Read Time: 3 minutes
Author: Brandon Plewe
Updated November 2022
Originally published June 2019
When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 26 it was by far the scariest thing I had ever faced. I didn’t know what my future would hold. By the time we figured out what was going on inside my body, I was in very rough shape. I had lost six inches in height due to multiple fractures in my spine where the blood cancer was attacking me. I was lucky enough to be treated by the blood and marrow transplant (BMT) team at Huntsman Cancer Institute while I slowly recovered.
I had been married for about a year at the time I was diagnosed. At the time I was focused on staying alive, but the incredible team at Huntsman Cancer Institute knew that if being a father was even remotely in the cards, which it was, we needed to take measures to ensure a future family was a possibility.
Fast forward 13 years and not only am I cancer free, I’m also the proud father of four beautiful red-headed boys, thanks to the help of in-vitro fertilization. Along with my wife, Katie, my boys are my everything and I can’t imagine a life without them. I am forever grateful that my cancer team saved my life, but also had the foresight to help me lay the foundation for a wonderful future as a dad.
With an eight-year-old, six-year-old, three-year-old, and six-month-old, my life is a little crazier. But I would not have it any other way. We love to go on adventures, ski, hike, and find the best treats (when everyone is behaving, of course).
I was so inspired by the incredible treatment experience I had at Huntsman Cancer Institute that I now work for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. I fundraise to support research that directly affects me and my future. I don’t want others to go through what I went through and I remember how lucky I am to be here. The team of doctors and researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute are the best in the world. This cause has become very personal to me and I want to give back in any way I can.
I work to raise funds that support research so that in the future, others may not have to go through what I went through. This cause has become very personal to me and I want to give back and support in any way I can.
Through this whole experience, I have learned that life is precious. The most important thing we can do is surround ourselves with those we love. I am grateful to be a dad and thankful to Huntsman Cancer Institute for enabling me to be a part of my family’s lives.
Editor’s Note: Cancer treatments can affect fertility, or the ability to have children. Before treatment begins, people with cancer who eventually want to have children should talk to their doctor about how to preserve fertility. Learn more about cancer and fertility.