Mary Colson-Burns, a lifelong microbiologist and avid runner, was diagnosed with high-risk multiple myeloma in 2018. Through treatment and recovery, she found strength in staying active and supporting the MMRF’s mission. Now the 2025 Spirit of Hope Award recipient, Mary continues to inspire others with her mantra: Keep Moving.
Hear directly from Mary on her story and journey with the MMRF:
In early 2018 I was an avid runner and I had worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist since 1971. I had a long history of back pain and was experiencing a flare-up. My physician ordered physical therapy but decided it had been a while since I had an MRI so she ordered one. Later that day she called me at work to tell me I had a significant tumor in my sacrum and it was likely due to multiple myeloma. Having worked in microbiology my entire career, I had heard of myeloma but didn’t know much about it. By the end of the day I had an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a bone marrow biopsy scheduled, and many tubes of blood drawn.
That year was a whirlwind of radiation, a port insertion, months of chemotherapy, several bone marrow biopsies, cardiac and pulmonary evaluations, and countless lab tests, all in preparation of a stem cell transplant in late 2018, and all while I continued to work full time at the laboratory. It was in 2019, after I returned to work following the transplant, a colleague, who also had multiple myeloma, told me about MMRF and a program called CureCloud where blood was taken to be genetically tested and used for research. I went to the MMRF website and read their Mission, Vision, and Value statements. The core values and the commitment to diversity and equity resonated with me and I knew that this was an organization I could support. The fact that their work was focused on a single disease was also important to me. MMRF has an impressive track record of success in raising money for research, being involved in over 100 clinical trials, bringing new drugs to market, and extending the life expectancies for myeloma patients by 3 times. It is a patient-focused organization, offering valuable resources not only to myeloma patients but to caregivers and those who support myeloma patients. I have participated in many of the webinars and educational sessions and have found them to be extremely valuable.
I first became aware of the MMRF Walk/Run in 2022. Prior to the tumor on my sacrum that led to my diagnosis of multiple myeloma, I was an avid road runner, doing 5Ks, 10Ks, half and full marathons on most weekends. Most of them were fundraisers and I enjoyed that I was raising money while doing something that I loved. I was excited to once again participate. There is something about a group of people walking or running together for a common cause that is uplifting. In 2023, I created a team and got friends and family to join me. We made a morning of it. Last year I brought the team a picnic breakfast for after the walk. People visited and got to know each other. It was a highlight for me and buoyed my spirits.
I am honored to have been chosen for the Spirit of Hope award this year. It is a complete honor to be involved with an organization like MMRF. Being recognized for doing something that I love (physical activity), for something I intensely believe in (medical research), and with the chance that I might inspire others to join me, and to, just maybe, pass on hope to someone with multiple myeloma or their loved ones, what could be better!
Volunteering and fundraising has been a big part of my life. Along with many volunteering opportunities I have had, I became more heavily involved in fundraising when I joined the board of a sliding-fee-scale health clinic and helped develop new fundraising strategies. I have always felt that serving a community is a part of being a good citizen of this world. Having been a clinical microbiologist for 45 years, I know first-hand the importance and value of medical research. I knew that raising funds for an organization with the credentials and reputation of MMRF would be rewarding, regardless of having multiple myeloma.
I have always been an optimistic person but I never really thought about what gives me hope. There are a couple of things that I can put my finger on.
But along with hope, I have found that I need strength. In 2010 my husband was unexpectedly killed in an accident. I was devastated. It had just been the two of us for 39 years. I was alone and in shock. I need to find strength to live without him. At his memorial service I ended my tribute to his life by asking the couple of hundred people in the room to consider donating in his honor, to the organization where he volunteered. We raised a significant sum of money. It was gratifying and gave me strength to take his volunteer shift and dedicate my time to that organization. They welcomed me with “Open Arms” and compassion. I felt a connection to him just walking in the building.
Eight years later I was diagnosed with high-risk multiple myeloma and had a grim prognosis. I again needed to find my strength. I found it this time through my love of physical activity. I dedicated myself to keeping fit and healthy. It became a mandatory part of my healthcare. I knew that if I could live through losing my husband, I could do this. I stayed optimistic and looked at each day as a gift. I walk, exercise, and lift weights every day.
I have a favorite mantra that has been with me for a long time, Keep Moving (the name of my team). Every time I am feeling low or not my best I just keep telling myself to keep moving. I tell myself that if I can just keep moving, nothing can catch up with me. It is a mantra that has served me well.
Between my health and fitness regimen and my two wonderful kitties, I am living a fulfilling and healthy life.
Mary Colson-Burns
