_edited.png)
In Loving Memory
of Malcom Orlando Ivy
1965 - 2023
Our Story
In June 2020, my husband received a life-altering diagnosis of Stage III fatal Multiple Myeloma. As the devastating news broke our hearts, we chose to hold on to our Faith. In this faith-shaking experience, we decided to be spiritual-minded and experience the peace of God through His word. As his care partner, we embarked on a learning journey to expand our knowledge about this incurable blood cancer by spending countless hours researching, speaking with specialists and doctors, and connecting with other patients.
After a courageous three-year treatment experience, surrounded by his support system of love and kindness, my dear husband transitioned to be with our Heavenly Father. I trust and believe that God can bring good out of our heartbreaking story to save lives in our community impacted by Multiple Myeloma (Genesis 50:20). Our experience has fueled us to change the rising statistic of 24% of all newly diagnosed patients within the African-American community.
In honor of my husband's memory, I promise to actively preserve his legacy as an intercessor for Multiple Myeloma in the African-American community through The Malcom Orlando Ivy Foundation (TMOIF).
Prior to Diagnosis
At 55, Malcolm's life changed drastically with a Stage III Multiple Myeloma diagnosis. A distinguished business executive and former college athlete, he maintained passion for basketball and fitness until his diagnosis.
In 2018, tests revealed blood abnormalities, but the cause remained undetected until 2019, when his doctor was unaware of the cancer's silent presence. As the year ended, Malcolm showed no symptoms, unaware that Multiple Myeloma was advancing.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malcolm experienced severe fatigue that left him breathless and unable to climb stairs. We sought medical help at the Emergency Room, where alarming lab results showed critically low hemoglobin and high and calcium levels, leading to his transfer to the Intensive Care Unit.
After stabilizing his blood levels, a bone marrow examination revealed a heartbreaking diagnosis of Stage Multiple Myeloma with a high-risk chromosomal abnormality affecting 70% of his bone marrow.
Known Symptoms & Diagnosis
Treatment Plan
Malcom’s Hematologic Oncology team chose the most promising treatment options because of his staging, prognostic classification, and active biological markers. This enabled him to have access to the most advanced treatments and clinical trials.
-
June 2020: Standard Frontline Treatments
-
November 2020: Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
-
January 2021: Advance Immunotherapies (Clinical Trial)
-
June 2022: Auto CAR T-cell Therapy (newly FDA approved)
-
July 2023: Bispecific T-cell Therapy (Clinical Trial)
Malcom's unwavering faith shone brightly during his challenging treatment for Multiple Myeloma, as he navigated both good days and difficult relapses.
His vibrant spirit kept him optimistic, allowing him to share his trust in Jesus Christ with patients, doctors, and families affected by the disease. His legacy of hope and resilience continues to inspire our mission to the African-American community.