Judith Harding has always been an active woman. In January 2009, after experiencing uncharacteristic fatigue and pain in her hip, she went to her doctor. A day of x-rays and tests led to her multiple myeloma diagnosis. Judith had to make the difficult decision to retire from teaching, pause her pursuit of a doctorate degree in educational administration, and move closer to her family.
Like many newly diagnosed patients, Judith was not aware of multiple myeloma. But, as a lifelong learner, she sought to educate herself—and she quickly found the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Judith first attended an MMRF all-day patient summit in New York City, where she and other patients were able to hear directly from myeloma specialists. To this day, the MMRF’s webinars and patient summits provide her peace of mind. “I am able to hear from renowned doctors and researchers in myeloma and ask them questions,” she says. “It means a great deal to me to be able to stay up-to-date on new treatments, side effects, and clinical strategies.”
As she learned more about multiple myeloma, Judith also discovered that people of color have two times the risk of developing the disease—and are twice as likely to have a poor outcome. As an African American woman of Jamaican descent and a champion for social justice, she appreciated the MMRF’s innovative efforts to address disparities in treatment of the disease. By giving to the MMRF, she hopes to advance the MMRF's mission of finding a cure for each and every patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
In the 13 years since her diagnosis, Judith’s multiple myeloma has not defined her. The treatments were difficult; but as soon as she began to regain her strength, Judith resumed her studies. She would bring her computer and dissertation notes to her treatments, ultimately earning her doctorate in 2016. Judith also taught college courses and resumed her travels—including a 15-day cruise to Hawaii to celebrate her 60th birthday.
A strong self-advocate, Judith is an active participant in her care and treatment strategy. She is always asking her doctors questions about her lab results and communicating any concerns she has. In fact, Judith has advocated strongly for the entire population, reaching out to hospital leadership to share opportunities for improvement at their facilities. “I truly believe that my self-advocacy has profoundly influenced and enhanced my care,” she says. “I think every patient should feel so empowered.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Judith has enjoyed the opportunity to slow down. She stayed busy with her Bible Study, myeloma support group, and book club, which just recently finished Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. As a self-described “armchair activist,” Judith has taken advantage of the opportunity to read even more about both multiple myeloma and social justice. As always, the MMRF’s patient-education programming is there for her—so that if she ever relapses, she is ready. And Judith continues to live life to its fullest and is planning her next big adventurous trip for her 70th birthday.
Dr. Harding included the MMRF in her estate planning to advance the MMRF’s innovative clinical research and patient-education programming that she values. “I attribute my longevity to God, the expertise of my doctors, and the excellent treatments I’ve received,” she says. “The MMRF and the work they do is a big part of that, and I want to make sure it continues—even after I’m gone—because it’s needed to help future patients live longer lives.”
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