MM Changemaker Dr. Cesar RodriguezMM Changemaker Dr. Cesar Rodriguez

Become a champion for change. Make your Multiple Myeloma (MM) Promise.

Changemakers to watch. See how providers are helping close MM treatment disparities.

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What is That’s My Word®?

That’s My Word® is an educational campaign sponsored by Johnson & Johnson to improve health equity for communities of color affected by multiple myeloma (MM). When people like you choose to take action and close health gaps in diverse communities, we can create a major impact on the lives of people fighting MM. You are making real change possible, one visit at a time.

Challenges that Black people with MM face

Studies have shown that when Black MM patients receive equal access to care, they can have better treatment results.

MM disproportionately impact Black communities
Delayed MM diagnosis in Black patients
Delayed MM treatment in Black patients
MM patient Thomas GoodeMM patient Thomas GoodeMM patient Thomas Goode
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“I’ve learned the value of being vocal…My (HCPs) were proactive in asking me what resources I needed and connecting me with other patients.”

—  Thomas Goode, multiple myeloma patient and patient advocate

In consideration of the time spent participating in this activity, Thomas Goode was paid an honorarium by Johnson & Johnson.

MM Changemaker ANP Amy PierreMM Changemaker ANP Amy PierreMM Changemaker ANP Amy Pierre
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“...You're gonna have a much more successful visit when there's a two-way conversation going.”

—  Amy Pierre, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, Nurse Practitioner, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

In consideration of the time spent participating in this activity, Amy Pierre was paid an honorarium by Johnson & Johnson.

Changemakers in multiple myeloma

These leaders are setting the example for what it means to give your word to Black communities impacted by multiple myeloma.

video-play-iconMM ANP Amy Pierre on building trust

Establishing trust strengthens communication

Amy Pierre, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, Nurse Practitioner, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care

video-play-iconMM HCP Dr. Cesar Rodriguez on MM therapies

Getting multiple myeloma therapies to the people who need them

Cesar Rodriguez, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

video-play-iconNP Ellen Dillard on multiple myeloma

It takes a village to care for MM

Ellen Dillard, RN, Nurse Practitioner

Your role in equitable care

Every patient with multiple myeloma that you care for has a different story. You may hear from your Black patients that it has taken a while for them to receive a diagnosis, or they might have been misdiagnosed, or received a delayed treatment. In your visits with Black patients, you have the opportunity to not only help address issues of health equity, but you can also begin to heal relations between Black communities and the healthcare system.

Ways to connect with MM patients and care partners

Equitable MM care

Make time to talk with the patient and their family. Build trust by understanding their concerns and preferences. Get to know them as a person first.

Equitable MM care questions

Ask patients about previous experiences they’ve had with doctors—positive and negative. Find out how they like to learn, and present information to them in ways that make it easier for them to take it in.

Equitable MM care plans

Talk about each patient’s treatment expectations and fears. Use shared decision-making to give patients a plan they had a hand in making.

Equitable MM care support

Because MM is a chronic condition that needs long-term management, the family will also feel the impact. Build trust with a patient’s care partner as well so MM patients have strong support over time.

Why it matters

41.2% of Black Americans have little trust or no trust at all in doctors.

82.4% of Black Americans believe that race plays a great role or somewhat of a role in the care they receive.

Only 24% of Black Americans think their complaints are heard without bias.

As treatment progresses, the care partner may take on a larger role and get more involved.

Taking time to see that each patient feels seen and heard is an excellent way to establish respect and trust—laying the foundation for good collaboration throughout treatment.

Your role in equitable care

Every patient with multiple myeloma that you care for has a different story. You may hear from your Black patients that it has taken a while for them to receive a diagnosis, or they might have been misdiagnosed, experienced a delayed diagnosis, or received a delayed treatment. In your visits with Black patients, you have the opportunity to not only help address issues of health equity, but you can also begin to heal relations between Black communities and the healthcare system.

Ways to connect with MM patients and care partners

Equitable MM care

Make time to talk with the patient and their family. Build trust by understanding their concerns and preferences. Get to know them as a person first.

