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

On October 26, 2018, 16 hikers, including three patients, will embark on the trip of a lifetime: A trek to Everest Base Camp. The team will hike the Himalayan highlands (home of 16 of 20 of the world's tallest mountains), winding their way through small Nepalese villages on their way to "EBC" (18,300' ft elevation).

This challenging and awe-inspiring nine-day trek (12 days including travel) will take our climbers on a strenuous, but friendly, journey through Nepal's magical Khumbu region, allowing for close-up views of dozens of Himalayan Giants without the dangers of a technical summit. Hikers will cross several dramatic suspension bridges and at night will sleep in primitive Nepalese teahouses. The team will ease into the Sherpa culture, assisted by friendly herds of yaks that will carry much of the team's gear.

The experience of taking on such an incredible challenge united by a shared passion to find a cure for myeloma will make for a profound experience.

Everest Base Camp/Kalapathhar Trek

 Pierre Jambon and Susie Locarnini Jambon


https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/ClimbonJambon



A favorite quote attributed to Winston Churchill is, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” These words should resonate with patients with multiple myeloma as they endure all this disease throws at them.

I became a multiple myeloma patient in June, 2017. Of course, it all started with not feeling too great; something about hemoglobin dipping under 5 g/dl, more than 90% lambda light-chain restricted plasma cells, and a high level of monoclonal protein. And what does all that mean? It means my caregiver (Susie) and I had a steep learning curve and a fight ahead of us.

This is where MMRF comes in. Its combination of patient education resources, and more importantly, its effectiveness in driving novel treatment therapies gave us the tools we need to continue. These tools, combined with world class frontline care at the Cleveland Clinic, have enabled us to fight back to normal hemoglobin levels, elimination of the pesky m-protein, and a confirmed complete remission! Success? There's more to come.

Again, enter MMRF. In their spare time they've managed to add inspiration to the toolkit in a program called Moving Mountains. Susie and I both grew up climbing the hills of San Francisco, and the mountains are literally in our blood. In addition, I have always been attracted by endurance challenges, marathons, etc. So, when the opportunity to choose our challenge - there'll be plenty not of our choosing - we seized it. Everest Base Camp here we come!

A note from Susie: My inspiration is my husband. Since we entered this multiple myeloma world a year ago, I have watched how he has handled his diagnosis and his year-long treatment the same way he deals with everything is his life: with grit and determination. He has gone from barely getting off the couch to training vigorously for this expedition. Raising money and getting back in shape has given my goal-oriented partner a new lease on life, putting that dreaded disease aside. His excitement is always contagious, and we will hike to Everest Base Camp with hope in our hearts.

Pierre Jambon and Susie Locarnini Jambon

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/BrittneyWright



Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma, for me, is about so much more than the trek itself. It is about bringing together myeloma-connected individuals from all walks of life. It is about patients showing the world that they are so much more than this disease. And it is about celebrating the progress that the MMRF has made in its research and its fight to extend the lives of so many loved ones.

Last year, I ran my first marathon and hiked the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon. This year, I’m going bigger and taking on the trek to Everest Base Camp! I am so proud to be doing this alongside this team, a group of individuals whose collective strength will take us many miles through every kind of terrain you could imagine.

I am taking on this challenge so that, one day, many other patients and their loved ones can also take on their own challenges. This is my way of giving back to the organization that I truly believe in and am so proud to work at. I am so inspired everyday by what the MMRF is accomplishing.

Brittney Wright

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/TheBeelerBoys



I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2016 and went through seven rounds of chemotherapy, induction consolidation and stem cell harvesting for two transplants. During this procedure, I contracted MRSA with no white blood cells to fight. After laying in isolation for eleven days, I started to rebound and was told I was going to live. Today, I am truly grateful to be alive!

I elected not to transplant and began a rigorous medical maintenance regimen, diet, exercise and many lifestyle changes. Nine months after my hospitalization, my son Trevor and I climbed Mount Democrat (14,154 feet) in Colorado. Living in and around Boulder, Colorado, all my life, the mountains and climbing are just part of my lifestyle. I read about the MMRF, Team for Cures, MM4MM, and didn’t hesitate to apply for the Mount Everest Base (EBC) Camp Climb. At 64 years old, I’m not quite as strong a climber as I used to be, but that’s no excuse (unless I really need it?). I’m so thrilled my son Trevor and I were selected to go!

Today, I am back working and training. It’s not easy to balance the treatments and conditioning, but trekking to EBC plus meeting all these wonderful people connected with the MMRF gives me so much inspiration. I want to share my experience, strength and hope with myeloma patients everywhere and show them that we can survive and thrive.


