6 Celebrities and Public Figures Living With Multiple Myeloma

Written by Lizzette Cruz

Posted on November 5, 2026

Feel better informed on myeloma and get real support from your community.

Key Takeaways

Several well-known public figures have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, helping to bring greater awareness to what it is like to live with this type of cancer.
From journalists and musicians to politicians, each person's experience with multiple myeloma has been unique, with some continuing to work during treatment and others stepping back to focus on their health. A common thread among many of these stories is facing the diagnosis with hope, staying involved in their own care, and leaning on family for support.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, talking with a doctor about treatment options is an important first step, as treatment plans can vary based on individual health needs and goals.

Facing cancer isn’t easy, especially when you’re in the public eye. Several well-known individuals have shared their multiple myeloma diagnoses, bringing greater visibility to the reality of living with cancer.

These public figures and their families have shared how they were diagnosed with multiple myeloma and what it’s like to undergo treatment. Although everyone’s experience is unique, there’s a common theme of facing the diagnosis with hope and a positive outlook.

Here are six public figures who have shared their experiences with multiple myeloma.

🗳️ Are you inspired when celebrities share stories about life with myeloma?

Yes

Tom Brokaw

At the age of 73, retired journalist Tom Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after blood testing. He initially kept the diagnosis to himself, as he didn’t want to be treated differently.

Two years after his 2013 diagnosis, Brokaw shared details about living with myeloma with NBC News. He discussed his treatment and the lessons he learned.

Brokaw explained that his family was very involved in his health battle. He also emphasized the importance of learning about the condition and maintaining an active role in your care and treatment. His advice was clear: “Get involved in the fight.”

In an interview with The New York Times, Brokaw shared that due to bone damage, he experienced persistent back pain and muscle deterioration. He underwent three years of chemotherapy, spinal surgery, and monthly infusions of medications and supplements. Brokaw has reported periods of remission since his diagnosis.

Charles Kelley

Charles Kelley, a singer in the country music group Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum), announced in 2026 that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The musician’s diagnosis came after his doctor ordered blood testing due to multiple rib fractures.

Kelley has shared that he’s undergoing chemotherapy and that his treatment is working well. He also said he hopes to continue working during treatment. He remains hopeful about his treatment and plans to prioritize his family and music during this time.

Patti Scialfa

E Street Band musician Patti Scialfa was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018. She discusses her experience with multiple myeloma in the documentary, “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.”

Scialfa explained how multiple myeloma affects her daily life, including details on how it has affected her ability to attend events, perform, and go on tour.

Scialfa’s husband, Bruce Springsteen, announced in August 2026 that she was in remission after living with multiple myeloma for eight years. He shared the news during a fundraiser video that benefited cancer research.

Keith Elam

Rap artist Keith Elam, best known as Guru, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009. He passed away a year after his diagnosis at the age of 48. His family didn’t know about his diagnosis until it was too late.

Guru’s sister Tricia is now an advocate for multiple myeloma awareness. She has publicly shared how her brother’s diagnosis affected her own health. After Guru passed away, she was motivated to research multiple myeloma and took a proactive approach to her own health.

She informed her doctor about her brother’s condition and had additional testing done to rule out multiple myeloma. She also encouraged her other brother to have testing done. Tricia now shares her story to help bring awareness to multiple myeloma.

Geraldine Ferraro

Former U.S. Representative Geraldine Ferraro, the 1984 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, first learned of her myeloma diagnosis in 1998 after a routine physical exam.

Ferraro was one of the first people with multiple myeloma to receive thalidomide, a drug being studied as a treatment for cancer. This drug helped her into remission without the use of chemotherapy.

She later started taking Velcade, a newer drug that she called her “maintenance medication.” When discussing her treatment, Ferraro shared how she owed her health to the many treatments that had been developed since she was originally diagnosed.

When she was first diagnosed, she was given three to five years to live. Ferraro battled multiple myeloma for 12 years.

She hoped to inspire others to keep fighting and raise funds for more research. She passed away in 2011 after complications from multiple myeloma.

Steve Scalise

Republican U.S. Representative Steve Scalise was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in August 2023. He had blood tests done after he was not feeling like himself, and additional testing showed he had the disease.

He shared that the cancer was detected early and was “very treatable.” Upon learning of his diagnosis, Scalise shared that he was facing this diagnosis with the “same strength and energy” he had used to tackle past challenges.

Scalise said he expected to continue to work throughout his treatment period. He underwent chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem cell transplant in January 2024. He reported being in remission in February 2024. After his treatment, he was able to resume travel and return to work.

Living With Multiple Myeloma

The realities of living with multiple myeloma are different for everyone. You may notice that you have symptoms, or you may have none at all. You may choose to share your diagnosis or keep it to yourself. Some people are able to continue to work while others may need to take a step back.

There’s currently no cure for multiple myeloma, but there have been many advances in how it’s treated. If multiple myeloma is caught early, it’s typically manageable.

Treatment plans depend on your treatment goals, overall health, kidney function, and the type of multiple myeloma you have. Talk to your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.

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