Chasing Multiple Myeloma Miracles – By Bicycle
Multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable blood cancer diagnosed in more than 36,000 Americans each year, reaches far beyond the labs and offices at Sanofi. For some, it will take the shape of a bike ride across Iceland, rooted in a shared passion for supporting the MM community and raising critical funds for research.
This year, two Sanofi employees, Tara Nazarenko, Associate Director, Patient Support Services and Christina Tekle, Head of Global Evidence Generation and Strategic Alliances for Oncology are turning their passion for supporting the MM community into action as they prepare to represent Sanofi in the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)’s Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE). Alongside a group of patients, caregivers, and advocates, they will embark on a three-day cycling journey departing from Reykjavik, Iceland, covering approximately 35-40 miles of Icelandic terrain each day, to raise awareness and funds to advance MM research.
The Inspiration Driving Team Sanofi
Nazarenko's motivation to participate came from a deeply personal connection: the husband of a close college friend and father to a young family, was recently diagnosed with MM at the age of 44.
It was weighing heavy on my heart knowing their family was going through such a difficult time. And that was right when the lottery for the ICE ride opened. I put my name in because I really wanted to advocate for my friend and their family, and what they were going through. I felt a pull to put my name in. And then, I was selected to participate.
Tara Nazarenko
Associate Director, Patient Support Services
Tekle's involvement in this year's event stemmed from a career in cancer research and encouragement from a previous participant and colleague, who found the experience profoundly impactful.
It’s an invaluable opportunity to see the impact of the work we are doing from the inside. We are riding alongside patients who are actually living with this disease and combatting it every day, and that has given me a whole new perspective.
Christina Tekle
Head of Global Evidence Generation and Strategic Alliances, Oncology
Both Nazarenko and Tekle have been deeply impressed by the dedication of their fellow racers, acknowledging the significant life challenges many are navigating beyond this event.
"For me, it's witnessing firsthand the extraordinary level of resilience demonstrated by the riders with multiple myeloma," Nazarenko commented. "You understand that behind the scenes, they are enduring so much more – doctor's visits, tests, and scans, regardless of where they are in their multiple myeloma journey."
Tekle added, "I'm equally impressed by the physicians who are in the clinic every day, and the first thing they do after work is pick up their bike for a long ride. It's truly inspiring to observe the dedication and passion everyone is investing in this endeavor."
Building Community
The expedition will bring together 23 dedicated cyclists and a total of 26 participants, united in their commitment to push personal limits to reach the finish line. This diverse group is comprised of people living with MM, caregivers, researchers, clinicians and sponsor representatives, all motivated by the shared objective of raising funds to advance MM research.
The team's camaraderie is already flourishing through a dedicated virtual group chat, where participants exchange training insights and personal connections to MM. “I already feel like we are a close, tight-knit community that is preparing for this journey together,” Tekle observed.
As Tekle and Nazarenko reflect on their training and look ahead to the ride, the two share a common, straightforward objective: to finish the race alongside their fellow participants! "I can only imagine how close we'll become after the trip, simply by spending six days together and enduring something so physically and mentally challenging," Nazarenko reflected.
Left, Christina Tekle, and right, Tara Nazarenko, training for the Iceland Cycling Expedition.
United in the Fight Against Myeloma
Through collaborations with leading cancer institutions and patient advocacy groups like the IMF, we continue to align our scientific endeavors and patient-centric values. Events like this fuel our commitment to addressing unmet needs.
"This initiative is about advancing patient care, and more importantly, coming together as a community," Nazarenko concluded. "No one will cure myeloma alone; we are all in this together. For Sanofi to be part of this and to demonstrate our commitment is extremely powerful and important."
