Being Strong for Mom

In August 2008, Tim Rhymer’s mom, Jeanine, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Though chemotherapy and a difficult stem cell transplant allowed her some time in remission, Jeanine’s cancer has returned, and she will undergo another, more intense, stem cell transplant this summer. “My mom has always been a strong woman, but right now I feel like it's my turn to be strong for her and my dad,” Tim says. “Recently she moved back to the Chicago area, and I thought this would really encourage her and lift her spirits.” The transplant may be grueling, but this time Jeanine has this event to cheer her up, as well as some exciting news: “We just found out my wife and I are going to be having a baby, Jeanine’s first grandchild,” Tim says. Though multiple myeloma is a dreadful disease, there are so many joys that it can never take away.

John Does All He Can For His Patients

In running the NYC Marathon, John Klibanoff is going above and beyond the call of duty to help patients with multiple myeloma. As an orthopedic surgeon, John regularly treats people who are fighting multiple myeloma. He and his wife Laura have 20 marathons and triathlons under their belts, and John is excited to run the NYC Marathon with the MMRF for the second time. “Running for the MMRF has brought a MUCH more significant level of meaning and inspiration to our pursuits,” he says.  Running with the MMRF is just another way John helps myeloma patients, and the funds he raises go directly to research that benefits his work!

A Beloved Father-In-Law

Bill Coleman is running the Chicago Marathon in honor of his father-in-law, Don Smith, who passed away from multiple myeloma at the age of 64. “He was one of those people you wonder, ‘Why did he have do die so young?’” says Bill. Through all the trials his disease put him through, Don showed no self pity, and he never hesitated to express his love for his wife, children, and his eight grandchildren. Don is greatly missed, and Bill is proud to honor him and his legacy by running with the MMRF.

A Sister's Love

When Pamela Divinsky’s older sister was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Pam became her primary caregiver. For the eight years her sister battled the disease, Pam was by her side. “As horrid as the process and procedures were, the time together- all the waiting in hospitals, enduring all the pain, and having to talk about what really matters- brought us closer together,” she says. The bond between the two sisters strengthened as they wrestled with the hardship and fears brought on by this disease, and now, five years after her sister’s passing, Pam is honoring her by running to benefit patients who face the same trials Pam saw her sister through.

Make 'Em Believe!

As a visually impaired Ironman, Michael Blumenthal knows what it means to beat the odds. Though he can barely see, he completed the 2009 Ironman Wisconsin with the aid of his coach, Robbie, who will run with him in the NYC Marathon. Michael almost did not finish the Ironman; about 5 miles from the finish line, his coach and 3 race directors found him staggering blindly after a runner with a head lamp.  “They told me, ‘You’re the last one, and we’re here to bring you in. You need to get running or you’ll miss the 17 hour cutoff,’” he says. With his coach encouraging him, Michael started running and made it to the finish line just within 17 hours.

At the Ironman, Michael achieved what many would not think possible. At the beginning of the race, a race director had told Michael that if he saw any trouble, he would pull him out of the race because of his vision. Michael assured him that he would finish, and at the finish, the director approached him. “He said that he kept a close eye on me throughout the swim, bike and run,” Michael says. “He said that I made him believe that I could do it.” Now with this, his first marathon, Michael continues to show a level of faith and confidence that makes believers of the rest of us.

Support for Each Mile



Tony with his mom, 10 days before her passing



After a 10 year struggle, Tony Bennett’s mother passed away from multiple myeloma on January 4, 2011. “Through her fight she never complained,” Tony says. “She stayed strong and focused on her family and God.” This year for the Chicago Marathon, Tony has dedicated 1 mile to someone he knows, or has known, with cancer, and he will think of each one during their respective mile. He has asked that each person or their family send him a letter of encouragement, which he will read the night before the run. On his 26.2 mile journey, Tony will have all the love and support of those he is running for, as well as his mom’s memory to help him press on.

Deanna Fights Cancer With Her Mom



Deanna and her mom- Holloween 2010



When Deanna Dugo’s mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in February 2009, “it was an absolutely terrifying time.” Her mother underwent a stem cell transplant, but the cancer had already done irreversible damage to her kidneys which caused her to need dialysis. Running is only one way Deanna supports her mom; this year, she donated one of her kidneys in the hopes of getting her off dialysis. She is proud to report that her mom, “is doing incredibly well today” thanks to both transplants. To Deanna, her mom is “a true fighter and a hero,” and she does all she can to aid her in the fight against this terrible disease.