Joe Beeler

 51

Sharon loves the outdoors. She joined the Mazamas in 2007, graduating successfully from Basic Climb School. That same summer she enrolled in Intermediate Climb School, a nine-month course that concludes with successful co-teaching a dozen students in basic rock and snow skills. She continued as a volunteer teacher for seven more years and was assistant chair of the Expedition Committee for the Mazamas for two years.

It is with these newfound skills that allowed Sharon to plan, execute and explore over 20 countries solo or with groups. A highlight of hers is bike touring from Prague, Czech Republic to the border of Austria, her first bike tour, fully loaded with backpacking gear for four days of the Haute Route in Switzerland.

Backpacking the Tour du Mt. Blanc, and the high arctic region of Iceland, trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, where she crossed Thorong La high pass at 17,760 feet in the Himalayas in a white out storm. She summited the Grand Teton, one of the top 50 Alpine Climbs in the US via the Upper Exum route, successfully summited Mt. Hood on all three attempts, Middle Sister, South Sister, in Central Oregon, and more.

Sharon has hiked in the Negev Desert in Israel amongst friendly Bedouin’s, in Turkey, South Korea, and more. One of her most memorable feats was solo summiting Mt. Maehotaka at 10,138 feet in the Japanese Alps, then capturing an incredible late season weather window to solo summit Mt. Fuji at 12,389 feet all within 72 hours.

She is Mountaineering First Aid/CPR/AED Certified, she holds a B.S. in Business Management & Communications from Concordia University and is pursuing her Masters, Environmental Science & Policy with a focus on Global Sustainability. She lives part time in the Pacific Northwest until it rains, then she heads south to Southern Utah.

Sharon’s life goals are to continue traveling to remote regions of the world, bringing others with her, to experience the people and places that have enriched her life. She leads rock and snow climbs and is an avid cyclist. She lives by the motto: “She who dies with the most gear, wins!”

Sharon Baker

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/teamwetmore



I have been an active participant with the MMRF since 2015 and have been a supporter of the organization since 2005 when my dad was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The initial diagnosis came with a three-year average life expectancy, and over the past 13 years, my dad has thrown that three-year life expectancy out the door thanks in part to the research conducted by the MMRF. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2016, my aunt was also diagnosed with multiple myeloma after battling breast cancer. She currently is receiving treatment from the excellent multiple myeloma doctors championed through the MMRF research efforts.

Multiple myeloma has affected my family on several different fronts, so it has been a natural decision to join the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma team to challenge myself and to help find a cure. I am privileged to have the opportunity to trek to Everest Basecamp alongside myeloma patients, caregivers, nurses and others connected to this disease. This makes my quest so much more than just an individual accomplishment, but rather, the opportunity to truly impact the lives of multiple myeloma patients!

Chris Wetmore

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/Member/MyPage/2233986/Jeff-Doug-Stiles



It was the Friday before Memorial Day weekend in 2014. My wife and daughter were with me when a doctor, whom I’d never met, walked into the exam room and asked me the question that changed my life: “Have you ever heard of multiple myeloma?” Of course, none of us had, and as the doctor began introducing me to my new constant companion, my wife and daughter quickly turned to their phones to find out more. As the doctor continued to speak, I couldn’t help but notice that they were both turning pale and starting to cry. It didn’t seem real, they’d later tell me. Their husband and father had just been diagnosed with an incurable cancer.
That was over four years ago. Since then, I’ve struggled to get my kidneys healthy, gone through induction therapy and endured an autologous stem cell transplant. But, I’ve also done some other things. I’ve found hope, support and inspiration. I’ve found it in other patients, in the doctors and nurses that I’ve met, in the incredibly strong manner that my family has loved and cared for me. But I’ve also found it in the mountains, on the trails and in the quiet of nature as I’ve been so blessed to experience. While I’ve always used it as an escape from my reality, I’ve also found others along the way with the same diagnosis and those who are committed to helping people like me.

That’s how I found the MMRF. While looking for ways to help myself, I found other people who also wanted to help. In fact, they wanted to help so much that they wanted to climb mountains! That’s when I knew I’d found an organization I had to be a part of. So much so that I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with them in 2016, and I’m looking forward to going to Nepal for an even greater challenge: reach Everest Base Camp! While hiking to the best of Everest is not the biggest challenge in my life, I hope my climb will inspire others to climb their own mountains, especially those mountains that no one else can see.

Jeff Stiles

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/marktemple



I distinctly remember the moment I discovered that the MMRF’s Moving Mountain Everest Basecamp trip existed! Without any further thought, I knew this was a unique bucket list opportunity that combines so many things I’m passionate about: challenge, adventure, travel, teamwork and most of all, finding my own way to help end multiple myeloma.

