Coffee with All4Cure - Julie (3/3)

It's interesting that I ever became involved in myeloma patient advocacy because I am a shy person. I'm not too fond of public speaking, but I've found doing it through advocacy is very empowering for me. I've found that it's my passion. I was originally asked to advocate for blood cancer patients to a few of my local senators last May over Zoom. I shared my cancer journey along with a few other advocates fighting for the same cause. I was so nervous the night before. All I could think was, "Why am I doing this to myself?" I had always wanted to stay in this bubble of "I don't have multiple myeloma," and it took me two years to climb out of that. I didn't want to hear anything about cancer because it all sounded horrible.

When I decided I needed to start speaking up, I couldn't believe how empowered I felt. I was excited, and it made me happy! I also had the opportunity to raise awareness with Congressman Edward Perlmutter and tell my story to him in September. I reached out to his office, and they asked me if I wanted to come and speak in person. I was never into politics, but I was so excited to have that opportunity. There's just so much in the healthcare system that is not right. If nobody says anything, it's not going to change. If my little voice can help, I want to use it. Speaking with the Congressman was my first time speaking in person, but my life depends on research to find a cure, and in order to afford treatment for the rest of my life, healthcare needs to be affordable. I was originally given a six-year life expectancy, and if we're not working on a cure, I am only one of the thousands who will suffer. Speaking about it is also therapeutic for me. I'm going to keep speaking about my disease to bring awareness to younger people like me and to help change the healthcare system so that everyone has access to affordable healthcare.