I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma(MM) in August 2016 *. Soon after, a good friend sent me a link to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation(MMRF)’s website and their “Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM)” section. “This is for you!”, she said. At that point, I didn’t even know what the illness was about, much less how or why I would move mountains for it.  

Fast forward almost 8 years to 2024, and I have lived with MM (still an incurable blood cancer), much of the time in complete and full remission, engaging in most everything I enjoyed before the diagnosis. This would not have been possible without the groundbreaking research, medical advancements and available medications supported by MMRF. I am committed to participating in their events because 100% of every dollar raised is directed toward essential MM research. This is due to the generous support of Johnson & Johnson. The partnerships between these organizations, along with others, have literally saved my life. 

I want to give back to this field and show others that this disease is treatable and manageable with specialized medical care. I am once again so very grateful to have my physical and emotional health restored and be able to support the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) with another fundraising event in 2024, for the 3^rd year in a row. Yes, I am thrilled to report that I successfully completed their Moving Mountains Sweden hiking trek in 2022, Road to Victories Columbia River Gorge in 2023, and I am about to embark on Road to Victories California Wine Country event next month.

I hold gratitude in my heart daily, enjoy life’s joys and pleasures along with the challenges, and thank you for your generous support of me and others with MM. 

Sending love, Karen

* Prior to my diagnosis, starting in early 2016, I had severe and worsening pain in my back and across my chest, which became disabling. Just prior to diagnosis, I was unable to stand up or walk unassisted.  This pain turned out to be where the MM lesions and compression fracture developed in my spine and other skeletal areas in my body. After several months of chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant in early 2017, this pain significantly decreased, although I had to be off of work for over 8 months. My doctors were unwilling to clear me medically for my favorite sport and pastime—downhill skiing—because of the fragility of my spine (eventually, they cleared me after years of MM treatment, strength training, and bone strengthening infusions). Happily, I have been enjoying my passion every ski season for the last couple of years. The other physical impact has been on my GI system. I have had worsening stomach upset and other bowel challenges related to the chemotherapy and maintenance treatments. This has been particularly challenging because I am a real foodie and find food to be one of life’s great pleasures. 

https://give.themmrf.org/fundraiser/5444842