Multiple myeloma is a rare, serious cancer that impacts plasma cells in the bone marrow, and shows a higher prevalence in Black Individuals.
Join us at our next stops in Houston, Charlotte, and New Orleans for a day of enlightenment, empowerment, and community.
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Photos From Our Last Connect
As a hematologist and member of the plasma cell disease team, Dr. Rosenzweig has a clinical focus on multiple myeloma and related diseases, including Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, POEMs syndrome and light chain amyloidosis.
Dr. Rosenzweig enjoys caring for a multitude of patients with multiple myeloma at all stages of the disease process and actively participates in clinical research exploring new treatments. He has a particular interest in smoldering myeloma, a precursor condition to active disease, and is actively involved in research exploring new treatments to prevent disease progression.
Karen Carter, 67, is a multiple myeloma survivor from Los Angeles, CA. Diagnosed with Smoldering multiple myeloma in 2013, she underwent treatment including Revlimid, Velcade, Dexamethasone, and a stem cell transplant in 2019. After a second relapse in January 2015, she is preparing for Car-T cell Therapy. Karen continues to live her best life, training dogs and supporting others through their cancer journeys.
Ella Cleveland is a resilient mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma on 2/22/22 at age 65, she underwent eight months of treatment before being referred to City of Hope for a stem cell transplant. Following the transplant, a biopsy showed a reduction in cancerous plasma cells to 5%, and a subsequent biopsy on 3/7/2025 showed <0.1%. Ella is currently enrolled in a 5-year clinical trial, managing her condition and eager to share her story of transformation.
Pritina Irvin-Smartt is a dedicated daughter, wife, and mother. With a background in people-centered work, she navigated the emotional, logistical, and personal challenges of caregiving during her mother’s multiple myeloma journey. Pritina is passionate about sharing insights on time management, emotional resilience, and self-care to support others in similar caregiving roles.
Henry Dotson III is a Christian cancer coach, inspirational speaker, and author. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he holds degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering from Cal Poly, Pomona, and is a registered Professional Electrical Engineer in California. After a 35+ year career, including 17.5 years at The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and 8.5 years at Southern California Edison (SCE), Henry was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in July 2015. Following treatment and an autologous stem cell transplant at City of Hope, he achieved complete remission by November 2016. Henry is passionate about helping Christians turn their cancer journeys into meaningful journeys of faith. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife Vanessa and their two adult children.
Wyatt Smith was born in Los Angeles, California, in May 1956. He lived there through his twenties before moving to Orange County and then to Riverside County, where he currently resides. He is married and has a blended family with 5 children and 12 grandchildren. After working as an Operator Engineer in asphalt construction for over 30 years, he retired due to his diagnosis of multiple myeloma in March 2022. He is currently on a maintenance program and doing well.
Rhonda Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for Black Californians. Her background includes extensive experience consulting and leading health disparities initiatives for BIPOC communities, with a focus on community outreach, health promotion, and health behavior change strategies. She holds an MBA in Marketing and Operations Management from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Mike Smith grew up near Philadelphia and attended The Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN, where he was a champion swimmer. After college at George Washington University, he moved to Los Angeles and became a partner at Principal Entertainment, representing actors in theater, film, and television. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2018 at age 38, he underwent treatment and an autologous stem cell transplant at City of Hope. A devoted Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) advocate, Mike has received the Spirit of Hope award and was the top fundraiser in the US in 2022, raising over $377,000 for myeloma research. He is passionate about mentoring other myeloma patients. He resides in Los Angeles with his husband Ben and their two dogs, Dev and Murray.
9:00 AM
Doors open for check-in + registration. Breakfast begins.
9:30 AM
Opening remarks
9:45 -10:30 AM
Session 1: Multiple Myeloma in Detroit
Ola Banjo (moderator), Dr. Jeffrey Zonder, Schannon Love-Johnson, and
John Raithel
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Vendor Break
10:45 – 11:30 AM
Session 2: Navigating the Multiple Myeloma Journey
Jen Rogers (moderator), Ellen Dillard, and Omie Smith
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Vendor Break
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Session 3: Faith, Advocacy & Community
Huyen Nguyen (moderator), Robert Brooks, Shirley Cotton, and Kevin Hampton
12:45 – 1:00 PM
Closing remarks + post-event survey
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Lunch
Hear testimonials from past attendees.
