Featured Wilmot Warrior: Stephen Meloni
While recovering from a bone marrow transplant to treat his multiple myeloma and systemic amyloidosis, Dr. Stephen Meloni felt weak and had lost his hair. But coming in for appointments at Wilmot Cancer Institute, something stood out to him: A few Wilmot Warrior Weekend posters.
While taking some time away from his job as a primary care physician to recover, he needed something to keep him better mentally, so he decided to assemble a Wilmot Warrior Weekend team: Dr. Meloni’s Warriors. He rounded up family members and friends, who helped him raise $9,000 for Wilmot. It was important to support the cause – but also, it was just plain fun.
“Not all things that are fun have this much impact, but this is fun, and it has a huge impact on people who need it,” he shared. He adds, “I feel very blessed to be part of Wilmot Warrior Weekend for many reasons.”
He has benefited from Wilmot as a patient. As a primary care physician, he has referred patients to Wilmot, knowing they would get compassionate care. He was also a caregiver to his wife, who died from glioblastoma after being treated at Wilmot.
This event gives him a chance to support research that could help others – and himself. In fact, he is directly benefiting from research now by participating in a clinical trial looking to see if drumming circles may help alleviate chemo brain.
“We have to think about the research that’s going on and how important that is,” he says.
This year, Dr. Meloni is involved with the planning committee for Warrior Weekend, and he shared his story at the event’s launch party earlier this month. He encourages everyone to get involved and join the fun.
“It’s a beautiful day,” he shared.