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From Wheelchair to Walking: Lester’s Recovery from POEMS Syndrome
05/20/2026
From Wheelchair to Walking: Lester’s Recovery from POEMS Syndrome
Lester McKinzy was working construction and spending long days on his feet when a rare disorder suddenly changed everything. What started as weakness, numbness and trouble walking eventually left him wheelchair bound as doctors searched for answers. In this episode of Open Mics with Dr. Stites, Lester shares his journey with POEMS syndrome, a rare and complex disorder connected to plasma cells that can affect the nerves, organs, hormones, blood and skin. His care team at The University of Kansas Cancer Center explains why POEMS syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, how it may be mistaken for conditions like neuropathy or multiple sclerosis, and why early recognition is so important. Doctors also discuss how POEMS syndrome is treated, when stem cell transplant may be needed, and why Lester was able to use his own cells for the procedure. This is a powerful look at a rare, life-threatening diagnosis, the role of specialized cancer care and the determination it takes to move from a wheelchair back to walking again.
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