It Was Always About Love, Anyway: Remembering Cherie Rineker

We are deeply saddened to share that blood cancer advocate, Cherie Rineker, passed away on October 23, 2019. Cherie tirelessly advocated for multiple myeloma patients worldwide through her popular Facebook page, her book, and her work with several multiple myeloma-focused organizations. We felt so fortunate when our paths crossed with Cherie and she joined the Blood-Cancer.com advocate team. Our hearts are heavy but we will continue to be inspired by her unwavering energy and passion despite facing some of the most difficult challenges.

Cherie will live on through her words

Cherie was full of vibrant energy. She dedicated so much of her time to raising awareness for multiple myeloma by sharing her experience through writing and connecting with other patients. Cherie's writing will continue to educate others on many platforms and through her books. You can read her articles on Blood-Cancer.com here.

From her fellow advocates

Cynthia “MyelomaTeacher” Chmielewski: "Cherie was an amazing woman, loving mother, and fearless advocate. She taught me how important it is to be open and vulnerable. (Something that is hard for me to do.) Cherie helped me grow as a person. Through her raw honesty, she touched the lives of hundreds/thousands of people. She gave them hope and affirmed their feelings. Cherie took the time to respond individually to all comments on her posts, but her children were always at the top of her list. Cherie will leave a hole in the heart of the myeloma community. As Cherie would often say, 'It was always about love, anyway.'”

Matt Goldman: "While I never met Cherie in person, we’ve shared many messages, phone calls and texts over the years. She was such an important friend to me and to the myeloma community. She was so honest about her journey and she let us know that we’re not alone in how we’re feeling. She has been loving, frank and compassionate. Echoing Cindy, Cherie helped me be open about my disease and how to live life right and on my own terms. She will be so missed but will be in our hearts forever."

Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo: "I met Cherie last year at a Janssen myeloma meeting. I was impressed by this woman, she was so informed and passionate about her journey. I'm very baffled upon hearing this."

Crystal Harper: "This news breaks my heart. I had the privilege of meeting her at the HealtheVoices conference this year and she had such positive energy."

Join us in remembering Cherie

We know that Cherie’s writing, advocacy efforts, and sincerity touched many in the community. If you would like to share memories or stories about Cherie, please visit our memory wall, or comment below.