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

From August 9-14, a team of 20, including four multiple myeloma patients, a myeloma doctor and four myeloma nurses will take on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.

The route begins at the Chachabamba Entrance on the Urubamba river and leads the team along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu after a full, seven- to nine-hour day of hiking.

As popular as visiting Peru's Machu Picchu is, hiking the Inca Trail to enter through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) is rare. Only 1% of all visitors get to enter the Citadel on this historical pathway.

Machu Picchu

 To combine two things I am passionate about: Finding a cure for a disease that effects my dear friend plus, enjoying time in nature in a beautiful setting with that dear friend.


 (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?) 
I got to know Cindi after she had already been through the stem cell replacement and was living in remission. What I soon noticed about her was a certain special spirit. Her actions and words seemed to focus on caring and showing love. Her attention was on rising people up by supportive words and heartfelt listening. She offered encouragement to me during a difficult time and had a way of communicating her belief in my abilities. She helps me to stay true to what is of lasting value in life: relationships and supporting those we care about. So when she came up with this idea, to celebrate 10 yera since her stem cell replacement by raising funds for continued research to cure this disease and at the same time participate in a trip to Machu Picchu (a destination long on my list of wishful trips) which just happens to combine by love of nature, hiking and the out-of-doors, I decided to join!

Melissa Ryan

TO SUPPORT PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS AND THOSE WHO WORK TO FIND A CURE

I work for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), and founded the MMRF Endurance Events Program in 2007. I’ve run 10 marathons, several of them side by side with myeloma patients, caregivers and myeloma medical professionals. . In January, I was honored to take on the biggest physical challenge of my life. I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in the world (19,341 ft) with a team of 15 to raise funds and awareness for multiple myeloma research. Reaching the summit along side 4 myeloma patients and 10 myeloma loved ones was such an incredibly powerful experience. I came down the mountain a different person.

In May I had the privilege of hiking the Grand Canyon with 3 patients, a myeloma doctor and several myeloma caregivers. What an empowering and incredible experience THAT was!

Next up in the trifecta: Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru l to Machu Picchu. This team of twenty includes 4 patients, 4 myeloma nurses as well as a myeloma doctor. Others on the team are caregivers and friends of patients who climb to raise funds and awareness for this difficult blood cancer.

Let the adventure continue! I'm so excited to put my body on the line and walk side-by-side with so many wonderful people who are taking action and are moving mountains to find a cure! Bring it on!

ALICIA O'NEILL

 Celebrating 10 years of LIVING with Myeloma, and successful stem cell transplant 10 years ago this October! Climbing this mountain to raise money and awareness for MMRF is a terrific way for me to celebrate!


My Story: (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?)


I was diagnosed at age 42, and like so many, was terrified as I learned about this disease and its life expectancy. My initial therapy was a clinical trial with Revlimid before this drug was FDA approved. I responded favorably to prep for a stem cell transplant 9 mos later. After transplant I had 4 years of complete response (remission)! Since then I have been on 2 oral drug therapies, that were not even around at the time of my diagnose. Because of research and funding and the the incredible work of so many, I am able to LIVE my life with cancer. Not have CANCER, and live my life. My hope is that by climbing Macchu Picchu I will help making a difference in someone else's life living with multiple myeloma.

LIVING with MM, I am celebrating my 10th year since successful stem cell transplant, and wanted to celebrate by doing something special, giving back, and stepping out of my box. I was dx'd at age 42 years, and presented with a compression fracture in my back at T-12. Navigating the journey of disease, and living with MM obviously has been a game changer for me. The first few years were certainly a journey and a learning curve. At the time of my diagnosis, the average lifespan was 5-7 years. Wow! That not only changed my life perspective, but really taught me to live with intention. At the time, my husband and I had a goal to make it to my 50th birthday and our 15 year wedding anniversary. Needless to say, we have surpassed both!

