When attorney Ken Stoll of North Little Rock was diagnosed in 1991 with multiple myeloma, many would have called it a death sentence.

He now thanks his doctor who referenced him to the then-fledging program for multiple myeloma at UAMS. It was that doctor’s foresight, coupled with UAMS’ dedication to patients with this rare cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell present in the bone marrow, that he believes gave him the last 18 years of his life.

“I feel like the Lord has blessed me and that I’m a living miracle.”

Stoll, 66, came out of retirement in 2006 and works as a general counsel for the Arkansas State Police.

The Myeloma Institute, established by Dr. Bart Barlogie in 1989 and now celebrating its 20th year, is internationally known and has treated more than 9,000 patients from every state and more than 50 foreign countries. The institute treats more multiple myeloma patients annually than any other facility in the country.

In the past 20 years, Myeloma Institute researchers bolstered the institute’s reputation through development of new treatments and greatly expanded understanding of the cellular and genetic mechanisms of the disease.

It was Barlogie’s dedication and passion that resounded with Stoll. “He was very caring and very knowledgeable. He put me at ease as much as anyone could at the time I was diagnosed,” said Stoll, who sometimes meets with newly diagnosed patients as “living proof” of hope in fighting multiple myeloma.

Barlogie credited “a determination by a team of clinicians and translational scientists who dedicated their professional mission to curing myeloma” for the institute’s success. He casts a large net, praising the nurses, support staff and all who have worked at the institute over the years.

“They have created a coordinated system that gives confidence and optimism to our patients,” he said.

Myeloma Institute for Research and Technology

Twenty years ago, she and her husband, Jonathan Richards, moved their young family from New York to Santa Fe, N.M. Jessup, an author, and Richards, a journalist and cartoonist, knew they could relocate their careers cross country with relative ease, while also giving their two daughters a safer and more child-friendly environment in which to grow up. 

“We originally just moved to Santa Fe for one year, but we never left,” said Jessup, whose books include “The Woman’s Guide to Starting A Business,” written under her name, and “Tender Offerings” and “Bare Essence” written under the pseudonym Meredith Rich. “Bare Essence” was later adapted into a television mini-series and weekly series. 

“I knew I was in good hands the second I got here. Everyone here is extraordinary, from the doctors and nurses to the patient care techs and secretaries.”

Then, in 2005, the family found a new home away from home — although this time it was by necessity instead of choice.

While lifting a holiday package in December 2004, Jessup felt a “pop” in her back. At first, she dismissed it as a minor injury. When the pain persisted and worsened, she went to the doctor. “I was told that I had a compression fracture in my spine and was put on bed rest,” she said. It didn’t help.

An MRI revealed not one but several fractured vertebrae. On March 2, 2005, Jessup entered the hospital due to extreme pain.

While hospitalized, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects the plasma cells. Among other symptoms, multiple myeloma causes calcium to be leached from the bones, often resulting in compression fractures.

Because her mother had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma years earlier, Jessup was already somewhat familiar with the severity of the disease.

“My doctor knew that Santa Fe didn’t have a facility equipped to treat me,” she said. “The day I was diagnosed, my doctor e-mailed Dr. Barlogie in Little Rock. I was told that he could accept me the following day.” Bart Barlogie, M.D., Ph.D., is director of the UAMS Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy.

Jessup and Richards arrived by air ambulance at UAMS, where she quickly began undergoing tests and chemotherapy. After an initial hospitalization, Jessup and Richards worked with Jo Smith, UAMS director of special services, to locate a rental house. Richards returned to Santa Fe for their dog, and the couple set up a life in Little Rock based around Jessup’s treatment schedule.

“I knew I was in good hands the second I got here. Everyone here is extraordinary, from the doctors and nurses to the patient care techs and secretaries,” she said.

Jessup underwent a stem cell transplant in June and another in September, after which she was in complete remission. Although they continue to return to UAMS for regular checkups, Jessup and Richards are back to their normal lives in New Mexico, where she is toying with the idea of writing a book about her experience.

“Going through all of this has taught me total surrender,” she said. “I’m so glad that I totally put myself in the hands of UAMS.”

There was just that fateful routine check-up with her doctor in Shreveport, La., that was left to fit in before Mona Morgan and her husband, Eddie, jetted off to Europe for the vacation of a lifetime.

“I thought we had planned for everything, but wouldn’t you know it…,” Mona said as the words trailed off. “Everyone always says it’s the last thing you expect to hear, but it was especially hard to take in such short notice before our big trip.”

Abnormally high protein levels, a common symptom, that were detected that day ultimately led to a multiple myeloma diagnosis that put the brakes on the Morgan family’s European vacation. Instead it created a home away from home in Little Rock for treatment at the UAMS Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy. Though there’s no mistaking central Arkansas for the majestic backdrop of Spain and Portugal, Morgan says the unexpected detour has turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

“We were no different than the thousands of other patients from around the world who were surprised to learn that Dr. Barlogie’s office at UAMS was the place to be if you were diagnosed with multiple myeloma,” she said.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the quality of care we’ve gotten and the hospitality we’ve received.”

Morgan refers to Bart Barlogie, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Myeloma Institute who founded the program in 1989 and has seen more than 8,000 patients from every state and more than 40 foreign countries. She also credits the institute’s Bonnie Jenkins, R.N., for her expertise in handling the various situations that have arisen during her treatment.

“Our experience at UAMS has been excellent, and we can’t say enough positive things about the treatment we’ve received and the time we’ve spent in Little Rock.”

