Nichole Donjé first got involved with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation® (MMRF®) after someone presented in her support group. She remembers thinking, “That’s it, I can do this. I wanted to be a part of something. To see if I could make a difference.”
Nichole’s story started with a bad cough, continuous daily fevers, and debilitating chills for four months. She had extreme exhaustion, deep bone pain, and severe brain fog. Nichole realized when it took her half an hour to schedule a meeting, she had to take off work and figure it out. Six specialists and a bone biopsy later, Nichole was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
For Nichole, starting treatment, as hard as it was, was a relief from what life had been like. Nichole says, “I could think again and walk around the block without being out of breath.”
Nichole quickly found the MMRF as a beacon of hope, information, and resources. As someone who is directly benefitting from the research that’s been done, Nichole decided it was time to give back. “Research is costly and the only way to ensure more treatments are found is to ensure that the funds are there. I know that someday again I will need something new. If I can be a part of making that happen for me and/or for others like me, that’s huge.”
Nichole and her team, The Bloodhounds, have been participating in the MMRF New York City Walk/Run for the past three years. Their team has made an immediate impact, raising over $40,000 in the first two years of participating. Nichole wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of her friends and family. She can always count on her husband Scott, who is also her best friend. “He has been there for me every step of the way. There hasn’t been a treatment or doctor’s visit he hasn’t been to in over three years.” Their dogs, Mr. Molesly and Lily-Belle Clabourne, gave her further purpose. “I have to take care of them, it means I have to keep going.”
Nichole’s incredible community of friends and family, so many of whom either walked or supported the MMRF Walk/Run over the past two years, keep her going as well.
On receiving this year’s Spirit of Hope award for the MMRF New York City Walk/Run, Nichole says that, “It’s a bit hard to put into words.” Nichole remarks that she always hopes that what she does and how she lives will support and help others know they are not alone, that we are all connected in some way. “That someone who saw this energy in me is humbling but also validating that I am living the life I believe I am meant to.”
Throughout her journey, Nichole has found others that are going through similar experiences. Through support groups, or just being connected to someone with myeloma, she found a caring, supportive community. “I have learned that there is something so comforting in being able to speak or simply be present with others who understand, and to be able to ask questions that might be uncomfortable anywhere else.” She found that by helping others, she also helped herself. “We support each other. I’m so grateful for that.”
Nichole can’t wait for this year’s MMRF New York City Walk/Run, saying that the event has given her a sense of strength and purpose. “It’s exciting to have the people in my life come together to make something so important happen. Everyone is here for ourselves and for each other.” Nichole is thankful for the multiple myeloma community and incredibly honored and blown away by being this year’s Spirit of Hope recipient. Nichole is excited to see her team, The Bloodhounds, and the entire NYC MMRF community, on October 11th for yet another impactful event.
