Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Four Olympics, One Unexpected Diagnosis

AJ Kitt

In this episode, four-time Olympic downhill skier AJ Kitt shares his diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and how revolutionary medical advances transformed an unsettling diagnosis into a manageable part of his everyday life.

AJ opens up about the initial shock of the news, the emotional toll it took on his young family, and how finding CML pioneer, Dr. Brian Druker, restored his confidence amid deep uncertainty. The conversation dives into his treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the vital importance of self-advocacy, and how he continues to thrive as both an athlete and a ski coach. Tune in to hear why AJ believes that access to reliable information is the ultimate game-changer for anyone navigating a new CML diagnosis.

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Mentioned on this episode: 

• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• CML podcast with Dr. Druker
• Hematology Horizons vlog episode: Blood cancer care close to home
• Shared Decision Making Chronic Leukemias
• CML programs

Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: 

• Information Specialists 
• Free Nutrition Consultations
• Nutrition Handbook for Parents Free telephone/web patient programs 
• Clinical Trial Support Center
• SHARE web series
• Online videos
• Free booklets 
• Young Adult Resources
• Young Adult Online Chat
• Caregiver support