Paul was a 45-year-old in great health and in the prime of his family and professional lives when a routine physical noted an abnormal lab result. A series of tests confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma – to this day still defined as “an incurable but treatable blood cancer”. Median survival was three years at the time – that was 28 years ago!
Investments in medical research and clinical trials are essential to improve options and outcomes. Research to fund these discoveries through NIH and NCI has literally kept me alive and thriving for over two decades!
Since his initial diagnosis and through periodic relapses, Paul has experienced several generations of amazing emerging treatments and immunotherapies. He had an autologous stem cell transplant in 2003, and as part of his treatment regimen, he has participated in four clinical trials (three Phase 3 and one Phase 1/2).
Two years ago, Paul was diagnosed with a second and more aggressive blood cancer – MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) – caused by the accumulated damage of all of his prior treatments. Paul has endured two allogeneic/donor stem cell transplants since September 2023, as there are no targeted therapies available.
Paul has been an active advocate for cancer patients, sharing that he was motivated not to help himself, but to pay it forward and hopefully contribute to improving the quality and quantity of life for future patients. Little did he know that he, too, would be the beneficiary of several therapies supported by ACS research funding and ongoing patient education and connection options.