Yelak Biru, President and CEO of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), joins me on Healthcare Unfiltered to share his remarkable personal and professional journey.
After immigrating to the US from Ethiopia, Yelak was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 26, setting him on an extraordinary path as both a survivor and a passionate advocate for myeloma patients. He discusses pivotal moments in his treatment, including seeking second opinions, utilizing groundbreaking therapies like CAR-T, and his ongoing decision to reject a transplant. Now leading the world’s first and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by multiple myeloma, Yelak shares his vision for expanding the IMF’s global outreach, advancing research, and empowering patients and caregivers worldwide.