20 years of making myeloma history

A legacy that’s still being created

Ultimately, the goal of M4M is to help fund research that will lead to a cure. But until then, the event will roll on. “I promised patients that as long as multiple myeloma is an incurable disease, Miles for Myeloma will continue,” Abonour said.

“What I want Miles for Myeloma to represent is the resilience of people when they’re faced with adversity,” Abonour said. “This resilience translates to a better quality of life. And, when people join forces to face adversity together, better outcomes can be achieved.”

Although the legacy of M4M is still being built, the first 20 years have shown what’s possible through collaboration and mutual respect. “There are a lot of things we have in common as human beings,” Abonour said. “With Miles for Myeloma, we’ve proven that we can share a common cause or mission and work together so beautifully. I wish this could be translated into how human beings interact with each other no matter where they are or what their differences might be.”

Abonour’s own legacy is also still being written. The impact he has had and continues to have on his team and his patients is irrefutable.

“Dr. Abonour is a joy to work with,” Walker said. “I couldn’t imagine the IU myeloma team without him. He is incredibly supportive of our research and the myeloma team as a whole. He provides important insight into the clinical benefit of our research to his patients, so that we remain focused on what is important.”

Dr. Abonour (center) and his fellow cyclists before the start of Miles for Myeloma in 2018.

For many members of his team, Abonour is both a colleague and a mentor. This has certainly been the case for Suvannasankha. “His passion for both patient care and research is contagious — and he’s created an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from him, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that shares his commitment to making a real difference in the fight against myeloma.”

But perhaps the most important and lasting part of Abonour’s legacy will be the hope, compassion and care he brings to his patients and those they love. “His attitude is so optimistic,” Jan Tamer said. “Greg and I have confidence in his vision — and his approach to treating multiple myeloma is so upbeat. You can’t feel down when you’re around him.”

Greg has been a beneficiary of Abonour’s dedication to patient care. “When I was first diagnosed, I thought of the things I wouldn’t live to see,” he said. “But now I’m seeing those things and loving it.”

Since its inaugural event in 2005, M4M has raised $8.3 million — all of which goes directly to research at IU and enhanced patient care at IU Health. This funding is helping advance the research that’s leading to more effective treatments and that’s giving patients a very real sense of hope. As it enters its third decade, M4M will continue to make myeloma history by playing a key role in pushing the boundaries of multiple myeloma research — bringing us ever closer to a world in which this disease is no longer incurable.

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