In 2006, “Osseous Plasma Cytoma” was what came out of the doctor’s mouth. “Translation please?” is what came out of mine. It is a single tumor that happened to be in my mid-spine. Radiation treated it, but sadly the vertebral structure was so weak, it broke resulting in an 8-vertebral spinal fusion. In 2 years time, the disease progressed into other areas of my body now giving it the name Multiple Myeloma.

In 2009 following a second round of radiation, 6 months of prep and some heavy chemo, I had an autologous stem cell transplant (my own cells) putting me into what one might call remission, but is really a maintainable “holding” pattern. The cost of the transplant alone was over $100,000.

It was also in 2009, I was kindly chosen by Missing Puzzle Piece to be their first recipient for their inaugural summer event, DRENCH. A recipient would receive proceeds, if any, from the ticket sales of the event and any funds raised by a separate fund-raiser of choice (at same event) to be applied to uncovered medical expenses.

DRENCH allowed for 2 things: 1) A gathering place for women to get together to have some fun in the sun and 2) A platform for Michele Bilbrey, founder of Missing Puzzle Piece, to bring awareness to everyone, specifically women within our community, that we have each other and can help each other when in a state of need.
When Michele launched DRENCH, along with the help of her gracious volunteers, a fun day was born; And Dina Cooper, my life partner and Event Coordinator for Missing Puzzle Piece, organized a successful silent auction where the proceeds went directly toward my uncovered medical expenses.

I so humbly appreciate all the love, support and outpouring of love Michele, Missing Puzzle Piece and so many friends have shown me; Something of which I am forever grateful, don’t know how to express enough of my thanks and will never forget. Thank you.

~ Kawena Cushingham, Multiple Myeloma Survivor!