CURIOSITY LED ME to do a little research about well-known people who have faced Multiple Myeloma. I learned that we Myelomans are in some pretty fantastic company:

(Note: This post has been updated)

Tom Brokaw — One of the most respected journalists of our era, Brokaw announced his MM diagnosis in Feb. 2014 at the age of 74. He has said he is in treatment and expects to “be OK,” and he continues to make television and public appearances from time to time.

Geraldine Ferraro — A groundbreaking American politician, Ferraro served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was the first female candidate for vice president, running on the  Democratic ticket alongside Walter Mondale in 1984. Ferraro lost her battle with MM on March 6, 2011, after surviving for 12 years.

Sam Walton — American businessman who founded Walmart, today the largest company on Earth. On April 5, 1992, he died as the result of Multiple Myeloma at the age of 74. I have covered his company as a business reporter and analyst for more than three decades.

Ann Landers — Pen name of Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer (née Friedman), the renowned American advice columnist. She was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in January 2002. She declined treatment and died on June 22, 2002, at the age of 83.

Peter Boyle — Actor who co-starred in the television series, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” may be equally well recognized as “The Monster” in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. He died from MM and heart disease on December 12, 2006 at the age of 71.

Adelle Davis — An American author who wrote extensively and sensibly about health and nutrition, most famously, Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit (1954). She was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 1973 and died from the disease on May 31, 1974 at the age of 70.

Roy Scheider — Movie and stage actor, known best for his key role in Jaws, but also a fixture on Broadway. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2004 and received a bone marrow transplant the following year. On February 10, 2008, he died as a result of the disease at 75.

Mark Lenard — Journeyman actor who memorably portrayed Spock’s father Sarek and Vulcan statesman in two Star Trek original television series episodes, two Star Trek The Next Generation episodes and in four Star Trek feature films. Born 1924 in Michigan, he died of Multiple Myeloma in 1996 at the age of 72.

Sy Barry — Renowned comics artist, best known for his 30+ years drawing The Phantom daily and Sunday strips, as well as work on numerous DC comic books. I’ve been privileged to know Sy for my entire life and can report that he’s living with MM and going strong.

Mel Stottlemyre — Legendary professional baseball player, best known for his 11 seasons pitching for the N.Y. Yankees followed by 23 years as a pitching coach for the Mets, Yankees, Astros and Mariners. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2000, he died on January 13, 2019 at the age of 77.

Colin Powell — Former Secretary of State Colin Powell died from complications of COVID-19 on Oct. 18, 2021. Although fully vaccinated, he was also 84 years old and had been treated for multiple myeloma. Those factors put him at higher risk of breakthrough illness.

These individuals each have enjoyed a degree of public acclaim, but as I have learned, Myeloma plays no favorites.

(All images appearing in this post are the property of their respective owners.)
© 2014, James Tenser

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