Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM) is a collaboration between CURE Media Group and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation to raise awareness

At 12,388 feet, Mount Fuji is the highest and most celebrated mountain in all of Japan. On a clear day, Mount Fuji, a dormant volcano, is visible from the city of Tokyo, 60 miles away, and the headquarters for Takeda Pharmaceuticals. In July 2017, six patients living with multiple myeloma, along with caregivers, a doctor and advocates took on the challenge of summiting this epic mountain. The hikers expected hot, humid weather at the base of the mountain, and temperatures in the teens (Fahrenheit) at the summit. The final hours of the summit took place at night, allowing the team to reach the peak in time to experience a Japanese sunrise.

Mount Fuji

Welcome to my story, and to the “bigger picture”. My long term goals are (1) to increase patient knowledge, and (2) to expand the MMRF endurance events to the Southeast region. I wanted to meet other multiple myeloma patients, share my story, and help a few folks along the way. In April 2015, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

As a result of my work with the MMRF, I was selected to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. The 15 member team will support the life changing work accomplished by the MMRF in oncology and cancer research. Six are multiple myeloma patients. Sharing the summit picture a top Mt Kilimanjaro will show all Multiple Myeloma patients that you can do and attain whatever you want. You set your goals. You achieve your outcome. You are in charge.

“Exercise” and otherwise excellent health were the key components to my successful stem cell transplant. Too many patients become a “plant” and feel pity. With exercise, you can put “away” the problem, even for a little bit. Find something you like, and don’t limit yourself. Integrative Medicine to include exercise, music, and meditation provides valuable stress relief sessions and gives you back what you need the most…TIME.”

Shortly after my stem cell transplant, while at home, I was asked to create a video to help motivate the Ironman Arizona team. It was now my turn to help, with two main points.

First: NEVER QUIT, NEVER STOP, NOT TODAY, NOT EVER. My motto started on a cycling metric honoring emergency services personnel in Gaston, SC. Within 10 miles of the finish, I encountered the dreaded “elephant hills.” Over and over I said the words, “NEVER QUIT. NEVER STOP. NOT TODAY. NOT EVER.” My motto stuck and became the foundation for everything I do.

Second, helping patients in any way shape or form. I’ve met with newly diagnosed patients to provide a game plan and to reassure each patient that a positive outcome is within reach. You are not defined by cancer. You are defined by what you do, how you hold yourself, and how you react to stressful situations. In simplistic terms, helping others “changes the world with one random act of kindness at a time”.

As an Endurance Cyclist, when I ride…my Multiple Myeloma goes into a lock box. For whatever time and distance I ride, an hour or four hours, nothing matters. It’s me, my friends, and the back country roads of South Carolina. I push forward. I am not in pain. I am getting faster. I am free. I am focused.

Over the past year, I’ve participated in 3 clinical trials. My current clinical trial compares Empliciti with Revlimid and Dexamethasone in the maintenance therapy phase vs Revlimid and Dexamethasone alone. In the United States, and now in Europe, Empliciti is approved for relapsed and refractory Multiple Myeloma. There will be sometime before Empliciti is approved for maintenance therapy.

In August, 2016, I had my one-year stem cell transplant checkup. My doctors told me that I am in complete remission. When asked, I let people know I am in complete remission “for now”. For now I say, since there is not yet a cure for Multiple Myeloma. Soon, soon I will tell people I am in complete remission…and CURED.

Gary Rudman

When I was diagnosed 6 years ago I thought a lot about dying. I was 46, 1/2 way thru my expected life span when suddenly I was told I had an average of 5 years to live, a gut punch that left me dazed. The faraway horizon of death came sharply into focus and I obsessed about it, ruminating on my own funeral - the playlist, was it too creepy to record a video and play it during the service?, mandatory name tags, that sort of thing. Knowing your time is limited gives you motivation to plan these things.

Being a father of a 6 and 8 year old I also spent a lot of time worrying that I wouldn’t be there when they needed me, and depressed I would miss milestones like graduation and marriage. The thought of not being able to provide for and protect them was devastating.

