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

On August 7-11th, our twelfth MM4MM team will venture to Iceland. This group will take on Iceland's otherworldly, challenging landscape. These two-and-a-half days of challenging and spectacular hiking includes an assortment of geological marvels, including volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, gorges, lava beds, waterfalls and, of course, mountains. Geothermal activity in the form of steam and green and yellow sulfur coming from the rocks we pass, coupled with the topography, make this mountainous hike otherworldly. After 7-8 hours of rigorous hiking, the team will sleep in mountain huts situated in an incredible setting. This hike is sometimes called "Fire and Ice" because on any given day you hike up lava fields and volcanoes, and then alongside stunning glaciers.

Iceland Trek

 Lydonville, NY

Multiple myeloma is sneaky. Working on a part-time housing renovation in 2016 masked the symptoms of my back pain as a “pulled muscle” until finally I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. By that time the disease was located in approximately 80% of my bone marrow. I also had 10 compression fractures in the vertebrae of my spine. Fortunately, my wife and I live near the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY and immediately began treatment there that literally saved my life. After two kyphoplasty surgeries on my spine at Roswell and chemo leading up to an autologous stem cell transplant in August of that year, my markers of the disease were vastly improved. I am now in remission and feeling well, able to be actively engaged in a variety of hobbies and even more “fix up” projects.

I am very thankful. I like to think that rather than fearing cancer it is now the case that cancer is afraid of me. The disease has been a blessing in disguise in many ways, teaching me to appreciate my life and each day as it comes.

An evening of reading on a cold night in February gave me an opportunity to learn about the MM4MM Fire and Ice Trek in Iceland from the back cover of 

 magazine. I walked into the next room where my wife was knitting and announced that the Iceland Trek was something I felt compelled to do. She looked at me as if my “chemo brain” was acting up again. Now she and I will together be sharing Iceland as she plans to stay in Reykjavik during the trek.

Being accepted as part of the Iceland Team provides an exciting project to look forward to and work towards. The fundraising has been a great way to invite friends and family to be part of the adventure. People have been very generous. Meeting the other members of the team and enjoying their company while in the beauty of creation in Iceland will be exciting. I am happy to support the research that is so helpful for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

John Klatt

I have had the privilege of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro twice at sunrise, climbing to the bottom of the Grand Canyon three times and trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Now, I will embark on my eighth adventure as I trek for the second time to Iceland with the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma team. I am honored to have taken on these challenges alongside many patients with multiple myeloma. My life will be forever changed by the strength and determination of those patients. We do this to raise money through the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation to help accelerate research in an effort 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 

Marty Murphy

 Thalwil, Switzerland

I am honored to join this trek with those whose lives, like so many, have been touched by multiple myeloma and other cancers. This past October, we lost my stepmother to a short but vicious battle with t-cell lymphoma. Participating in this trek, which is made possible by my employer, GSK, is an honor to her life and the metaphorical “mountains” she climbed during her illness. But cancer hasn’t just touched my immediate family – friends, in-laws, acquaintances, and co-workers all have their stories. I know mine is one of many, which speaks to the toll cancer takes on many.

I am proud to work for GSK, a sponsor of this trek. In my role, I work with a number of patient advocacy groups and have truly value those important relationships. GSK is a company where patients are a cornerstone of our values. We are committed to maximizing patient survival through transformational medicines and helping those affected by cancer.

As our Fire and Ice team makes our way across such a beautiful country, I look forward to hearing and learning more about those touched by multiple myeloma and achieving our goal together!

Shannon Altimari

My mother, Dianne, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, just three months after her 50th birthday. It was found incidentally and by chance when she was having blood work done to obtain long-term care insurance. Her cardiology lab work showed an M-protein spike, spurring on more tests that resulted in a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. While she is in the smoldering stage now and at 25% cancerous bone marrow, her doctor has determined that through quarterly lab work, they will monitor her percentage of cancer cells in her bone marrow, and track bone lesions and kidney involvement. However, since her diagnosis, her protein levels have continuously risen, while her hemoglobin levels continually drop, indicating progression of the disease.

