Melisa Perry is a compassionate social worker providing psychosocial support and resource navigation for people living with multiple myeloma and families at the Wallace Cancer Institute. With a focus on patient education and empowerment, she facilitates support groups and guides individuals through cancer treatment. Melisa is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, advocating for personal and community development.
Grace Perkins is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and a multiple myeloma survivor. Diagnosed in May 2023, she achieved partial remission after chemotherapy and her first stem cell transplant in August 2024. Grace credits her strong faith and family support for her courage and aims to inspire others in their fight to remission and living well.
Susan Ellerbe is a dedicated caregiver with a background in Dietetic Technology. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she has been married to Timothy Lee Ellerbe for 35 years, with whom she shares three adult children and two grandchildren. Her life is centered around her faith, family, and a commitment to fitness.
Timothy Ellerbe is a multiple myeloma survivor and a seasoned electrical engineer. Diagnosed in March 2024, he holds degrees from South Carolina State College and Wake Forest University. Married to Susan Ellerbe for 35 years, he is a devoted family man whose interests include faith, family, and fitness.
Cindy Varga, MD, is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Hematology physician. She specializes in diagnosing and treating blood cancers like multiple myeloma and conditions involving abnormal protein buildup. Dr. Varga leads clinical studies for innovative therapies and is a dedicated athlete, having participated in marathons and triathlons for over two decades.
Beverly Kerr is a visionary leader, accomplished grant writer, and faith-based community advocate. With over 20 years of experience, she has raised over $3 million for arts, health education, mental health, and gang prevention initiatives. Beverly is passionate about writing, singing, and serving, striving to make the world better one life and community at a time.
Sedrick Kerr is a devoted husband, father, and seasoned professional in the trucking industry, known for his reliability at Walmart Corporation. For nearly three decades, he has also served as the steadfast caregiver and life partner to his wife, Beverly. Sedrick is passionate about guiding at-risk youth through fishing, embodying quiet strength, and commitment to family and community service.
Joseph Turner is a multiple myeloma survivor who also navigated quadruple bypass surgery. Diagnosed with MM in 2019, he is now in two years of remission, attributing his health to a clean lifestyle, regular exercise, and strong support systems. At 79, he emphasizes the crucial role of community throughout the multiple myeloma journey.
Romeeka Perkins is a dedicated Research Associate II with Advocate Health and a caregiver for her mother, Grace Perkins. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, she balances her professional life with her roles as a wife and mother. Romeeka enjoys relaxing, decorating, and vacationing, bringing a grounded perspective to caregiving.
Dr. Thertulein is the Director of the Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders Program at Novant Health Weisiger Cancer Institute. Born and raised in Haiti, he is a general community hematologist and oncologist specializing in multiple myeloma. Dr. Thertulein passionately pursues research and patient care, aiming to advance cancer therapeutics through clinical studies.
10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Attendee Registration, Breakfast and Vendor Expo
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Opening Remarks
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Exploring Multiple Myeloma in Charlotte
Jennifer Rogers, MS (Moderator)
Cindy Varga, MD
Raymond Thertulien, MD
Susan Ellerbe
Timothy Ellerbe
Joseph Turner
45 min discussion; 15 min audience Q&A
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Break
12:00 PM- 1:00 PM
It Takes a Village: Creating a Network of Care & Compassion
Ola Banjo, PharmD, AAHIVP (Moderator)
Melisa Perry
Beverly Kerr
Sedrick Kerr
Grace Perkins
Romeeka Perkins
45 min discussion; 15 min audience Q&A
1:00 PM – 1:05 PM
Closing Remarks
1:05 – 3:00 PM
Lunch & Vendor Expo
Hear testimonials from past attendees.