I have always been an advocate for research, clinical trials, and using what I have been through to help others. I was enrolled in the clinical trial for Revlimid, and responded very positively before it was FDA approved. After transplant, I had 4 years of complete response. When I relapsed in 2011, the first course of therapy was Revlimid, as I had responded positively before. Revlimid held my M protein down for an additional 4 years. While I still remain A-symptomatic, the decision was made to try one of the newer drugs in this family, and began Pomalyst 4 months ago.

It is important to me to share my experiences with other going through cancer, whether Myeloma or other types. While I was going through chemo to prep for Stem Cell Transplant, my husband was Dx’d with prostrate cancer, and my dad was Dx.d with chronic myelogenous leukemia! We all had lots of “Fall Off the Horse” days, as I call them. And knew our only option was to get ourselves up, dusted off, and right back on the horse. So my husband was going through daily radiation while I was hospitalized, and both he and my dad are doing fine today.

I also share my experience with others recently dx’d with myeloma all across the country through the First Connection program through the Leukemia Lymphoma society. While a new cancer diagnosis is certainly something I never like to hear, I share my passion for Living my Life with Cancer. Not having Cancer, and living my life.

Cindi McNair

 I am climbing for all those that are unable to climb because multiple myeloma will not let them. Jeff’s recovery has been swift but I also know that multiple myeloma is a journey. I only hope that this journey that we will take in August can be yet another stepping stone to finally eradicating multiple myeloma. Plus, Jeff and I love hiking and what better way to celebrate such an awesome recovery then hiking Machu Picchu!!!!!!


 I am and always have been a very positive and glass half-full person. On May 28th, 2014, I felt as though my glass had been emptied out completely. What started out as an appointment to rule out sickness, quickly turned into the word that everyone dreads-CANCER. When I heard the words MULTIPLE MYELOMA, of course I went straight to my phone and Googled it (probably not the best idea I ever had). Next, my thoughts went to my family. We had a wedding coming up in September for our oldest daughter, Lauren. Who would walk her down the aisle? Would Jeff be around to see our boys graduate or our grandchildren(which we now have the most awesome 9 month old grandson!!!) As the weeks went by( especially after Jeff was off that dang renal diet), my glass started to slowly fill back to a more positive outlook. With successful treatments in Knoxville and Nashville (stem cell replacement), Jeff has made it through this difficult journey and continues to show improvement with each visit. It was not easy, but God was always with us and never left our sides. If multiple myeloma has taught our family nothing else, it has taught us to never take life for granted and appreciate the little things. Jeff and I have an almost 11-month-old grandson and I am determined that Jeff will be around to see all of his life events(sports, graduations, marriage, great grand children, and more). Family is everything. There is so much more to do and see with our 3 kiddos(Lauren-23, Austin-19, and Dalton-12), our son-in-law(Zach), and grandson(Zane- who is most definitely the boss!).

Raising money as well as getting the word out about MMRF is just one way I can personally help Jeff as well as others that have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Our journey is far from over and I look forward to seeing where our next many years together can take us!!!!!!

Amy Stiles

: I am looking forward to a great adventure with a team of patients, doctors, nurses, and Takeda reps. Being part of this MM group and traveling to such a spiritual destination as Machu Picchu is part of my own healing in the aftermath of my sister's passing. I continue to look for ways to challenge myself to honor Lisa and raise the necessary funds for others to have the same opportunities. The MMRF is such a great organization. 90% of funds go to research. We love the team work and the physical challenge, and we love knowing that we are helping to find the cure.


 (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?) 
When my sister, Lisa Cissel, discovered she had MM in 2010, I felt helpless. Our brother, Peter Robbins, heard about MMRF and suggested we run the NYC Marathon and raise some money. After NY, my brother Peter, my husband Robert and I went on to run the London and Chicago marathons and as a family have raised nearly $50k, while getting into the best shape of our lives. Although Lisa knew she wouldn't live to cheer us on in London, she praised our efforts for the sake of other myeloma patients. Lisa was a true adventurer, my big tomboy sister, and I know she'll be coming with Robert and me in spirit to face our next challenge of taking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Anne Mandeville-Long

: Personal challenge while helping to bring awareness to a worthy cause.


