Multiple Myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer. In the United States, the lifetime risk of getting multiple myeloma is 1 in 132 (0.76%) and it is estimated that around 100,000 people in the US have MM - almost evenly divided between men and women.
Many years ago along my professional journey (many, many years ago) before I worked on "Madison Avenue," I worked on Sesame Street. The recent passing of Emilio Delgado (Luis from Sesame Street) serves as another moment of education and understanding around this unusual form of cancer -- its symptoms, attributes and treatments. Emilio, Colin Powell (Secretary of State), Geraldine Ferraro (VP Candidate), Peter Boyle (Everyone Loves Raymond), Roy Scheider (Jaws), Sam Walton (Wal-Mart), and Ted Uhlaender (Minnesota Twins) - to name a few, are just a handful of famous folks who have succumbed to this disease.
Much like the unfortunate passing of any celebrity from any number of diseases (mental health being a high-profile condition), these occasions elevate the conversation around MM, offering insights to the afflicted and their families about the disorder. As is true with any cancer, there are patients that are able to defeat the rampant and dangerous overgrowth of cells in their body (in the bone marrow in the case of MM). Unfortunately, there are all too many patients that are not able to conquer this cancerous curse.
In honor of a man who spent 45 years on The Street teaching children (and their parents) the lessons of life, it is worth noting that the symptoms of multiple myeloma vary depending on the individual, but may include (in no order of importance or frequency): back ache, bone pain, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent infections, hoarse/raspy voice, loss of appetite, mental fogginess or confusion, nausea, pale skin tone, shortness of breath, weakness or numbness in the legs, and/or weight loss. Though about one-third of people affected by multiple myeloma have no symptoms, a routine blood test can detect elevated levels of immunoglobulin proteins - the MM red flag.
If recent coverage of his life and legacy and passing helps enlighten someone stricken with MM, I know that Emilio would be proud to have served as that beacon of light and awareness.
