Myeloma Survivor Shares “Justifiable Hope” After 8-Year Remission

The latest report from the American Cancer Society shows that approximately seven in 10 people diagnosed with cancer in the United States now live at least five years after their diagnosis — a milestone that reflects major advances in research, earlier detection and more personalized treatment. However, the 2026 Cancer Facts & Figures data also point to ongoing challenges, with approximately 2.1 million new cancer cases expected this year.

To understand what these numbers mean on a personal level, a patient and research advocate living with multiple myeloma sat down for an interview with CURE. Diagnosed in 2017, Todd Kennedy is now in his first remission more than eight years later. He attributes this milestone to advances in myeloma research, participation in expert-led care at City of Hope and strong support from advocacy organizations.

CURE: When you first received your diagnosis, what were your biggest concerns, and how have those changed over time?

Kennedy: When I was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma, my biggest concerns were, how long will I live with this cancer that is considered “incurable”? Will I be alive and well for my wife and sons as we dream of graduations, weddings, grandkids? Where should I go for expert care and support to turn our hopes and dreams into reality?

My initial concerns have turned to justifiable hope for a long and full life. Thanks to the ongoing, expert care I receive at City of Hope, to extraordinary breakthroughs in myeloma research, and support from trusted non-profit organizations including the American Cancer Society, I remain in my first remission after 8 years, which is more than twice as long as the average prognosis when I was diagnosed in 2017.

I have been there for college graduations, our son’s wedding, epic family vacations, and soon, we will celebrate the arrival of our first grandchild. Our dreams are coming to life and we are very grateful!

With more patients now living longer after a cancer diagnosis, what does survivorship mean to you personally?

Statistics show that patients are living longer, but together, there is so much more to be done. Yes, we have made great strides, but we certainly have not cured cancer for all. As a nation, we can’t just “ring the bell” and move on. Personally, survivorship means a call to action, to give back, to dedicate my time and talents to accelerate research, increase access and support, and inspire more hope.

What challenges have you faced beyond treatment itself, whether physical, emotional, or practical, that you feel are important for others to understand?

Survivorship requires not only ongoing research to extend life, but also more focus, research and support to improve quality of life. Survivorship requires ongoing physical, mental, logistical and financial support for patients and their loved ones.

What support or resources have made the biggest difference for you during your cancer journey?

As we celebrate research breakthroughs, we must recognize that new treatment options, biomarkers, and personalized strategies, increase the complexity of cancer care. I believe the biggest factor in my ongoing survival has been enlisting leading edge care from my expert at City of Hope.

My doctor is not practicing the standard of care, she is creating it, by leading clinical trials and seeing patients like me, all day, every day…and that allows me to have early access to the most promising innovations. Cancer care is both science and art.

What message would you want newly diagnosed patients to hear as they begin treatment and think about life beyond cancer?

Realize there are so many reasons to be hopeful. Not blind hope or “toxic positivity;” real justifiable hope, based on the research breakthroughs and statistics that clearly show that many more cancer patients are living longer, better lives. Let that hope be the catalyst to get educated, get empowered, and get connected in pursuit of your dreams.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

References

1. “Cancer statistics, 2026,” by The American Cancer Society. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

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