It took about a year of treatment and 2 stem cell transplants to gain some confidence in my battle with myeloma, and gradually I began to shift my thinking, looking at my cancer as more of a chronic condition. Still, I had no illusions about beating myeloma, and I realized I had to maximize my time. I began prioritizing my bucket list, and thinking about my legacy. What memories would I leave my family with? What would people remember about me? What would be my mark on the world? Big picture stuff.

Since then I have some amazing experiences with family and friends, and dare say that having cancer has enhanced my life in ways I could not have predicted. I have learned to surf, play guitar, and became a triathlete and open water swimmer. I have let down my guard when at my most vulnerable, and relied on those around me for help - humbling experiences that have made me more well-rounded.

Choosing to share my journey and be a part of the solution has given me purpose and direction. Knowing that I’m contributing to research, through various endurance events, is my way, besides taking chemo, of fighting cancer. Pushing myself physically has, I believe, kept my cancer relatively in check (tho I have never been in remission). As a result I am, ironically, in the best shape of my life. If you would have told me I would be running 1/2 and full marathons and olympic distance triathlons in the days after my transplants, when my legs were wobblier than a new born deer, I would have laughed in your face. It never ceases to amaze me how resilient the human body is, the depths from which it can recover and even thrive. Amazing stuff.

I am grateful to be climbing Kilimanjaro as my latest fundraiser, as it keeps me motivated and contributing to the solution. I am excited to see where my efforts will lead me afterwards on this unpredictable journey. Onwards!

Mark Herkert

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/mattgoldman

 Multiple Myeloma patient and to help fund efforts to find a cure and support other patients

I live in Long Beach California. I’ve always been fairly active. I used to ride my bike to work, about 10 miles each way. It was the best and most relaxing way to start and end a work day. In early 2011, I noticed that I was getting a bit fatigued on my daily bike commute. I just assumed I was letting myself get out of shape. Soon the little bit of fatigue turned in to a lot of fatigue. It was getting hard to get a deep breath. I also noticed that during the day I was getting super tired. I had given up eating meat and thought perhaps I simply wasn’t getting enough protein in my diet. But then I started getting daily fevers, night sweats and chills. My primary care doctor tested me for everything, except cancer. Eventually I was hospitalized because I was so anemic. After some tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. That day was May 2, 2011. I started chemo the very next day. It was a scary time. Five plus years later, I still do chemo, but the cancer is stable. I’ve learned how to live with this new normal. I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever knew. I can honestly say that, while I’d prefer not to have cancer, I’ve become a better person since my diagnosis. Since being diagnosed, I’ve tried to stay somewhat fit. Climbing Kilimanjaro gives me a chance to proof to myself that I am still capable of taking on big challenges. It also gives me an opportunity to give back to the myeloma community. I’ve met the most amazing and wonderful people during this journey. I’ve also lost friends to the disease. I’m climbing not just for myself but for those who can’t and to honor those who are no longer with us I hope I don’t let people down.

Matt Goldman

My name is Betsy O’Donnell. I am a medical oncologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) where I specialize in the study and treatment of Multiple Myeloma. I see myeloma patients three days per week and the other two are devoted to research aimed at developing clinical trials for the development of new and improved therapies for multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is currently an incurable disease for the majority of patients. The goal of our research is to help patients live longer and better with the disease and ultimately to find a cure. It is because of the generosity of foundations such as the MMRF that we are able to push the boundaries of our current standards of care and knowledge.

In addition to my responsibilities in the Multiple Myeloma disease center, I am the Director of Lifestyle Medicine at MGH. The MGH Lifestyle Medicine Clinic provides personalized consultation for patients seeking to improve their physical fitness, nutrition, quality of life, and cancer outcomes.

Exercise and athletics have always been a passion of mine. I played four sports in high school and was All-American in lacrosse and All-Ivy in field hockey at Yale. Following college, I pursued triathlon as my full-time occupation for three years. I continue to stay very active and pursue athletics to the best of my ability. I love running but most of my time training is spent in the saddle commuting to work by bicycle 40 miles round trip per day. I am up for pretty much anything that involves being outdoors and moving my body!