 (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?) My gf has been involved with myeloma research for a while. She mentioned this great opportunity to do a trip with a team dedicated to myeloma and we have been wanting to make this hike for some time. It will give me good insight of the foundation, patients, disease and their experiences.

Nyron Persaud

 Evelyn was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma several years ago. When she and Sanjoy heard about the opportunity to conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu while raising funds for the research that will support her disease, they jumped on the chance.



Evelyn came from the Philippines to pursue a career in opera. She has studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School of Music. She has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, and won the Queen Elizabeth International Voice Competition in Belgium. Her talent has taken her all over the globe, and she has recorded with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Evelyn and Sanjoy reside in New York City, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Evelyn continues to share her talent, this time in a teaching role; she currently teaches vocal techniques to many students.

Evelyn and Sanjoy are very connected to Mount Sinai in New York, where they first heard about the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma Program.

 Evelyn & Sanjoy Bhattacharya

: I have been involved with myeloma research for over 5 years and the patients have always been an inspiration. Hiking Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for some time but to hike with a team that share a common goal is even more amazing.


: (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?) I am currently the research manager for the multiple myeloma program at Mount Sinai. I have been working with the myeloma team for over 5 years. I’m dedicated to the team and excited to have been a part of a great program. Besides working, I love to eat, travel and learn about new cultures.

Lisa La

: I want to bring awareness to all the work the foundation has done to help patients and treat myeloma. I feel that climbing Machu Picchu alongside patients, providers and caregivers is an excellent way to show my support for the MMRF.


: I currently work as a research and clinical nurse practitioner at Mt Sinai Hospital in the Multiple Myeloma Department. I have worked with such strong and beautiful patients and their families and I want to do my part in spreading the word as much as I can to support cancer research. I am dedicated to finding new and innovative treatments to fight myeloma to extend patient's lives so that we can continue to work towards finding a cure.

Erika Ocampo Florendo

My Story and Why I’m Climbing with the MM4MM Team:

 I oversee Corporate Communications at Takeda Oncology, a company committed to discovering and developing treatments for patients with cancers such as multiple myeloma. I have several friends now in the multiple myeloma patient community who are living active lives, but it’s a tough reality to remember that multiple myeloma is still incurable. Takeda Oncology ultimately aspires to cure cancer; we know we are not there yet so we also endeavor to help extend good quality of life for our patients and turn multiple myeloma into more of a chronic condition.
During my 19 years at the company, I have had the privilege of hearing incredible patient stories of courage and resilience fighting this disease. These stories have stayed with me throughout the years and continue to be a source of personal inspiration. I feel energized that my colleagues and I are contributing to providing better outcomes for them through the work we do.
Climbing Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail will allow me to contribute in a different way. It’s the perfect metaphor for the journey multiple myeloma patients are making with a focus on reaching the ultimate goal… The Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma initiative is designed to further the cause of these patients by creating awareness and raising funds for cancer research. This is why I am committed to the Machu Picchu challenge. I know that every step our team takes on this climb brings us that much closer to a cure.

Shawn Goodman

 Michael Andolino is the senior director and head of Human Resources of Epizyme. With over a decade of life sciences experience and a proven track record of developing high-growth pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic areas, Michael leads a broad HR practice. His holistic approach to HR strategy integrates conceptual models, end-to-end processes and relational dynamics. As part of the Epizyme Executive Team, Michael partners with the other Epizyme executives to ensure that HR strategy aligns with business objectives to focus and maximize people potential and organizational growth. Prior to joining Epizyme, Michael led Talent Acquisition at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals on a consulting basis for four years. At Merck Research Laboratories in Boston, Michael helped build the oncology and neuroscience departments, led university recruiting, immigration and recruiting branding and advertising for all of MRL in the US. In addition to a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching and Masters in Organizational Psychology, Michael is an experienced leadership coach.

