Tony built his life around health. As a fitness professional, he spent his days staying active and helping others strengthen their bodies–never imagining his own would become the center of a life-altering experience. While training a client, Tony lost his footing and injured his back. He pushed through pain, finished the session and headed to the emergency room. Tony was told to rest, wait a few weeks and sent home.
Tony was diligent about healing. He followed up with his doctor, adhered to guidance and waited it out – but he wasn’t getting any better. A month after his initial fall, Tony collapsed at home and was rushed back to the emergency room. Within a few hours, he was discharged much to his and his partner’s despair. With the unnerving feeling something more was wrong, they refused to leave without more information. Determined and persistent, Tony’s partner convinced the doctor to admit him. Tony underwent extensive tests not knowing how profoundly his understanding of health, vulnerability, and purpose was about to change.
After a few days in the hospital, Tony, just 39 years old, was diagnosed with high-risk multiple myeloma on September 18, 2013. His chances of survival before turning 40–just 50%.
While Tony was well-educated in health and fitness, he recalls that his lack of understanding of his diagnosis was “frightening and isolating.” He met some of the criteria of the risk factors for myeloma. It’s a type of blood cancer more commonly diagnosed in men and is twice as likely to occur in those with non-Hispanic Black heritage compared to those with non-Hispanic white heritage. But most people who develop myeloma are over 50. Tony’s survival rate was below average at the time, but outcomes have improved largely due to advancements in treatment.
Tony approached his cancer diagnosis as a complex project. “I asked questions, gathered data, built a team. I advocated for myself: learned the medical language, tracked labs and symptoms, and made informed decisions,” he recalls. “Much like running a business with clarity, preparation and communication.”
For over a decade, Tony received multiple types of treatment for myeloma supported by family, and friends. He relapsed in early 2025 and decided to undergo CAR T-cell therapy. Nine months later, nearly 12 years to the day of his initial diagnosis, Tony heard for the first time that he was cancer free. He relapsed in mid-December 2024 and received CAR T-cell therapy treatment.
Today, Tony channels his renewed sense of purpose into making a difference in others’ lives. He’s still training clients and owns his own studio. Tony also volunteers as an advocate for The Office of Public Policy with Blood Cancer United. He’s learned that sharing his story doesn’t just inspire people–it shapes policies and decisions that affect real lives.
“These days, my priorities are alignment, meaningful relationships, sustainability, and joy,” Tony says. “I’m less about doing everything, more about doing what matters most.”
Tony
multiple myeloma (MM)
