Our Beginning
Mission Myeloma, Inc. was established in Summer 2016 to honor three influential and caring individuals affected by multiple myeloma —Marvin Riegert, Dennis Halpin, and Rich Schabow. Their stories of courage and inspiration are below.
Marvin Riegert
In Memory
Husband, dad, and grandfather (also known as “G-pa”).
Marv served in the United States Army, worked for others and owned his own milk distributorship. He instilled in his family a hard work ethic and a genuine respect for others.
Once retired, he became known as the “Mayor of West Channel Drive” on Shawano Lake where he lived with his wife, Patricia. He was loved and respected by many, and it was a sure-thing he’d have a story to share.
Marv was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on November 29, 2004. From that day, life was forever changed. Kidney failure, dialysis, two surgeries, progressive bone deterioration, and intense pain took over his body. Fortunately, he was able to remain at home with his wife during the entire duration of his 18 month journey. He entered his Heavenly home adorned by a beautiful sunset on July 3, 2006 at the age of 76—just in time to celebrate Independence Day with the Lord.
[Written by Sherry Hintz, daughter of Marvin.]
Dennis Halpin
In Memory
Dennis served in the United States Army, drove semi with various trucking companies and was a dairy farmer. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, camping, flying and spending time with his family. He fought a courageous battle with multiple myeloma for more than 10 years. He went to his heavenly father at 8:30 PM October 9, 1999. “Daddy” was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He taught us how to be your own individual while being confident, strong-willed and courageous. Devotion
and faithfulness were two characteristics of his life. The most important lesson that Dad taught us was to never give up – no matter how tough the sledding; always give 110%. Then you will be able to say that you did your best and be proud of yourself, no matter the results. We miss him dearly but know he is resting with Jesus.
[Written by Mary Voss, daughter of Dennis.]
Rich Schabow
In Remission
In his own words:
“MISSION Myeloma, Inc. is very near and dear to me and my family. In 2006, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with Smoldering Multiple Myeloma after having symptoms of fatigue, severe weakness in the legs, bruising easily and getting sick easily. (Smoldering means it’s “sleeping” and could awake at any time.)
In November 2013, we were shocked with a diagnoses of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML), which is a very aggressive and fast moving blood cancer—deadly if not caught in its early stage. By the grace of God, it was [caught early]. With aggressive treatments of chemotherapy and other cancer fighting medications for the APML, I’m happy to say, I’ve been in remission since the Spring 2014, with no expected recurrence of the APML in the future. Along with the APML diagnosis, the Smoldering Multiple Myeloma stopped “sleeping” and became active. Fortunately, the Myeloma went back to smoldering (sleeping) as a result of the APML treatments.
The Myeloma will become active again….we just don’t know when. Since being in remission from the APML, I have medical tests and exams with follow-up visits with my oncologist every six months. This allows for when Myeloma does become active again, we can begin treatments immediately. Needless to say, I’m hopeful for many more years to spend with my wife, children and grandchildren.
– Rich Schabow, Currently in Remission!
My dream is to one day see a cure for this rare cancer.
