2026 MMRF DC Walk to Honor LTC Robert (Ken) Pell, Jr. USA (Ret.)

Spirit of Hope Award recipient shares how service, resilience, and a forward-looking outlook have shaped his myeloma journey.

Courtesy of Lieutenant Colonel Ken Pell

The MMRF Walks unite people from across the multiple myeloma community for a common goal: to accelerate research and create a better future for every patient. At the 2026 MMRF DC Walk, that commitment and sense of purpose are reflected in this year’s Spirit of Hope Award recipient: LTC Robert (Ken) Pell, Jr. USA (Ret.).

Ken and his team, Stars and Steps Forever, have been dedicated supporters of the MMRF’s mission since his diagnosis. Ken has approached his myeloma journey with the same resolve that has guided him throughout his life: focusing not on the obstacles ahead, but on the progress that can be made one step at a time.

Ahead of the DC Walk, Ken shared what fuels his commitment to the MMRF and the outlook that has guided him throughout his myeloma journey.

Why do you walk with the MMRF?

I walk because I want to show solidarity with my fellow patients, caregivers, and supporters and raise as much money for the MMRF as possible.

How did you get involved with the MMRF?

After I was diagnosed, I found the MMRF online because I knew very little about multiple myeloma. The organization and its education programs really educated me.

The Spirit of Hope Award is given to individuals and groups who inspire hope and show extraordinary commitment to the MMRF. What does receiving this award mean to you?

It’s an incredible honor for me and my wife, who is also my caregiver. Receiving this recognition was never something I expected. I was simply a concerned myeloma patient looking for ways to contribute, connect with other patients and caregivers, and learn from others in the MMRF community.

How have you found perseverance in the face of obstacles?

When I was diagnosed, my wife and I made a conscious decision not to focus on how I developed myeloma. Instead, we focused on how we would fight it.

In our early research, we learned that the disease was considered incurable, could lead to serious bone damage, and could be quite painful. At first glance, there didn’t seem to be much reason for optimism. But we also learned that treatments were evolving and improving—extending patients’ survival.

From the beginning, my outlook has been that we could manage this disease long enough for even better treatments to emerge, and ultimately, for a cure to be found. That belief has helped carry us forward.

Do you have a favorite mantra or quote that gives you strength?

One quote that has guided me through much of my life comes from Hunter S. Thompson:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a Ride!'”

Myeloma is not going to change who I am or how I choose to live my life.