Michael Andolino

 I’m climbing for the MM4MM Team to show others that a diagnosis of cancer doesn’t have to weaken you; in fact, it can make you stronger. I hope to show that with the right attitude, one can discover what’s truly important to them.


 In March of 2014, I was a week away from graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. I was completing an obstacle course known as the Yellow Brick Road. The course spanned a vast wooded area on the US Marine Corps base in Quantico. When I couldn’t catch my breath during the final portion of the course, I became really disappointed with my performance. I finished, just not as well as I would have liked.

For a few weeks afterwards, I just thought that I was terribly out of shape, as I continued to try to run harder to improve my conditioning. What i didn’t know until May 28 when I finally went to the doctor, was that my kidneys were failing, and my blood was filling with myeloma cells where my oxygen-carrying red blood cells should have been!

After several weeks of treatment in Knoxville, my wife and I traveled to Nashville and the Ingram Cancer Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. On December 30, 2014, I received my own stem cells back into my body during my transplant. When I was able to return home to my kids and other loved ones, I tried to get just a little better each day. I would often go for walks with my wife and kids, truly noticing the beauty around me like never before. It was then, I think, that I truly developed a love for being outside and in nature. We soon found ourselves going greater distances and finding challenging trails in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I’ve learned to love hiking in the mountains and being outside. It almost has a spiritual impact on me, and always improves my mental state when I’m on a trail. This reason, as well as wanting to be an example of strength for others, has brought me to this point in my journey.

Thanks to prayers, tremendous family support, and great doctors, I'm in a VGPR and doing well! I want to participate in Moving Mountains for Myeloma to show others that attitude is critical, and that no matter what bad news you may receive, only you can decide how you respond to it! I think this mirrors the attitude that MMRF has as well. We can either get busy getting better and finding a cure, or we can choose to do nothing. Like the MMRF, I intend on pushing as hard as I can!

Jeff Stiles

 Providence, RI (currently living in Jersey City, NJ and working at Mount Sinai Hospital, NY)


: I've been working with myeloma patients for 18 years and I want to see a cure in my lifetime.


 (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?) I am currently working as a nurse practitioner at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Myeloma Program. I've been working with myelomam patients for 18 years. Advancing treatment for Myeloma has become a life passion. I am grateful for this opportunity to go to Peru to raise funding for the MMRF.

Donna Catamero

 As members of the Karmanos Cancer Institute's Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis clinical research team, we have worked with over 1000 patients battling myeloma. Many of our patients have benefitted from therapies developed in partnership with the MMRF and MMRC. Some of the most important clinical and translational myeloma research is funded by the MMRF/C. We believe a healthy research pipeline will lead to more healthy patients!


 Silva and Jeff met each other at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, where both work as members of the MMRC-affiliated multiple myeloma research team. Jeff's clinical practice is largely focused on the treatment of plasma cell diseases like multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. Hundreds of myeloma and amyloidosis patients have benefitted from treatment on clinical trials at KCI. The couple launched their MM4MM campaign to support the MMRF's mission of funding some of the most important and forward-thinking myeloma research being conducted today...the fact that the campaign ends at the top of one of the most iconic hiking trails in the world is an added treat for the couple. They hope to participate in MMRF Team for Cure events for years to come!

 Jeffrey & Silva Zonder

I was initially diagnosed in late July 2013 with multiple myeloma. Through intervention from a good family friend, I was fortunate to find an excellent team at Mount Sinai. I was declared a medical emergency by a myeloma specialist at MS, as I had a large plasmacytoma tumor on my spine that put me in critical condition of possible paralysis. Leading up to this, I was experiencing excruciating back pain, which made it hard to move. I had a compression fracture at the L2 spine. The first vertebra was basically gone, obliterated by the tumor. I have since had two spinal surgeries, two thyroidectomy surgeries, more lesions, radiation, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. I have been under the care of an incredibly brilliant myeloma doctor and an equally excellent hospital staff who has made all the difference in managing my hard-to-detect strain of myeloma. I soon began to understand the importance of research and the role clinical trials take to advance the treatments. During these intense three years, my wife Jane has been the support I could only wish and pray for. We have shared it all, the good, the bad and definitely the ugly. We have moved a few hills, and now we now we join in moving mountains!

