From Medspoke: An Interview with Myeloma Patient Pamela Poliakoff (https://www.myeloma.org/audio/medspoke-interview-myeloma-patient-pamela-poliakoff)
Medspoke Interviews Multiple Myeloma Patient Pamela Poliakoff at the 2025 IMF Patient and Family Seminar in Los Angeles
For Pamela Poliakoff, living with multiple myeloma is about more than treatment—it’s about mindset, community, and resilience. After her transplant, Pamela found a support group that changed everything. Together, they not only uplift one another but also raise funds for research—funding a grant that allowed Pamela to personally meet the scientists working toward new myeloma breakthroughs.
In this podcast, Pamela shares:
- Why she returns year after year to the IMF’s Patient and Family Seminar.
- How her support group became a source of strength, inspiration, and action.
- The importance of keeping a strong mind and remembering: you have cancer, cancer doesn’t have you.
- Her message to others: don’t give up, listen to your body, and be kind to yourself.
Pamela’s story is a powerful reminder that life with myeloma can still be filled with purpose, hope, and connection.
Anna: Thank you, Pamela, so much for speaking with us today. I'll ask you to introduce yourself.
Pamela: Okay. My name is Pamela Poliakoff. I'm from Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Anna: Awesome. And what inspired you to come out today to the LA Patient Family and Seminar?
Pamela: This is my seventh or eighth one. I love it every year. Learn something new every day and get to meet other patients.
Anna: That's great. And how has the multiple myeloma community supported you in your own journey?
Pamela: My support group's been fantastic. I didn't find them till two years after my transplant.
Anna: Okay.
Pamela: But, I started doing a walk. This will be our seventh annual walk this year to raise funds, and we actually funded a research grant last year, and I got to meet the researchers. So, it was just inspiring.
Anna: For sure. And what message would you share with others living with multiple myeloma?
Pamela: 75% of it is mental. 25% is medical. You gotta keep that tough mind. You have cancer, cancer doesn't have you.
Anna: That's a great message. And you mentioned it's your seventh or eighth time at the event. What does it mean to you to to come here every year?
Pamela: It's just inspirational. I'm on this side of the dirt, so life is good.
Anna: Absolutely. And what gives you strength on those harder days?
Pamela: My faith, my family, my friends, and I'm reaching out to someone in my support group.
Anna: Awesome. And is there anything else we didn't touch on that you'd like to share today?
Pamela: No. Just don't give up. It's a journey. Listen to your body. Be kind to your body.
Anna: That's a great message. Well, thank you so much, Pamela, for speaking with us. We really appreciate your time.
Pamela: Thank you.
Anna: Thank you.