Jeff is a husband, father, and grandfather who lives with multiple myeloma every day. Despite his challenges, he faces them with optimism and a smile. Having gone through a long journey with the illness, Jeff shares his experiences, both the highs and lows, with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. His goal is to help others by offering insights from his personal battle with the disease. Jeff has participated in the MMRF Team for Cures Walk/Run Detroit since its inception and his commitment to the mission of accelerating a cure for every myeloma patient is evident in his continued efforts each year. He believes “being a 19-year survivor with a zest for life provides hope for patients” – and we agree!
How did you get involved with the MMRF?
I began to read more and visit the MMRF website after my formal diagnosis of myeloma in January 2018. I had my first solitary isolated plasmacytoma in 2006 and another in 2014. I was so impressed by my oncologist’s involvement in the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma and taking patients on these adventures with him that I recognized how important the MMRF was in researching finding a cure and giving each of us hope for a positive quality of life.
Why did you choose to participate in the MMRF Walk/Run?
When it was announced that Southeast Michigan was going to have its first fundraising walk, I knew I had to participate. This will be my fourth walk. I was out of town for the second walk but my wife and I along with my daughter and son-in-law did a 5k in Cincinnati wearing our shirts. The walk became important as a vehicle to raise more awareness of myeloma, help to generate more funds for continued research, provide support for those who are in treatment, and those of us who are coping with the diagnosis, and provide hope for an opportunity to live our best lives possible post-treatment.
The Spirit of Hope is given to “individuals/groups who inspire hope and show extraordinary commitment to the MMRF.” What does being given the award mean to you?
I never thought about awards, just about fundraising and support for an organization focused exclusively on patients like me to provide continued research and clinical trials to allow patients to have a positive quality of life. And find a way to cure myeloma in the very near future. I am humbled and appreciate that MMRF recognized my contribution to the organization and my commitment to finding a way to help each of us live our best lives.
How have you found perseverance in light of obstacles? Please share any stories that have given you strength. I am a person with a positive outlook and grateful for the love of my family and friends. I have many goals in my life and their support has given me the strength to keep moving forward and appreciate each day.
I have decided to give back as a volunteer with several causes. I am a weekly volunteer at my cancer center, helping patients, nurses, and clinicians with anything they need. I am so grateful to my team for their support in getting me through the difficult times so I pay it forward. I believe being a 19-year survivor with a zest for life provides hope for patients. While they say I am inspiring, I am constantly being inspired by their will and determination to get through their diagnosis. I have met so many wonderful people and feel I was a help when I leave. I work with our social worker with anything she asks. I’ll speak with patients about my experience, listen to their concerns, and try to help in any way possible.
I also volunteer with our community food bank. So many people have food insecurity and sadly there is so much food waste. Twice a week I pick up food and deliver it to a Meals on Wheels location that cooks and sends meals out to those in need.
During the toughest part of my induction therapy, when neuropathy crippled my legs, feet, and hands and I couldn’t walk or grip silverware, I was touched by the family and friends who came from out of town (25 people, some who showed up multiple times) to help me and my wife when I was at my lowest point. Their love and support were a tremendous help in getting me back on my feet as they took me to therapy appointments and helped me do my exercises to get me back to a positive quality of life.
Do you have a favorite mantra, quote, lyric that gives you strength?
At this point in life, my mantra is to “Keep on Truckin’”, and share as many experiences as possible and memories as possible with my family. We enjoy being together and sharing good times. Music plays a big role in my life and experiencing concerts together brings me joy. I’m a huge Grateful Dead fan and we’ve been to several Dead and Company shows together. This spring my wife and family are traveling together to Las Vegas to see shows at the Sphere. We are all so excited!
Anything to add?
I really believe no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Live each day to its fullest. Do my best to be healthy. Do my Mitzvahs (good deeds), slow down, be kind. Show family and friends how special they are in your life. Be grateful and kind. If I practice these traits, I’m living my dream.
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The MMRF is thrilled to recognize Jeff Levison as the MMRF Spirit of Hope Honoree at the 2025 MMRF Team for Cures: Detroit Walk/Run. Donate to Jeff Levinson and his team, K- Farm Guys, today to accelerate a cure!
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.
Learn more about the Spirit of Hope award and the 2025 recipients.