As for that trip to Spain and Portugal, Mona says she’s determined to fight through the disease and reschedule. “It’ll be even better after all this,” she said.

Chuck Lange is sold on the often circulated notion that dropping some excess weight can be a life-changing event.

Already carrying some excess heft at 250 pounds, Lange was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood, in 2003 and began treatment at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ world-renowned Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy. 

An ongoing heart problem coupled with his cancer sidelined the director of the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association and kept him from doing the extracurricular activities and hobbies that usually kept him off the couch. 

“I went from getting out on my motorcycle, fly fishing, deer hunting and other outdoors activities to basically just sitting around on my couch watching television,” Lange said. “I got comfortable with that routine and I sat there eating and eating and not doing anything
remotely physical or active.” 

And so the 250-pound Lange quickly ballooned until topping out at 317 pounds, which wasn’t doing his myeloma or his heart ailment any favors. Lange’s doctors and family members began urging him to take control of his weight problem. 

Lange had heard about the UAMS Program for Weight Loss and Metabolic Control, and finally came to the conclusion that he’d give it a try, if only to satisfy his doctors and loved ones.

“My initial goal was just to start the program to get everyone off my back and make them happy,” Lange admitted. “I heard success stories about the program, but initially I didn’t think it’d work for me.”

After the program helped him drop 120 pounds, Lange’s heart problem was suddenly under control and his cancer went into remission.

“Like magic,” Lange said. “It’s unbelievable how much your life is affected by unhealthy eating and excess weight.”

Fad For Your Health
The “magic” of the program, says Clinic Coordinator Betsy Day, is giving participants the knowledge and tools to succeed.

“By committing to the program, applicants begin a journey that not only includes steady weight loss and improved health, but gives them a concise road map and the necessary tools to maintain the lifestyle change,” Day said.

While most trendy “fad” diets and weight loss programs might offer a quick fix, the UAMS program aims to permanently change unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits. This ensures a higher success rate and leads to overall better health and quality of life.

Getting participants to reach their ideal weight is accomplished through a documented, medically proven strategy.

“Many people don’t realize the dangers of fad diets and drugs that are sometimes more risky than being overweight or obese,” Day said. “The key part of any rational diet includes behavior modification to avoid regaining the lost weight as soon as previous eating habits resume.”

Second Time Around
It didn’t take long for Lange to buy into the program.

“The constant support and structure is what kept me going and believing,” he said. “You immediately see results, and you really start feeling better overall.”

The rate of weight loss during the program is contingent upon sticking with the program and varies depending on age, weight and the amount of exercise.

“At each visit, participants must weigh in and attend learning sessions,” Day said. “Regular lab tests are performed and medical staff visits are also required. This is designed to guard physical and emotional health while assuring long-term weight maintenance.”

Now 120 pounds lighter and back to doing the activities he loves, Lange said he owes his new lease on life to the care and support he received at UAMS.

“I was initially sort of forced into making the decision to join the weight program,” Lange said. “But it didn’t take long to realize that if I hadn’t done it, I probably wouldn’t still be around. I now have a whole new attitude about life and possess the tools to keep me around for a lot longer.”

Claudia Jessup’s life has taken her in many directions.

Twenty years ago, she and her husband, Jonathan Richards, moved their young family from New York to Santa Fe, N.M. Jessup, an author, and Richards, a journalist and cartoonist, knew they could relocate their careers cross country with relative ease, while also giving their two daughters a safer and more child-friendly environment in which to grow up. ”We originally just moved to Santa Fe for one year, but we never left,” said Jessup, whose books include “The Woman’s Guide to Starting A Business,” written under her name, and “Tender Offerings” and “Bare Essence” written under the pseudonym Meredith Rich. “Bare Essence” was later adapted into a television mini-series and weekly series. 

Then, in 2005, the family found a new home away from home — although this time it was by necessity instead of choice.

While lifting a holiday package in December 2004, Jessup felt a “pop” in her back. At first, she dismissed it as a minor injury. When the pain persisted and worsened, she went to the doctor. “I was told that I had a compression fracture in my spine and was put on bed rest,” she said. It didn’t help. An MRI revealed not one but several fractured vertebrae. On March 2, 2005, Jessup entered the hospital due to extreme pain.

While hospitalized, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects the plasma cells. Among other symptoms, multiple myeloma causes calcium to be leached from the bones, often resulting in compression fractures.

Because her mother had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma years earlier, Jessup was already somewhat familiar with the severity of the disease.

“My doctor knew that Santa Fe didn’t have a facility equipped to treat me,” she said. “The day I was diagnosed, my doctor e-mailed Dr. Barlogie in Little Rock. I was told that he could accept me the following day.” Bart Barlogie, M.D., Ph.D., is director of the UAMS Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy.

Jessup and Richards arrived by air ambulance at UAMS, where she quickly began undergoing tests and chemotherapy. After an initial hospitalization, Jessup and Richards worked with Jo Smith, UAMS director of special services, to locate a rental house. Richards returned to Santa Fe for their dog, and the couple set up a life in Little Rock based around Jessup’s treatment schedule.

“I knew I was in good hands the second I got here. Everyone here is extraordinary, from the doctors and nurses to the patient care techs and secretaries,” she said.

Jessup underwent a stem cell transplant in June and another in September, after which she was in complete remission. Although they continue to return to UAMS for regular checkups, Jessup and Richards are back to their normal lives in New Mexico, where she is toying with the idea of writing a book about her experience.

“Going through all of this has taught me total surrender,” she said. “I’m so glad that I totally put myself in the hands of UAMS.”