Name: Vishnu Maharaj

Age: 67

Hometown: Fernandina Beach, Florida

Reason for Climbing: A few years ago, one of my closest friends died after a battle with Multiple Myeloma. This past Christmas, my brother was diagnosed with MM after surgery for a spinal cord compression revealed a plasmacytoma. He is currently enrolled in a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic. Every day is now a learning experience on how to live with this disease.

My Story: (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?) A few years ago, one of my closest friends died after a battle with Multiple Myeloma. This past Christmas, my brother was diagnosed with MM after surgery for a spinal cord compression revealed a plasmacytoma. He is currently enrolled in a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic. Every day is now a learning experience on how to live with this disease .