Over the past six years, I have heard the fear in my mother's voice every three months when preparing to go in for blood work and labs. She describes each visit as "a waiting game," when inevitably she knows there is a huge chance that one day she'll go in and learn that her cancer has gone active and it will be time to begin treatment. I want there to be a cure so badly, and I believe the MMRF can do that. I believe a cure is in the near future. Treks like this can help bring awareness to multiple myeloma and raise money toward the cure that my mother and so many others so desperately hope for.

Between my mother's multiple myeloma and her heart failure (which resulted in the surgical implantation of a pacemaker/defibrillator in the same year of her multiple myeloma diagnosis), I have seen my mother’s ability to be physically active decline greatly. Since her diagnosis, she has vowed to always do whatever she feels she can physically do to experience life to the fullest, but she tires very easily—from something as simple as showering and drying her hair. I know that my mom would love to do a trek like this to raise awareness of the disease, but physically a trek like this would be nearly impossible. I am trekking in honor of my mom and to raise awareness of the cancer that affects her and thousands of other patients.

Meredith Powell

My name is Caitlin Coover and I lost my father, Louis James DelZoppo, to multiple myeloma over three years ago. Before my father was diagnosed, I had never heard of multiple myeloma. My father fought hard for years and I admired the courage he brought everyday even when he could barely walk. When my father passed away, I promised I would help find a cure! I found out about the Iceland trek through the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation website. It feels great to be fundraising for something so close to my heart and I am so excited to bond with others who have gone through similar situations!

Caitlin Coover

I am a 44-year-old realtor and real estate brokerage owner in Littleton, CO, just west of Denver. About 10 years ago, my best friend from college revealed he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and I started doing research on the disease. I wasn’t too encouraged by what I found, and I’ve been honored to walk alongside Erik Ellefsen these past 10 years as he has continued to beat the odds surviving for a decade.

When Erik told me about the trek to Iceland to raise funds for the MMRF, my wife and I didn’t have to think twice to donate to his cause. A few weeks later, when he asked me to join him on the trek, it took a bit more thinking! I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to spend this time with my friend of the last nearly 25 years, very proud to have the chance to raise funds for the MMRF, and more than a bit nervous to leave my wife and two daughters behind to embark on this trek.

Having been a life-long trail runner, I am eager to explore the trails and terrain of Iceland. Mostly, I am thankful I get to spend this time with Erik and have a tangible role in raising funds and support for a cause that has become such an integral part of his life. There are not many opportunities in one’s lifetime to cement a friendship like this, and I am humbled that I was chosen to get that opportunity.

Matt Thomson

My journey these last seven years as a smoldering myeloma patient and then two-and-a-half as an active patient going through treatment, a transplant, relapse, more treatment and finally partial remission have been tough. I'm finally healthy enough to be more active and am excited to have something to look forward to. What better way to celebrate remission then helping find a cure for this disease? I have always been active in athletic events and this would give me something to work towards while helping so many battling myeloma.

I have taken on hiking as my choice of exercise through my battle with myeloma. I have competed in triathlons, Spartan races, half marathons and was a Division 1 college volleyball athlete. Throughout my myeloma treatments, I have continued to be active through hiking and cycling and light weights. My doctor at UCSF is excited for me to take part in this adventure to show other patients that they too can remain strong and take on new challenges.

Laurie Culligan

 Westport, CT

I work for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), managing the events team for the past nine years and I am thrilled to share this opportunity and challenge with patients and partners. The Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma program has grown from an idea to an incredible fundraising tool raising over $2 million since its inception. But the program is so much more than a fundraising tool – it’s an opportunity for us all to come together to take on this challenge and support one another – so together we can find a cure for each and every patient. Through our collected power, we can make a cure a reality.

Since working at the MMRF, I have had the privilege to get to know many patients and their family members. I am continually inspired by their strength, perspective and perseverance. I am not a hiker or marathon runner or an even athletic – but I am excited to become a hiker by Aug. 7! Nothing is more motivating to me then to walk with this group to achieve our common goal.