Elizabeth (Betsy) O’Donnell

 Will be 59 when we climb in February 2017


http://support.themmrf.org/goto/rebeccaamitai

: Friends with MM. Family members with cancer. An opportunity to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and do just a little bit to help MMRF

My Story: Several close friends have benefitted from the work of the MMRF. I feel blessed and humbled to be a part of this group as we tackle climbing Kilimanjaro.

For the last 10 years I have enjoyed various outdoor pursuits. Middle age was the time I started running marathons and ultramarathons, competing in triathlons, and convincing my family that vacationing meant hiking. Before that I worked hard but was pretty much a couch potato.

I am fascinated by Kilimanjaro, one of the “seven summits” and the tallest mountain in Africa. It has a prominent spot on my bucket list. But a call from a friend, also on this trip, convinced me that this was the right time and the right trip – in large part because this is the right cause. I have several friends that are MM survivors and in remission thanks to the work of the MMRF. There are still many challenges but the MMRF has been making enormous progress.

I expect that being a part of this Kili trek, along with MM patients, family, and medical professionals, will prove as life changing as actually glimpsing the world from the summit.


Rebecca Amitai

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/LoriHiggins

I am hiking Mt Kilimanjaro and raising funds for the MMRF in memory of my husband, Dr. Thomas David Higgins, who died from a very aggressive form of Multiple Myeloma in September 2015. He was 44 years old and a healthy, fit man who loved the ocean and the outdoors. We have four children who miss their Daddy every single day. Tom attempted every treatment available to him including an allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant. Despite the progress and newly approved drugs available to MM patients, more research and treatments are needed to stop this incredibly complex disease in its tracks and spare other young families the pain that we have had to suffer. My husband was fortunate that he traveled the world for his career as an Economist. During the last few years of his life he went to the continent of Africa twice and decided that we should return together for a leisure trip and perhaps do some hiking (which we both loved) wine tasting and a safari. His diagnosis in early 2014 prevented us from any further international travel. I am grateful to both Takeda and the MMRF for the opportunity to get to Africa to take on this challenge, and raise funds to find the cure for this devastating cancer.

Lori Higgins

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/nancydziedzic

I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in Sept of 2014. It has been my dream since I was a teen to go to Africa and experience a Safari. I had hoped to finally do it for my 50th Birthday in 2015, but instead I was fighting for my life battling Multiple Myeloma and going through a stem cell transplant. I am now in Complete Response which is similar to remission but there is NO CURE for this cancer so it could come back at any time.

I have decided that I will get to Africa finally in 2017! But not only will I do that Safari, I have challenged myself to climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft) , and raise $10,000 to fund research for Multiple Myeloma as part of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Team For Cures. The team consists of 6 MM patients and 10 others that are connected to Myeloma in some way. We will be climbing through 5 different ecosystems, potentially harsh weather conditions, altitude sickness and unforgiving terrain. I hope to inspire other patients that life goes on after diagnosis and goals can be achieved. I also want to bring awareness to this disease.

Multiple Myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer and, sadly has the lowest five-year survival rates of all cancers. But while there is no cure, great progress is being made. In fact thanks to the work of the MMRF, the world's leading private funder of myeloma research , the FDA has approved 10 new treatments in the last 12 years, 3 of them in November of 2015, a track record that's unparalleled in the world of oncology. These treatments have tripled the life span of Myeloma patients. There are currently 21 additional treatments in various stages of development, giving hope to me and thousands of other patients and families.

The MMRF was started by a patient just like me and is one of the most highly regarded cancer foundations in the world. An outstanding 90% of the total MMRF budget goes directly towards research and related programming. The MMRF is in the top 1% of all charities, having earned Charity Navigator’s 4-star rating for the past eleven years in a row.