While I was in the hospital nearly every week undergoing treatment with a targeted therapy as phase 3 trial, I was approached by Donna Catamero, a nurse practitioner, and asked if Jane and I would want to join the MM4MM trip and devote some of our time in supporting the MMRF. We are excited to contribute with the means that we have to find a cure for this disease. As we learn more about MMRF, we are deeply grateful for the central role that it takes in pushing innovation and advancement in finding a cure.

When diagnosed with cancer, I believe no one should be alone. We all need support to master this challenge. It all becomes too overwhelming. I am fortunate to have loving family and friends. Expanding these boundaries, pulling together and working as a team will provide the necessary support and advance the research so much faster and keep it focused.

I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to try to make a difference for the cancer community. I am also deeply humbled and grateful for my friends and family who joined me in my commitment to raise the bar in advancing medicine for cancer research.

 Jane & KdW

: I am inspired by the sense of purpose that comes from being part of a MMRF endurance team. My wife Anne and I both have had profound life experiences through our three MMRF-supported marathons. Our upcoming MM4MM challenge to climb to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail will combine a decades-long desire to visit that incredible location with our strong desire to make it a purposeful quest.


: (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?)
My initial contact with multiple myeloma was through my sister-in-law, Lisa, who ultimately died four years ago from the affliction. Since then, my dear high school classmate Lynn and my professional colleague Bob have both been afflicted.

I was standing on the corner of 1st Avenue and 89th Street in NYC in 2011 with the MMRF Cheer Group, watching for my wife Anne to pass by as she ran her first marathon. She came toward us with her arms raised and a huge smile on her face. It was at that point, at 61 years old, that I decided that I needed to do something and not just watch. Since then, Anne and I have run 3 marathons in support of the MMRF. The opportunity to join the MM4MM team fits perfectly with our goals to continue our support for the MMRF and our memory of Lisa Cissel, to continue to improve our physical conditions, and to participate in challenging endurance events WITH A PURPOSE. I am so encouraged by the recent developments in medicines and treatments that have the potential to improve and extend their lives.

I want to do what I can to help to raise funds and to raise consciousness in support of finding a cure. This next adventure is going to be terrific, and it WILL make a difference.

Robert Long

: As a way to raise awareness and to say “Thank You” to everyone who supports the MMRF, the research that we do, and ultimately for the patients who have to wake up every day facing this incurable disease. It's a great opportunity to generate awareness about Multiple Myeloma and to highlight the tremendous effort being put forward by both the MMRF and by pharmaceutical companies like Takeda. Heading to Machu Pucchu is one of those bucket list items and it's also a way to honor my mom, who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer. The dates of this trip happen to coincide with the one year anniversary of when I was sitting by her side during her last days.


: (What is your connection to multiple myeloma? What would you like us to know about you?)
I’m a chemist and a nurse by training. In working with the MMRF, it has been an honor to be able to open new clinical trials and to be at the forefront of driving towards a cure for Multiple Myeloma. As a chemist and a nurse and I have spent my career developing new medicines to help fight various diseases. As many of you know, my work at the MMRF is directly involved with taking research dollars and putting them to work to accelerate cures for this difficult disease. I am so honored to walk alongside patients, health care providers and myeloma loved ones to "move the mountain" and help our mission. Some of you may know that I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer last year. Though I had actually worked on one of the drugs that she was given in her treatment, I wish there was more that I could have done to help her.

Paul Bassett

 I had the privilege of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in January 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 

Machu Picchu2016

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