Jeff Atlas Jeffrey Atlas

This past October, Jeff was diagnosed with stage three, high risk multiple myeloma, which is an incurable bone marrow cancer that attacks your blood plasma and that has resulted, for Jeff, in full renal failure. 85% of patients with multiple myeloma are considered low risk, unfortunately Jeff is among the roughly 15% who are considered high risk due to chromosomal characteristics. This means that Jeff's particular cancer is more difficult to treat and keep under control, as it continuously finds ways to outsmart and become resistant to to the multiple chemotherapy treatments that have been tried.. For our friend Jeff, the last 10 months have been a continuous battle, where each new treatment offers a limited reprieve before his cancerous cells multiply and regain strength. Jeff has endured a rigorous schedule of dialysis three times a week, chemotherapy treatments a minimum of three times per week as well as multiple lengthy inpatient hospitalizations.  It has been an unrelenting and exhausting battle for Jeff and his family.  Jeff is currently under the care of Dr. Omotayo Fasan with Novant Health Oncology and Hematology as well as Dr. Paul Richardson at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.  It is the hope that Jeff will be able to undergo a tandem stem cell transplant in the immediate future.  Although there is no cure for Jeff’s disease, this treatment has the potential to offer Jeff more precious time with his family and friends.  Jeff, Leisa, Katie, Kyle, and Jake all want to express heartfelt  gratitude for the overwhelming love and support they are receiving from family and friends.  It has been a blessing during this storm.