Alan Stephenson, Founder of Multiple Myeloma Warrior Community

Alan Stephenson is a warrior. He is also a husband, father, grandfather, financial advisor, businessman, relationship-builder extraordinaire, and a gifted storyteller with a wry sense of humor.

Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM) in 2016, Alan sought treatment at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Myeloma Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. There, he forged a close relationship with his oncologist, the director of the Myeloma Center, Dr. Frits van Rhee.

At UAMS, Alan received important standard therapies, and a stem cell transplant, all with good outcomes. Returning home to West Monroe, LA, Alan got back to his financial advising work, a growing family business, while keeping up with his treatments and doctor visits. He also joined a local MM support group, a Facebook support group, and even acted as a patient ambassador for a pharmaceutical company.  

Although Alan was feeling pretty good about his cancer treatment progress, he wasn’t feeling the same about the support groups he had joined. Something was missing, and that something was hope. Terrified of their diagnosis, many of the group members had given up on their cancer fight, and the desire to live life as fully as possible. Alan has a different take on his diagnosis and decided from the beginning, he was “not going to quit living to stay alive.”

In time, the doctor visits, cancer treatments, and a burgeoning family business had him feeling stressed and depressed. He knew he had to do something; something was calling him to act. Or, as Alan relates, “not trying to force my views on anyone… but you can’t run from God.”

To that end, Alan envisioned a support group grounded in three principles: hope, knowledge, and courage. In addition, the group would be an open community, available to anyone fighting the disease. In short, the community would reflect “what humanity should be.”  

The Multiple Myeloma Warriors Community (MMWC), a Facebook Group was launched on March 27, 2023. In addition, Alan reached out to his oncologist and to other MM oncologists across the U.S., asking for their support in the community.

In just a year’s time, the community has grown to over 6000 members worldwide and gained the support of three major myeloma centers in the U.S. with additional centers promising support in 2024.

At the MMWC Facebook page, members can reach out to the community with their questions, cares, and concerns. A Guide tab includes resources for newly diagnosed patients. The Featured, and Files tabs detail clinical trial opportunities, financial resources, and new treatment and therapy options. An Events tab lists online events featuring experts in the MM field.

The MMWC also supports members through Warrior of the Month, Thankful Thursdays, and Forget Multiple Myeloma Fridays, a day for warriors to voice what they are doing living life and not hiding from life!

Up next: Member maps, demographic data, and how patient history might help uncover the cause(s) of MM.