Please support my participation in the Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek benefiting the MMRF. I have made a commitment to raise at least $10,000, and I need your help to get there. Please contribute whatever you can. It all adds up!

Nancy Dziedzic

 in Jan of this year with four Multiple Myeloma patients, my life will be forever changed by the strength and determination of those patients, that against all odds undertook climbing the highest free standing mountain in the world. They did it to raise money through the MMRF to help find a CURE for this intolerable disease.

My entire life I have been surrounded by Cancer from my family members to working in cancer publishing and now as the Director Cancer Patient Education at CURE Magazine.

Marty Murphy

Hello! My name is Lisa Valaika and I’m both honored and humbled to have been selected to participate in the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) 2017 Mt. Kilimanjaro Team for Cures.

I work as member of the US Market Access Team for Takeda Oncology. I live a pretty active life style with my daughter, Isabel and husband, Joe in Long Beach, CA. I’m currently training for the NYC Marathon in November along with our trek to Kilimanjaro in February of next year. I just turned the big “50” earlier this year and in celebration of my 50th birthday ran a 50 miler. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty, but I did finish!

I’m excited that one of our 2017 team members lives here in Long Beach. We’ve had the opportunity to do a couple training hikes together and I’m looking forward to many more over the next few months.

We have a unique opportunity partnering with the MMRF to hike alongside Multiple Myeloma patients – 6 of whom are part of this year’s team; to help raise awareness, raise money for research and bring us one step closer to a CURE!

Lisa Valaika

 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in the spring of 2009. Hip pain took me to the doctor and an MRI revealed that I had a tumor the size of a grapefruit on the right iliac crest of my pelvic bone. The diagnosis was a single plasmacytoma. It was not yet diagnosed as multiple myeloma because there was only one tumor, but the doctor told me that I was likely to develop MM in the future. Prior to this, I had no idea what Plasmacytomas or Multiple Myeloma was. I went home and began researching on the internet. After reading a couple of articles, I freaked out, shut the computer down, sat in my chair and stared at the wall. Now I call this the “dark days after diagnosis”.
I was treated with radiation in Seattle for 5 weeks and went back to home to Juneau, Alaska to join my family and resume my life. In Dec '09, I discovered another tumor on my L4 rib and I joined the Multiple Myeloma club. I went back to Seattle and again did radiation and began induction therapy.
That was a little over seven years ago! My support system has been amazing! From my wife, who always encouraged me to get back on my horse and keep moving forward, to my two sons and my family and friends, I’ve received incredible support. I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my employer, Alaska Airlines. In the 31 years that I’ve been with them, I’ve witnessed their compassion for their employees time and time again.
Many years ago, one of my dear friends and a fellow MM patient told me two important things, "knowledge is power" and "don't borrow tomorrow’s troubles today". This has become advice that I try to live by every day. The days have turned into weeks and the weeks into months and the months into years! Getting involved with support groups and researching my disease has helped me keep things in perspective and move forward with living.
In the summer of 2009, after 5 weeks of radiation in Seattle and with the approval of my oncologist, I climbed and summated Colorado’s Mt Democrat (14,155ft.). I went back to work at Alaska Airlines and resumed my charter business, Juneau Adventures, a fishing/whale watching sightseeing business in Juneau, Alaska during the summer months.
I attended my first MMRF seminar in Seattle early this year. What an amazing experience! A reply to an email from Kelly at MMRF landed me on the 2017 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek Team. Climbing Mt. Democrat after my first round of radiation became one of the major milestones in this journey. I believe that this climb will be another milestone - one that gives me the opportunity to do something proactive to help cure the disease that I fight on a personal level every day. This is an amazing opportunity to raise money for research and bring more awareness to this rare incurable cancer. My goal is to raise $10,000 which all will go to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
Please join with me and support the MMRF cause as we climb towards a CURE!


