Multiple Myeloma- Dancing In the Rain with MyelomaTeacher

I As I was driving down 95 South to Philadelphia on my way to the American Association for Cancer Research’s Annual Meeting I chatted with fellow advocate Marie Recine about last year’s meeting in San Diego. This was Marie’s first time attending the AACR Scientist- Survivor Program (SSP) although she was no stranger to medical meetings since she is a medical writer and a breast cancer survivor. It was my second AACR meeting.  I was very excited to have the opportunity to participate in the Scientist-Survivor program once again.   The mission of the AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program is to build bridges and unity among the leaders of the scientific, cancer survivor and patient advocacy communities worldwide. After last year’s meeting I made several new connections in the advocacy world, and decided to take steps to educate myself and become more actively involved in the world of research advocacy.  As an outcome of last year’s SSP I created a research advocate profile on the National Cance

Yesterday I learned  that one of my myeloma buddies, Brad, passed away. I only met Brad in person twice, but I feel like I have known him my whole life. Brad and I were virtual friends we met on Twitter and eventually became Facebook friends  (only special people make that transition from Twitter follower to Facebook friend) I tweet a lot and blog a little. Brad wrote an inspiring blog and tweeted a little. Brad would refer to me as " Teach". I loved that endearing term. It reminded me of my chosen profession, one that I truly loved.  In reality Brad was the real teacher.  Through his writing we all learned many lessons. Brad taught me how to stay positive, be a fighter and to find a way to make a difference. He also taught me the power of the written word.  I am not much of a writer, but I am going to make an effort to blog more, as a tribute to Brad. Rest in peace, Big Guy.  The world is a better place because you passed through.  You taught many what is really important.