The Heartbreaking Words That Inspired My Fight to Save Black Men

Photo courtesy of Frances Multiple myeloma is a rare, aggressive blood cancer that disproportionately impacts Black men. Despite its increasing prevalence, it remains relatively unknown and often diagnosed in its later stages. For Frances, the devastating diagnosis of her husband’s multiple myeloma changed her family’s life forever. However, through grief and pain, she found a mission — to raise awareness, educate others, and advocate for early detection and better treatment options. BlackDoctor.org spoke with Frances who shared her heartfelt story of navigating her husband’s diagnosis, treatments, and eventual passing.  A Sudden Diagnosis That Changed Everything Frances describes her husband as a healthy, active man who loved playing basketball and taking care of his family. But one evening, he called her with alarming rib pain that he couldn’t ignore. “He said something that really scared me,” Frances recalls. “He said, ‘If I don’t make it home tonight, I want you to know that I love you.’” That night, they rushed to the hospital. Within hours, doctors delivered a life-changing diagnosis: her husband had multiple myeloma, an aggressive blood cancer that attacks the bone marrow and weakens the bones. “At that time, I had never heard of multiple myeloma. I’d heard of...