How Jenny Ahlstrom Turned Her Myeloma Diagnosis Into a Life-Changing Mission

“Okay, if I do have this, then we’re going to do things differently.”

When Jenny Ahlstrom received the shocking news that her spine and pelvis were full of holes — a likely sign of cancer — her world stopped. But instead of surrendering to fear, she made a life-altering decision: to fight not just for herself, but for others like her.

This is the story of how a mother of six, a former IBM employee, and a music lover became a powerful advocate for patients across the world facing multiple myeloma.

A Sudden Shift in Life’s Rhythm

Jenny was living a busy, vibrant life. With six children and a move from Utah to Mexico to support her husband’s venture capital work, she had her hands full. But subtle warning signs—persistent rib pain, recurrent pneumonia, and extreme fatigue—kept creeping in.

During a summer trip to the U.S., Jenny finally went for a scan. The diagnosis was swift and stunning: multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer.

She received the call alone, in her car. The doctor explained the findings. Her reaction? Not panic, but purpose.

“If I do have this, then we’re going to do things differently.”

From Patient to Advocate

Jenny’s experience with her brother-in-law, who had passed away from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), shaped her resolve. She knew she needed the best care possible—not just any oncologist, but a myeloma specialist. Her decision to switch from a local provider treating five cases to an academic center treating 500 proved to be pivotal.

“If you could do one thing, find yourself a specialist. That’s job number one.”

Jenny underwent an intensive treatment regimen, including tandem stem cell transplants, maintenance therapy, and clinical trials—some of which were experimental at the time.

But she didn’t stop at survival. She built something more.

Creating a Platform for Change

While in remission, Jenny noticed huge gaps in patient resources:

  • No easy way to find myeloma specialists

  • Scientific language too complex for most patients

  • Clinical trial systems that were frustrating and inaccessible

So, she rolled up her sleeves and created the HealthTree Foundation—a patient-centered organization to close those gaps.

“I didn’t know how to do anything, but I just decided I’m going to do it anyway.”

From a podcast series interviewing top researchers to launching a clinical trial finder, Jenny turned her experience into an engine for innovation and support.

The Power of Perspective

One of the most powerful moments in Jenny’s story came from an unexpected source. A colleague in Mexico responded to her cancer diagnosis with one word: “Congratulations.”

He shared the story of his son who died during a routine surgery and how their family used the tragedy to start a foundation for organ donation. Jenny realized the gift inside the struggle.

“You are going to see the world in a different way. You have an opportunity to serve in ways you couldn’t before.”

And she did. With 158 podcast interviews, a growing nonprofit, and a renewed sense of purpose, Jenny built a legacy beyond her diagnosis—one that involves her children, her husband, and an entire community of patients she supports daily.

What We Can Learn from Jenny Ahlstrom

Jenny’s story teaches us that:

  • Specialized care saves lives – Data shows seeing a myeloma specialist can extend survival by up to five years.

  • Patient empowerment matters – Understanding your disease, clinical trials, and treatment options changes outcomes.

  • Your diagnosis doesn’t define you – You can choose to view illness not as a dead end, but a redirection.

“You can say, ‘I’m a victim. Poor me.’ You can be defined by it. Or you can look at it as a new opportunity.”

Final Thoughts

Jenny’s voice is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating a cancer diagnosis. Her journey underscores the power of action, community, and perspective. What began as a terrifying diagnosis turned into a mission to change the world for others walking the same path.

And that is the ultimate transformation.

About the Patient Story

The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.


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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.

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