My biggest fear when they told me I had cancer was that I was going to die and not be around to see my grandkids grow up and mature into the young people they are today. When I was diagnosed, I remember my doctor put his arm around my shoulder and said, “I could tell you to put your affairs in order, but I’m not; we can deal with this.”
While recovering from my stem cell transplant, I felt a need to get involved, create awareness of multiple myeloma, and raise money for research and hopefully a cure, so I reached out to the MMRF. I wanted to help raise money to fight this cancer, so I looked at what I like—good music, wine, and great food. From that, I started Wine & Dine in the D. Then, five years ago I founded my own charitable organization, Cure Multiple Myeloma Corp.(CMMC), which is designed to educate and assist multiple myeloma patients in Michigan. Since 2010, the charity has raised more than $1.6 million for research.
I designed this as a two-part evening that included an educational panel discussion by prominent myeloma doctors, followed by a “Wine & Dine” evening, featuring delicious food and beverages from some of Detroit’s finest restaurants.
Now in its 13th year, approximately 400 community members, patients, caregivers, and key opinion leaders in the myeloma community annually attend Wine & Dine in the D. It brings together specialists from around the country for a panel discussion and provides a platform for Metro Detroit patients and the community to learn about new groundbreaking treatments and speak directly to these leading doctors.
Once CMMC was formed, I saw an opportunity to be of further assistance to multiple myeloma patients in southeast Michigan. Patients need education about the new drug therapies available and the quickly changing myeloma landscape. I asked my doctor what he thought was needed and the Ask the Doctor series was established from that discussion. At first, they were intimate breakfasts, where patients could speak directly to a multiple myeloma specialists and also interact with other patients. Then the pandemic hit, and the breakfasts were turned into virtual discussions over Zoom. This year, they will be hybrid discussions, where doctors and patients will meet face to face, and a Zoom option will be available for those unable to attend. The price for admittance is one question per myeloma patient, but they are welcome to ask more!
The award means that all my efforts are recognized and appreciated and that my work has resulted in tangible benefits. The walk and run is somewhat new for us in Detroit. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to bring together friends, patients, and caregivers who have faced this disease to celebrate triumphs and raise much needed funds.
I think that focusing on what I can do instead of my situation has helped immensely. By concentrating on raising funds and assisting others, I have the ambition and will to keep moving forward.
I get a lot of my strength through my relationships with my doctors, Dr. Jeffrey Margolis (my oncologist) and Dr. Michael Lill (my transplant doctor). They were there for me all the way. I have also received a lot of support from my family and friends.
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation is delighted to recognize Sid Moss as the MMRF Spirit of Hope Honoree at the 2023 MMRF Team for Cures: Southeast Michigan Walk/Run.
This award is presented at every Walk/Run to a patient, caregiver, or family who inspires hope through their resilience, perseverance, and dedication to the MMRF and its mission.
Sid’s wife, Sharon, has set up a Team page for the Southeast Michigan Walk/Run in honor of her husband. View her page to read her story and join the Team here.
