a safe space for patients to share about their blood cancer diagnosis. 

Additionally, in December 2018, she became a Community Outreach Volunteer with LLS’s free Myeloma Link, program in Oakland, CA.  LLS launched Myeloma Link in 2017 to educate African Americans about myeloma, and to help patients access optimal care, and navigate the treatment landscape more effectively.  This program is presently active in 16 cities across the country: Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Newark, NYC/The Bronz, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, St. Louis, and Washington D.C.  Since inception, the program has reached over 27,000 individuals through more than 200 outreach and education programs.  

“Knowledge is power and sharing is caring!” said Jennifer.  “Thanks to dedicated people like you, funds raised from LLS supporters like you support the research of blood cancer treatments that save lives.”

Myeloma Link reaches Black patients and caregivers in the following ways:

• Collaborations with trusted partners in Black communities across all cities where Myeloma Link is presently active, including churches, barbershops, senior centers, fraternities, community development organizations, and others.
• Education programs for patients and caregivers about myeloma, other blood cancers, treatment options, and survivorship issues.
• Education programs for Primary Care Providers at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and other providers servicing vulnerable populations.
• Trained myeloma Community Outreach Volunteers.
• Connecting patients and caregivers with LLS Information Specialists.  To speak with an LLS Information Specialist and learn how you can participate in Myeloma Link, please call 1-844-955-LINK or email MyelomaLInk@LLS.org.

“LLS helped me from the beginning of my journey when I met their patient services team,” said Jennifer.  “They introduced me to support groups where I talked to people just like me who knew exactly what I was up against.  LLS provided me with so much support and now I’m proud to help out through Myeloma Link.”

Jennifer said what keeps her going is reminding herself that no matter what the obstacles are, it’s important to stay the course, savor each moment, embrace all life has to offer and celebrate the joys of every day!