According to the International Myeloma Foundation, African Americans in the US make up 20% of all multiple myeloma patients, despite comprising only 14% of the country’s population. While science has yet to find a cure, today’s guest, Valarie Traynham, is undeterred. A multiple myeloma thriver, breast cancer survivor, and patient leader, Valarie sheds light on health disparities and advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves. Diagnosed at just 42, she shares her personal journey through the often-overlooked symptoms of this rare blood cancer, the challenges African Americans often face in receiving timely diagnoses, and the critical role of early intervention. Valarie’s experience has empowered her to become a community educator and advocate, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and self-care. Tune in to hear how she transformed a devastating diagnosis into a powerful story of healing and purpose. Her message is a beacon of hope for anyone confronting life’s toughest challenges, and her unwavering commitment to both her own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others is truly remarkable. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The story of how Valarie found out that she had multiple myeloma.

• What multiple myeloma is, what its causes are, and why it isn’t a death sentence.

• CRAB criteria for diagnosing myeloma and how its symptoms may present.

• The prevalence of this incurable disease in the African American population.

• Difficulties that many African Americans encounter in obtaining a timely diagnosis.

• Living with multiple myeloma: the critical role of acceptance, hope, and self-care.

• How Valarie’s cancer diagnosis helped her discover her purpose in life.

• The importance of connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences.

• Destigmatizing mental wellbeing for cancer patients in the Black community.

Quotes:

“When you accept it, then you can move past it.” — @MyelomaValarie [0:13:43]

“I can honestly say that [cancer] is the best thing that happened to me. [Through] dealing with cancer, I found my purpose – Had I not been dealt the cancer hand, I would not have found my purpose.” — @MyelomaValarie [0:15:15]

“To my Black sisters, you are enough. You don’t have to be all things to everybody. Take care of yourself. Self-care is just realizing that you are who you are. That’s self-acceptance and seeing the value that you hold. You are worthy.” — @MyelomaValarie [0:20:55]

“To my Black brothers, it’s okay not to be okay. You don’t always have to be that tough, manly man because you’re going through things. Let that guard down and let somebody in.” — @MyelomaValarie [0:21:15]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Valarie Traynham on Instagram

Valarie Traynham on Facebook

Valarie Traynham on X

Valarie Traynham Email

Black Myeloma Health Community

Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation
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MOYO Institute, Inc
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