I am proud to participate in MM4MM - our patients need a cure and I am thrilled to be a part of this! As we hike together, you will learn that I love to laugh, have a 6-year-old son named Charles, a wonderful husband named Scott, and a sister Susan who became a half marathon runner thanks to the MMRF Marathon program. I look forward to learning all about each one of my fellow hikers as we take on this challenge and raise money for a cure!

Laura Gilman

When my brother, John, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma three years ago, I really didn't realize what it was about but soon discovered that this cancer currently does not have any cure. I struggled as John underwent aggressive chemo treatments and also saw how this disease impacted his health. I was amazed at his strength and perseverance as he fought this battle.

When John shared his excitement about an opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for multiple myeloma by going on a three-day trek through Iceland, I also became excited when he mentioned this is for family and caregivers of which I am both.

I am honored to be a part of this group to help raise funds and to help research to bring an end to multiple myeloma. I'm looking forward to making new friends and being a part of us all, but especially my brother achieving this huge challenge together.

Mary Schlabach

Saturday mornings when I was growing up always started off the same. I would stagger downstairs still half asleep in my PJs, and my mom and dad would be sitting in the family room reading the newspapers. The place would smell like coffee and on really good days, donuts.

I would come in rubbing my eyes and scouting out which breakfast item I could grab before my sister woke up. My mom would turn to me and say, “Are you ready to go on a big adventure?” To which I would reply, “What’s the plan mom?” That’s how we started our weekends.

Now you must understand that our “big adventures” were not always that big. Maybe a trip to a new store, trying some new food or a visit with a friend, but we always called them “big adventures” and, automatically, they became more fun. It was like a secret code word for an activity with mom.

My mom passed away from multiple myeloma in 2010. In memory of my mom and for the many people still fighting, the MMRF has taken me on a number of adventures. Together with my family and friends, we have raised more than $100,000 through many marathons and team races. Each adventure has been an amazing experience. I know Iceland will be no different.

Megan Newhouse

 San Carlos, CA

I dedicate most of my waking hours to fighting this disease, but from the privileged perspective of a health care provider. I am amazed each day by the strength and perseverance I see in our patients and by the faith they have in people like me. This trust deepens my dedication, but it has also opened my heart to my patients and their caregivers. More than ever before, I see myself on this journey with my patients, learning with them, fighting with them and sometimes crying with them.

A few years ago, I heard about Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma from my good friend and colleague Saad Usmani. It seemed like something I would never have the strength or will to do. Then, while on a visit to the MMRF headquarters, I learned of an opportunity to join this team in Iceland. Serendipitously, Saad happened to be sitting right next to me and encouraged me to do it. A few weeks later I saw pictures of him running the Boston Marathon alongside his patient and I finally understood what he meant.

There is something about the how providers, patients and caregivers relate to each other. At first, it’s an obligatory relationship. But eventually, it becomes a partnership. Over the past few years, I have begun to understand this evolution and, more importantly, live this blessing. Though my life is in many ways so different from that of my patients, in many more ways, we are all the same. This trek is a way for me to attempt something with patients and caregivers - something that is a challenge and a mystery for all of us. I hope by pushing myself to accomplish something I’ve never done before, alongside survivors and their loved ones, I will gain a new sense of what true partnership is in fighting this disease. I hope to take this sore body with a stronger heart back to my patients in San Francisco, remembering that a grueling trek of a few days is only a microscopic challenge in comparison to what they go through in the endless fight against multiple myeloma.

Nina Shah

 San Jose, CA / Nové Zámky, Slovakia

Ten years ago my brother-in-law Erik was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I still remember the day very clearly that my sister called. I was at orientation for my new job and preparing to move to Slovakia for full time youth ministry. At first, the doctors didn’t know what was wrong and so they didn’t know how to treat him or how long he would live. So, I left orientation, got on a plane and ended up living with my sister and Erik for the next two years.

Our family first met Erik when he moved to California to teach at Valley Christian High School. In fact, he was my high school history teacher. Shortly after he moved to
California, he and my sister started dating so I would have him as a teacher in school in the day and then many times after school he would be at our house hanging out. It was fun having Erik around because I had always wanted a brother.

