A Place of Hope

In 2013, at the age of 60, Ed Reule was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. According to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells in the bone marrow. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells are transformed into cancerous cells that grow out of control, crowding out the normal cells that help fight infection. (1) When first diagnosed, Reule was told he had a “medium bad version” of the disease. His life expectancy prognosis was three years.

Reule had to break the news to his family. But before he could speak to his seven-year-old granddaughter, Reese, another family member accidentally let the news slip in her presence. Naturally, Reese was distraught and didn’t quite understand. However, Reule told her, “Let’s do something positive together.” Together, they devised the idea to build a Place of Hope. With the help of his granddaughter’s imagination, they collaborated to construct a ‘Cathedral’ using empty chemotherapy bottles as building blocks.

Through this shared experience, Reule and his family have found strength, resilience, and a strong sense of spiritual purpose. “Our family feels blessed to have walked this path together,” said Reule.

Fast forward to 2025, and now Reule is an 11-year cancer survivor who receives regular treatments at the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center. Throughout this journey at the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center (and his previous provider in Charlotte), Reule has amassed over 900 appointments. “I cannot overstate how grateful I am for the capable and compassionate care I have received at the Cancer Center,” said Reule. He credits the staff’s encouragement to share this idea of a connection between patients and family members with others by placing the cathedral on display in the waiting room lobby. According to Reule, the providers at the Cancer Center have become his supporters, and the Place of Hope kit is his way of giving back to them and the community.

Inspired by his journey with Reese, Reule’s other grandchildren have joined the cause. Each one has contributed their own unique perspectives, creating a “Dome of Strength,” a “Healing House,” and a “Joyful Jogging Park,” among other creations. These structures, born from their hearts, offer hope and connection to those battling cancer.

“Along this journey, we have received numerous requests for the ‘basic materials’ for others to connect using this same idea, and it is our privilege to provide them,” said Reule.

Reese Reule will graduate from Watauga High School in June and attend UNC Chapel Hill this fall. She credits watching her grandfather’s journey with multiple myeloma with many important decisions about life. She says she is also so grateful for the capable caregivers who have taken care of her “Pops.”

If you or someone you know would like to order a complimentary Place of Hope kit, please email connectionhouseproject@gmail.com

For more information about the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center visit unchealthappalchian.org

References

1. https://themmrf.org/multiple-myeloma/#:~:text=Multiple%20myeloma%20is%20a%20blood,protect%20your%20body%20from%20infection.