#MyelomaWarrior: A Movement That Means So Much

March is Myeloma Action Month and, this year, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is using #MyelomaWarrior to spread awareness about multiple myeloma and celebrate the spirit of people living with it. 

In my role as Director of Marketing at Janssen Oncology, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many people who are living with this cancer. In hearing their personal experiences, I’ve learned a lot about the challenges multiple myeloma creates – and how these patients’ determination, drive and optimism help them face these difficulties. “Myeloma Warrior” defines these individuals as they fight not only for themselves, but also on behalf of others afflicted with this disease.

We recently hosted a patient summit at Janssen where people living with multiple myeloma from across the U.S. came together to share their stories and help us better understand the high points – and pain points – of living with this rare disease. By spending time with these #MyelomaWarriors, I learned a lot, and a few things struck me deeply:

1. Diagnosis brings confusion and concern.

Most people with multiple myeloma say that they had never heard of the disease before they got news of their diagnosis– or if they had, they didn’t know much about it. Across the board, patients say that upon diagnosis, they felt intensely alone and confused about multiple myeloma, their future and, ultimately, what the path forward would look like. Lessening fear and ambiguity and providing essential education up front are the first steps on the road to managing this disease. It’s important to acknowledge and thank the IMF, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and countless others for helping those recently diagnosed find their way.

2. The community is widely connected and supportive. 

Likely because patients recall their initial experience at diagnosis and the isolation they felt, they connect with others openly and with great passion. And it is these connections that help to alleviate fears and showcase what is possible. This sense of connection has built a strong and hopeful community and one that is well represented by #MyelomaWarrior. 

3. Advances in treatment help foster hope and optimism.

Therapeutic options are evolving, and each new advance is not only changing prognoses, but also positivity about the future. While the goal is ultimately a cure, patients understand better than most that any increase in time yields personal value. An extra year can be filled with the daughter you walk down the aisle, the grandchild you hold in your arms, the extra hug from your best friend, and thousands of other special memories and moments – all priceless and thankfully more commonplace today than ever before. 

Whether you know a #MyelomaWarrior or not, please visit Myeloma.org and get the facts about multiple myeloma. Then, join in on the conversation using this hashtag to celebrate how outlooks are changing for this community. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still far to go. It is the inspiration of the #MyelomaWarrior spirit that motivates me to remain so passionate about supporting and fighting on behalf of the amazing people we serve.