As difficult as treatments were, Erik and I always made the best of the many trips for tests and doctor visits. There were many late nights of playing Tiger Woods PGA Golf on Xbox, watching American Pickers, and lots of awesome trips to any "Diner, Drive in and Dives" restaurant we could find. Through all this, one thing that always impressed me was Erik’s positivity.

There has been much uncertainty these last 10 years but the doctors and nurses have done an amazing job at working with Erik to find treatments to help prolong his life. Erik continues to be an inspiration to many as he continues to live life to the full all while constantly going through treatments. This opportunity is not only a way to raise
awareness and funds for the MMRF but it is also the opportunity to celebrate the 10-plus years the MMRF doctors and researchers have helped prolong his life. I have seen firsthand how brutal this disease can be but have also seen how someone with determination along with dedicated doctors and nurses can achieve.

Michelle Akavuti

Global Franchise Scientific Director in January 2019, and is now the Interim Global Medical Affairs Leader for Belantamab Mafodotin. 

Scott began his career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1996. Scott joined Celgene in 2003 medically supporting future launches in multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies. After ten years as a Medical Science Liaison, he joined the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy (MIRT) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, serving under the mentorship of Drs. Bart Barlogie and Gareth Morgan.

Most recently, Scott was a Senior Director with Pfizer Oncology supporting hematologic malignancies. He served numerous roles within the Pfizer Oncology organization serving as a Field Medical Director and worked extensively with two antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), he also served on the Organized Customer team, and was the Medical Review Committee Chair for hematology.

In his free time, Scott enjoys spending time with his family, especially on the water. He currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife who is a Nurse Navigator working in malignant hematology at an NCI designated cancer center in Philadelphia.

Scott Miller

 San Jose, CA

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2008, which was followed by two rounds of VDT-PACE and two autologous stem cell transplants in 2009. In 2019, I started my fifth maintenance treatment plan as my battle against myeloma has been an ever-present part of my life.

I am anxiously excited to make this trip as it is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the past decade and how the battle against myeloma has radically altered my life. Likewise, a trek through Iceland is a reminder to me of the dual world of both beauty and desolation that remind me of what this battle against myeloma has been.

This trek through Iceland is both an honor as I get to make the journey with caregivers, doctors, and researchers as well as to raise money for the sort of treatments that have prolonged my life as we hope for a cure.

Erik Ellefsen

 Durham, CT

Our lives changed forever on Nov. 28, 2012, when my husband, Scott, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 37. He underwent surgery to fuse his C1-C4, months of induction chemo (RVD), and an autologous stem cell transplant.

At present, Scott is currently in a complete remission with no evidence of disease. His team at Yale and at Dana Farber are incredible - smart, dedicated, up to date with the latest research and drugs in the pipeline so that we know what we need to do to keep this beast at bay. Our girls, who were ages 6 and 9 at the time, are now 13 and 16 and know a lot more about cancer, treatments, and myeloma than they did back then, and probably more than kids their age should.

Scott follows the work of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation closely; we’ve got a vested interest in which drugs are up for FDA approval and which are in various trials stages, and the MMRF has been instrumental in new treatment advances. To pay it forward, Scott and our older daughter participated in one of the 5K walk-a-thons in Boston, and he learned there about the MM4MM endurance events. I had just started hiking as a part of my mental health self-care work (being a mom, a teacher, and ‘myeloma wife’ as I call it can take a lot out of you). Scott shared the info he got about the hikes with me, and I was hooked. I’d hiked Mt. Washington and the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire the previous summer, so Iceland grabbed my interest and I applied. I’m really excited about our team and am looking forward to meeting other people who understand the ups and downs of life with multiple myeloma.

I hike for a cure. I hike for my husband, who has been given a second chance at life through treatments, resources, and medical advances. I hike for my girls, so that they don’t have to have the same conversation with their own children some day. I hike to thank all those who have worked so hard to make this diagnosis a little more bearable. I hike for my mental health, for clarity, and for purpose. I hike to eliminate this horrible disease.

Iceland Trek2019

TEAM MEMBERS