Why it matters

41.2% of Black Americans have little trust or no trust at all in doctors.

Icon 2

Ask patients about previous experiences they’ve had with doctors—positive and negative. Find out how they like to learn, and present information to them in ways that make it easier for them to take it in.

Why it matters

82.4% of Black Americans believe that race plays a great role or somewhat of a role in the care they receive.

Equitable MM care plans

Talk about each patient’s treatment expectations and fears. Use shared decision-making to give patients a plan they had a hand in making.

Why it matters

Only 24% of Black Americans think their complaints are heard without bias.

Equitable MM care support

Because MM is a chronic condition that needs long-term management, the family will also feel the impact. Build trust with a patient’s care partner as well so MM patients have strong support over time.

Why it matters

As treatment progresses, the care partner may take on a larger role and get more involved.

Taking time to see that each patient feels seen and heard is an excellent way to establish respect and trust—laying the foundation for good collaboration throughout treatment.

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“We still need to educate all healthcare providers on how we need to treat everybody in a unique way, it’s not just one recipe...Empowering patients to be accountable for their own health, and at the same time, make them comfortable to ask the questions they need to ask…”

—  Cesar Rodriguez, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

MM Changemaker Dr. Cesar Rodriguez quoteMM Changemaker Dr. Cesar Rodriguez quote

In consideration of the time spent participating in this activity, Dr. Rodriguez was paid an honorarium by Johnson & Johnson.

Multiple myeloma promise

Make your MM Promise

Although treatments for MM have improved over time, the road ahead can still be tough for some people living with multiple myeloma, especially those facing health disparities. As a medical professional, your care means so much to the people being treated for MM. When you learn about their specific challenges and roadblocks, you show them how invested you are in their individual experiences and personal treatment success. Give your MM patients your word that you will be a champion for change to help close multiple myeloma health disparities.

Make your MM Promise
View the That’s My Word® Promise Wall

Resources for Black patients and their care partners

These health literate tools can help you get patients up to speed on MM.

  • Help patients spread the word about MM in their communities
  • Build strong relationships with patients and care partners
  • Keep people engaged in the care process
Learn about multiple myeloma

My promise to learn about multiple myeloma

Introduce your patients to multiple myeloma and help them stay on top of their health by knowing what to look out for.

download IconDownload
Facts about multiple myeloma

Facts about multiple myeloma and what you can do now

This checklist can help people seeking care for MM with information on signs and symptoms, blood tests, and stages of MM progression.

download IconDownload
Getting multiple myeloma care

Getting the MM care you need

Tell patients about the C.R.A.B. criteria, asking for a specialist, and empowered self-advocacy so they can better own their health and get the best multiple myeloma care available.

download IconDownload
Leaning on communities for MM care

Leaning on our communities for multiple myeloma support

Bring patients information to help them identify individuals for their support team and locate support groups for Black people with MM.

download IconDownload
Learn about multiple myeloma

My promise to learn about multiple myeloma

Introduce your patients to multiple myeloma and help them stay on top of their health by knowing what to look out for.

download IconDownload
Getting multiple myeloma care

Getting the MM care you need

Tell patients about the C.R.A.B. criteria, asking for a specialist, and empowered self-advocacy so they can better own their health and get the best multiple myeloma care available.

download IconDownload
Facts about multiple myeloma

Facts about multiple myeloma and what you can do now

This checklist can help people seeking care for MM with information on signs and symptoms, blood tests, and stages of MM progression.

download IconDownload
Leaning on communities for MM care

Leaning on our communities for multiple myeloma support

Bring patients information to help them identify individuals for their support team and locate support groups for Black people with MM.

download IconDownload
Quotes Icon

“That’s My Word® has definitely helped and is helping to bring people in the fold who did not necessarily have the skills and the tools to manage their care with their provider and be a part of that team.”

—  Tiffany Hawkins-Williams, multiple myeloma patient and patient advocate

MM patient Tiffany Hawkins-WilliamsMM patient Tiffany Hawkins-Williams

In consideration of the time spent participating in this activity, Tiffany was paid an honorarium by Johnson & Johnson.