 Terry White



In October of 2012 I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I learned quickly that this is the second most common form of blood cancer and, sadly, has one of the lowest five-year relative survival rates of all cancers. After my world came to a screeching halt, I started my treatments of chemotherapy and steroids. After 6 months of getting treatment 3 times a week my blood and protein “numbers” were low enough that I could start my first of two stem cell transplants. The first one I was only in the hospital for two weeks. There I was given a heavy dose of melphalan and administered stem cells that were harvested from my own body and given back to me. Three months later though I was back in the hospital for 31 days where I had an unrelated (Angel) donor from Germany donate her stem cells to save my life and eventually put me into complete remission. And as of August 7th, 2016, it will be 3 years since I was given the gift of life with no detection of cancer. And now I want to live my life to the fullest and also give back to a foundation that has made it possible for patients to have multiple treatment options.

But while there is no cure, great progress is being made though. In fact, thanks to the crucial work of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the world's leading private funder of myeloma research, the FDA has approved TEN new drugs in the last 10 years. These drugs have almost tripled the lifespan of myeloma patients after diagnosis and now the MMRF is funding over 20 additional treatments in various stages of development, giving hope to tens of thousands of patients and their families.

If it wasn’t for the efforts of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, patients, like myself, would have very few options available for treatment.

April Jakubauskas

Reason for climbing: As young health care professionals, we are constantly reminded of the challenges our patients face, whether it be the initial diagnosis, the various therapeutic options they must consider, or the numerous lifestyle changes they have to make. We both strive to contribute in every way possible so that others may benefit from research and practice as a result of organizations such as the MMRF. It is the constant fight that patients go through that drives us, the caregiver’s selflessness that reminds us to remain humble, and the researchers that are inching closer to a cure that inspire us. Multiple myeloma struck Nick’s mother’s close friend in 2013 and she soon-after passed from the disease. We will be hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in her memory and for all of the patients currently battling multiple myeloma.

My story: Nick and Krysta met each other while students at MCPHS University in Boston, MA, where both were very involved with the school’s orientation program and various student organizations. Nick, now working at Takeda as a Postdoctoral Pharmacy Fellow in Pharmacovigilance, has had the opportunity to see the MMRF’s impact on not only patient’s lives but also driving current research. Krysta, a dental hygienist in Wellesley, MA, is able to educate her patients on their health, nutrition, and oral hygiene. She recognizes the importance of this interaction when it comes to her patients that have multiple myeloma. They were both able to complete the Spartan race with Takeda and the MMRF in Fenway Park this last November with 50+ teammates. Just as with the Spartan race, there are going to be many obstacles to conquer with Mt. Kilimanjaro. With each step we take towards the Uhuru peak, we are confident that we are only simulating the steps being taken towards a cure and a fraction of the challenge patients face as they battle this disease. We are extremely humbled by the opportunity to trek up this mountain alongside true multiple myeloma heroes and as members of the MMRF Team for Cures!

 Nick and Krysta

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/mitchellhappeney

 My father is a multiple myeloma patient, this summer it will be nearly eight years since my father’s diagnosis of multiple myeloma. I will be climbing to support and raise awareness of multiple myeloma research within my community.

My story: In 2008, my father, Randy L. Happeney, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. For eight years, my family and friends have had the opportunity to spend time with my father. My father has participated in many multiple clinical trials and has preserved through many battles, both daily and acute. Though our family has had our ups and downs, he has lived by his mantra, “My mantra has always been that this diagnosis is not going to affect my day to day life. I have continued to work, travel and do the things I enjoy.” My father is living proof cancer research allows individuals to live by their own mantras.

Going forward, I will be preparing for the climb both mentally and physically. I have been running and hiking. The training has just begun, but I am looking forward to the challenge. Please support the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation!

Mitchell Happeney

 My mother Linda got a raw deal. She lost her battle with multiple myeloma 5 years ago at the young age of 65. Since 2010, my family and I have been dedicated to raising funds and awareness on behalf of the MMRF.

I was moved by the story of the 2016 trek to Kilimanjaro. As a younger man, I traveled and studied in East Africa and have always dreamed of returning to this majestic place. When offered the chance to be part of this remarkable team, I jumped at the opportunity.

