Care Partner Highlights Missed Myeloma Symptoms in Black Community

Kimberly Alexander spoke with CURE about how overlooked symptoms affected her husband Elijah’s path to a multiple myeloma diagnosis and why she now advocates for awareness and stronger support in the Black community.

Alexander, CEO of Level Health Agency and care partner to her late husband Elijah Alexander, a former NFL linebacker, reflected on their experience and shared advice for care partners navigating myeloma.

Transcript

What barriers to care or systemic issues have you seen across the board that disproportionately affect Black patients, and what changes do you hope to see through your advocacy work?

It starts with their symptoms not being taken seriously. That’s something I’ve heard again and again in conversations with people who have myeloma — and it was true for Elijah, too.

Elijah had played professional football for years and was diagnosed with myeloma a couple of years after he retired. He still looked like a linebacker, so when he complained about pain in his feet, people brushed it off. They’d say, “Of course your feet hurt — you played football.” But no one did any blood work. It actually took a doctor in another country to finally order tests, which is unbelievable to me.

I’ve since heard the same story from other myeloma patients: they go to the doctor, share their symptoms, and those symptoms are overlooked. That’s why it’s so important to have conversations like the one we had in Atlanta with BLKHLTH — spaces where we can talk about the symptoms of myeloma, share stories and make sure our community is aware. Because myeloma affects us more than anyone, we have to know what to look for and feel empowered to speak up.

If you feel ignored or dismissed, it’s ok to stand your ground and ask for more attention. It’s ok to get a second opinion. It’s ok to find another doctor who listens. And make sure to connect with resources like That’s My Word® — there’s so much valuable information there to help guide and support you.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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