After losing my father-in-law, Ed Superson, to MM in 1998, I’ve made it a priority to do what I can to help. In 2016, I was on the fence about racing Iron Man Lake Placid. I had no triathlon experience and wasn’t sure if I should take the plunge, but after I discovered I could join the MMRF Iron Man Lake Placid team and fundraise for the cause, I knew what to do! It turned out to be a great experience and I went on to participate on the MMRF Escape from Alcatraz triathlon team in 2017 as well. As rewarding as my past experience has been, I can’t begin to explain how excited I am to be part of the MMRF Everest Base Camp team. I can’t think of a better way to do it!

We’re all in this one together and I’m looking forward the entire journey!

Mark P. Temple



I hadn’t heard of multiple myeloma until my dad called me one afternoon to tell me his latest “news.” Finding out your dad has an incurable cancer is something no one imagines or preps for. But, if there is anything I’ve learned from him, it’s that if you want something, you work for it. If you believe in something, you put it into the universe and fight for it. And today, he’s stable and happy and I can’t even believe he’s going to be next to me on this incredible adventure.

I’ve been telling my wife for years that I wanted to climb Everest, and when my dad called to tell me about this amazing organization, it was a no-brainer. Since hearing about multiple myeloma that first time, we’re learning how prevalent it is, and how much work there is to do still in terms of research, treatment and education. I’m so glad I get to stand next to my dad and be a part of that progress in this meaningful way.

The fact that I can share this with him, but also walk for those who can’t, fight for those that need a boost and fundraise for this amazing organization is the honor of a lifetime. Thank you to all those who have supported The Beeler Boys in this and donated — but also thank you to everyone who has stood by my hero while he faces this head on.

Trevor Beeler



In 2014, my younger brother, Jeff, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The diagnosis stunned our close-knit family and sent us into research mode on the internet to learn about this blood cancer that we were unaware of the day before. We quickly found the MMRF website and saw the work that was being done to give much hope to patients and their families.

In December 2014, I traveled with my brother and family to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where Jeff underwent a stem cell transplant a few days after Christmas. For the next month, Jeff’s wife Amy and I shared the role of caregiver as Jeff stayed in an apartment close the medical center. Those first weeks after the transplant were miserable for Jeff, but he continued to get stronger and we were able to come home to Knoxville in late January.

Our Father was sworn in as a Knoxville Police Officer in December of 1965 when I was three months old. Jeff and I chose to follow him in this career path that we see as a calling instead of a profession. I’m blessed to be able to work daily with my brother in the attempt to do some good in the world.
Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma is important to me as I see it as a public way to support not only Jeff but all patients suffering from this cancer. I hope that our journey inspires patients around the world and gives them hope.

Doug Stiles

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/jamieandmike



Mike and I are so excited and humbled to be a part of this Everest Base Camp team. Our purpose on this journey is to raise funds for research all while raising awareness for the MMRF and multiple myeloma along the way.

Our connection to this disease stems from my family member, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after going to the hospital for back pain eight years ago. A tumor was found wrapped around his spine and he received emergency surgery performed by the amazing surgeons at the University of Florida Hospital. After re-learning how to walk, and amazing all-medical staff around him, he has told cancer to take a seat and continued to be the strongest man I know. His resilience is fierce, much like the researchers and founder of the MMRF, who have made incredible strides in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

My first experience with the MMRF was in 2012, when my brother and I had the opportunity to join the MMRF in the Empire State Building Run-Up. Ever since then, I have wanted to participate in another event and give back in a large way. When I saw Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma, I knew I wanted to get involved. Mike did not hesitate to join me in this quest and I must say, we make a great team.





I am so excited to be doing this event along with Jamie. It means a great deal to me to be able to have a direct impact on medical research that could one day prevent this awful disease. Having witnessed some of the hardships experienced by myeloma patients and the rippling effects through the supporting family, I will strive to raise as much awareness (and donations!) as possible for this awesome foundation.

We are so looking forward to the challenges and triumphs ahead of us in this journey and we are so thankful for the MMRF for being a catalyst of progression in cancer research. Let's do this, team.

Michael Harr and Jamie Haugen

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/Member/MyPage/1762821/Erica-Tabacoff



I'm excited to be heading back to Nepal to take on Everest Base Camp. The last time I was in Nepal, I was off on a six-month solo backpacking trip, but didn't have the opportunity to head to Base Camp. So, I'm really excited to be checking this off of my bucket list with the MMRF team! The MMRF holds a special place for me as I ran my first marathon (NYC!) in 2017 after being inspired at the 2016 Laugh for Life event where Eric Gelber was being honored. I thought to myself that if he can run 200 miles, I can certainly take on 26.2! It wasn't an easy feat, but after completing the marathon, I decided that I would take on a new challenge every year, which has led me to Everest.

