Jennifer is
Blood Cancer United

Jennifer Flowers of Hayward, CA, was diagnosed with myeloma in 2008 and today, while still on treatment and in remission, she is now an active Community Outreach volunteer in California for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) groundbreaking program, Myeloma Link, helping others who have been in her shoes.

LLS launched Myeloma Link in 2017 to educate African Americans about myeloma, and to help patients access optimal care, and navigate the treatment landscape more effectively. The program is presently active in 13 cities across the country: Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, New York City, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham, St. Louis and Washington DC. Since its inception, the program has reached over 27,000 individuals through more than 200 outreach and education programs.

“We are better together!” said Jennifer. “Thanks to dedicated people like you, funds raised from LLS supporters like you support the research of blood cancer treatments that save lives.”

Myeloma Link reaches Black patient communities and caregivers in the following ways:

• Trained myeloma Community Outreach Volunteers build relationships with trusted community-based organizations and plan myeloma and blood cancer education programs and other outreach activities.
• Church Outreach through various activities, including inclusion of health-related topics during services in Black churches.
• Community education programs in collaboration with trusted partner organizations, such as churches, senior centers, and libraries.
• In-depth, healthcare provider-led, patient education programs that focus on resources and information relevant to myeloma patients, their families, and caregivers.
• Myeloma education programs for primary care providers at community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

“LLS helped me from the beginning of my journey when I met their patient services team,” said Jennifer. “They introduced me to support groups where I talked to people just like me who knew exactly what I was up against. LLS provided me with so much support and now I’m proud to help out through Myeloma Link.”

Jennifer said what keeps her going is reminding herself that no matter what the obstacles are, it’s important to stay the course, savor each moment, embrace all life has to offer and celebrate the joys of every day!