I am doing this because I’m lucky enough to be able to.

I am doing this for multiple myeloma patients now and for patients in the future.

I am doing this because I believe in a cure. I believe in the mission of the MMRF and the progress that’s already been made.

I am doing this adventure for me. I want to challenge myself physically and mentally.

I am doing this for my wife and three sons. I want to set an example of giving back, dedicating oneself to a cause, and hard work.

I am doing this to travel to a land that inspired me as a young man and continues to inspire me.

As I was thinking about this journey that I am about to take, I was reminded of a song I grew up with"

Hail to you my mountain climber busy at your task

I know you're in a hurry but there's something I must ask

Do you ever get lonely climbing up so high

If you don't want to answer me I can understand why

If I told you a secret, would you want to know more

I've got a challenge I hope you won't ignore – Blues Traveler

 James Brophy

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/KelleyDoesKili

: To Raise Funds for a Cure for Cancer and Proudly Serve as Our Team Manager

I started to work for the MMRF in April 2014 and quickly became deeply inspired by our mission and the patients and family members that I have come to know and love through this wonderful organization. For me, to work somewhere that I feel is truly making a difference in extending the lives of so many loved ones, makes a powerful impact on the passion I bring to work every day. And now, I am so honored to finally be a part of this program as a team participant and fundraiser for the very first time! Having managed the 2016 Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek Team I got to see and experience (from afar) what this climb encapsulates; although grand and still mysterious and nerve-racking in some ways, when the opportunity presented itself for me to participate on the 2017 climb, I knew "Yes!" had to be my answer.

This is an intimidating but empowering undertaking for me and I look forward to learning a lot and training as much as I can to take on this incredible mountain. I was a Recreation Programming major at Ohio University for undergrad and prior to that, in high school, I hiked to the summit of Mount St. Helen's, but this will be a challenge unlike any other for me. I hope to draw mental strength from the patients we support each day as well as my own family and friends. The vigor and powerful thinking that bursts out from the hearts & minds of our patients and our athletes that support them so enthusiastically could carry anyone to the top, but having a parent who's had cancer twice, I know personally just how important it is to find a cure, and to find it NOW. This focus and dedication to a cure is what makes the MMRF different and what will make a difference in my journey to the summit in February.


Go Big or Go Home, right?! I can't wait to take on all that is ahead of us!

Thank you to all of my teammates for taking on this challenge, inspiring so many, and thank you to all of our supporters!

Kelley M. Ward



My wife, Janice, was diagnosed with stage 3, high risk multiple myeloma on April 14, 2014. She had been very sick and had severe back pain. Her doctor kept treating her for back pain without doing tests or x-rays. I finally took her to the ER where they first used the words “cancer” and “multiple myeloma”. What a confusing, frightening, horrific experience. Because she was so late in being diagnosed, she was nearing kidney failure from the effect of the cancer. My heart goes out to all those who must endure such a wilderness experience. Over the next days and weeks, Janice and I had to reach deep into our faith for comfort and understanding of this new journey. God provided us with a much larger perspective. We are now so keenly aware of the fragility of life and how each day is such a huge blessing. Our days are numbered regardless of our health; we must all live with that. Janice and I put our faith in God, leaving our path in His hands.

So why did I sign-up for a Mt. Kilimanjaro wilderness experience? We want to be part of the effort to find a cure, what a wonderful legacy to leave to future generations—there have been so many exciting discoveries in just the last couple of years! Initially the doctors only gave Janice a couple of years to live, but she has responded well to the latest drugs and now after two years remains in a very good remission. We will not despair, we will not be overcome by evil, but will continue walking a path of faith and courage regardless of our life situation. We have listened to the voice of truth and we are not afraid.

The voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!” The voice of truth says, "This is for my glory." Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.

And I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who you are, no matter where I am, and every tear I've cried, you hold in Your hand. You never left my side and, though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm.

[I] step out of my comfort zone, into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is, and He's holding out his hand.

Mount Fuji2017

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