Levi Rollins, owner and culinary director of Urban Eats, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, in May 2021. Like many restaurant owners, he was feeling drained, agitated, and like he needed a vacation. He chalked it up to getting older and working 12+ hour days running his Washington Avenue restaurant. Eventually, Levi’s pain grew intolerable, and he made an appointment to see his primary care doctor. Within a urine sample, Levi’s doctor noted an elevated protein level which prompted her to collect a blood sample for further discovery. She found that Levi had an alarming amount of protein in his blood—an indicator and side effect of his medical condition—and was quickly diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

 

On May 1, 2022, Levi celebrated his remission milestone after undergoing an intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy program, a complete stem cell bone marrow transplant that spanned over two months, and a year of juggling treatment while running a bustling restaurant business.

“When I received my diagnosis from my hematologist, I was terrified,” Levi said. “I was terrified to tell my partner and husband, Eric. I was terrified to tell my parents. I was terrified to even research my cancer. When I sat down to tell Eric the news, I was met with assurance that we would beat this diagnosis. That love and support was continuous, from my Mom being by my side, family, friends, customers championing me through, and our Urban Eats team who held down the fort when I truly needed them the most. It’s been a whirlwind of a year and I’m just thankful.”

 

The Love of Life cocktail at Urban Eats. Proceeds from this cocktail from May 27-June 30 will be donated to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Levi’s health journey continues. As of today, there are no signs of cancer cells or new mutations in Levi’s bone marrow, though the MM mutation will always be present. With no known cure for MM, Levi has begun his maintenance therapy plan where he takes a small dosage of chemotherapy daily. The treatment plan is indefinite until a cure is found.

As a part of Levi’s wellness journey, he’s found a new passion for two things: 1) Raising awareness about multiple myeloma and funds for research and 2) Advocating for restaurant and bar workers to prioritize their health with routine visits to see their primary care physicians.

To celebrate Levi’s remission milestone, we are launching a Facebook fundraiser to raise funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation with a $5,000 goal. The fundraiser will launch on Thursday, May 19 and will go through June 30. Donations made will go directly to MMRF.

 

From the left, Levi Rollins and Eric Munoz, owners of Urban Eats.

In addition to the Facebook fundraiser, we will host an in-house fundraiser from May 27 through June 30, which coincides with World Blood Cancer Day on May 28. Levi has created a “Love of Life” signature cocktail: Bar Chefs Houston’s butterfly pea and hibiscus rich syrup, gin, vodka, homemade lemonade, fresh citrus, and sparkling water. A mocktail version is also available. All proceeds from these beverages will be donated to MMRF.

“With awareness and your support, we will give back to MMRF funding new treatments, groundbreaking clinical trials, and data-driven research for a multiple myeloma cure,” Rollins said. “I hope you’ll join us to raise awareness and funds, however you can. And if you needed an excuse to spoil my staff with generous gratuities for their incredible support and hard work, I can’t think of a better time.”

Photos by Christina Martinez.