“Know there are reasons to have hope and then let that hope inspire you to take critical actions,” says Todd Kennedy, a myeloma survivor, support group leader and cancer coach. Marking seven years on his survivorship journey with the rare blood cancer — and looking forward to decades of survivorship to come — Todd is grateful for the specialized expertise and advanced treatment he receives at City of Hope Orange County that have made the milestone possible.
Todd and his wife and care partner Diane are successfully managing the disease with a multidisciplinary team of experts led by Amrita Krishnan, M.D., the executive medical director of hematology for City of Hope Orange County.
“Every year, myeloma research and treatment moves quicker, and the options for patients grow,” Dr. Krishnan says. “The way advances against cancer are made is through research, and City of Hope works tirelessly to bring our research to patients quickly.”
At City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County, Todd receives integrated, individualized care tailored to his specific cancer, including leading-edge immunotherapies.
As committed advocates for cancer patients and cancer care partners, and to offer hope for patients and their families navigating a cancer diagnosis, the Kennedys share these insights on their experience living with myeloma.
Hope is justified.
“When we say hope is justified, we are talking about hope based on the incredible amount of research that’s happening in myeloma,” the Kennedys say. “There are more clinical trials for myeloma at City of Hope than any other location in the West. Nobody is doing more research in myeloma and many other cancers than City of Hope.”
Take action.
“The first most important action is to get an expert on your team, somebody who is seeing patients like you and is doing the research,” says Todd. “You then need to get connected with other patients who are like you because they can lift you up. It is a journey, and you need people to travel that journey with you.”
Educate yourself.
“Get educated so that you can be empowered,” says Todd. “Learn all you can about your cancer, including treatments that are available. Let hope inspire you to be educated, so you can have some insight for that shared decision-making with your doctor. Be empowered to have those conversations that not only address what matters, but what matters to you.”
Remember: Your whole family needs care.
“When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it affects their entire social network — their spouse, their family, their loved ones, their friends, and City of Hope gets that,” the Kennedys say. “City of Hope provides comprehensive care for the patient, and also for their care partners and loved ones. This is a hallmark of the level of expert and compassionate care City of Hope offers right here in Orange County.”
Pursuing cancer cures at the speed of life. CityofHope.org/OC | 888-333-HOPE (4673)
Also read:
City of Hope Orange County Celebrates Survivors, Receives Key to New Cancer Hospital
Talking Hope: Cancer rehabilitation medicine: Helping patients reclaim their lives
Talking Hope: Clinical trials are unlocking new possibilities in cancer treatment