Being involved with the MMRF has allowed me to find a community for those who are unfortunately touched by multiple myeloma. My paternal grandmother had multiple myeloma, and over the years, I've learned about family and friends who have been affected as well. I want to do what I can to raise awareness and take multiple myeloma head on.

Erica Tabacoff

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/sweaver



I discovered the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation while trying to make a lifelong goal come true for my 45thbirthday which was to complete an Ironman Triathlon. I set my sights on the 2013 Florida IRONMAN but was surprised when the race filled in 55 seconds! The only way in was to join a fundraising team to raise money for a type of cancer I had never heard of before. I was very reluctant since I had never done any fundraising, but my awesome wife said “Are you crazy? I’ve been listening to this IRONMAN dream of yours for over a decade. Get in there!” That fateful decision set me on a path I could never have imagined!

I joined the MMRF team, committed to raise $4,000 and started researching multiple myeloma and the MMRF. I was immediately struck by the founder’s amazing story and the business model she applied to research and development. I thought then and still think today that the real game changer here is that the MMRF has somehow motivated the drug companies and the researchers to work together and share information with each other and patients to fast track trials and treatments through the pipeline. I believe that’s the contribution that will go down in history as instrumental in finding a cure for all types of cancers. And I believe it will happen in our lifetime! Who couldn’t get on board with that?

A couple of months into training and fundraising, I got some shocking news: A close friend living in Australia had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I couldn’t believe the terrible coincidence. Suddenly it all became VERY personal! Fundraising went into overdrive and the goal of $4,000 went out the window. By August 2013 we had raised around $16,000 and training was going great when the unthinkable happened: My wife was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. As she geared up for the fight of her life, my marching orders were to continue to raise as much as I could for cancer research!

In total we raised $36,000 for multiple myeloma research, which incidentally, made me the top fundraiser on my Florida team and came with an entry into the 2014 Hawaii IRONMAN World Championship (the super bowl of Triathlon that I had watched and dreamed about since I was 13 years old)! So, in October of 2014, having just completed her last treatment of a grueling year-and-a-half of chemo and radiation, my wife boarded a plane to Hawaii with our two kids, my mother, her mother, and four friends (including our friend with multiple myeloma) to cheer me on as I made that 30-year dream come true!

My take away from that rollercoaster year is that cancer will touch us all at some point; relentlessly pursuing the cure is EVERYONE’S responsibility! So, as you can imagine, when the opportunity arose again to raise money for this amazing organization, this time I jumped at the chance!


Suzanne Weaver

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/Kiel



Just over four years ago, my best friend’s father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It was a cancer that I had never heard of before, and quickly learned that it sadly had no cure.

A few months later, another friend challenged me to race an Ironman with him. Doubtful on my ability to complete it, I went to their website and discovered the MMRF was their charity partner. Four years later, I've completed two IRONMANs and participated in three events with the MMRF.

Through this amazing foundation, I've met some truly inspiring people who I now fight for. It is my goal to continue to complete challenging events to raise funds till we find a cure.

 Kiel Weston

https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018EverestBaseCamp/JimDetwiler



Northern Kentucky is home for me and my beautiful family: Gwen, my wife of 23 years, and my children, Jacob (18) and Katelyn (15). I am originally from the Pittsburgh area, which means I am, of course, a huge Steelers and Penguins fan, and I bleed black and gold! My career in education started as a music teacher 23 years ago, and today I am the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer for the Boone County Schools, Kentucky's third largest school district. My family, colleagues and students have been overwhelmingly supportive of me and my “Musicians Moving Mountains for MM” campaign, and I am forever grateful.

I was diagnosed with asymptomatic multiple myeloma in 2016 as a "lucky catch" while looking for a suspected food allergy. I have not yet begun treatment, but I know that treatment is imminent. I have struggled with feeling helpless to do anything to stop this disease from progressing. Because I feel physically great, I sometimes find myself wondering if maybe the doctors made a mistake. But, the labs and scans every three months always bring me back to reality. I have learned that there is no way around this mountain. "The obstacle is the path." So, I am looking straight down this path and up the mountain, determined to help move it out of the way for all! I thank God for this opportunity to fight multiple myeloma through the MM4MM trek to Mount Everest Base Camp.

As an educator of 20-plus years, I have been inspired by hundreds of young students. There are students who sing songs to me and send me inspirational videos and tell me "you got this, Dr. D!" And, there are also those students I watch spend every minute of each day trying to move their own mountains: poverty, health, disability, addiction, etc. Just getting up in the morning and getting to school is a major victory for many of them. They understand better than most that "the obstacle is the path," and they are stronger than I can ever imagine being. They attack their obstacles with hope and joy, and without complaint. I am in awe of them. They are great inspirations for me as I begin my MM battle. There is hope! We can do it! We can find a cure!

Everest Base Camp/Kalapathhar Trek2018

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