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In this week’s blog, IMF Chief Scientific Officer Brian G.M. Durie provides much-needed new information on COVID-19: updated CDC recommendations on prevention steps and strategies as well as new isolation guidelines; the suspension of the free home COVID-19 test program; a 2024 guide to COVID-19 symptoms; COVID-19 treatment and care; and the results of a study on the relation between Long COVID and brain fog. While the CDC has eased most of its COVID-19 guidelines, Dr. Durie still strongly advises to get vaccinated, practice caution, watch out for worrisome symptoms, and address them as soon as possible. Dr. Durie reminds the myeloma community that the IMF is always ready to help, and that they can reach out to the IMF InfoLine for questions or concerns regarding COVID-19. READ THE BLOG.

At the next Las Voces de Mieloama, Spanish-language, virtual support group, the Guest Speaker will be Dr. Andrés Gómez De León. Dr. De León is a professor of hematology at Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico. Faculty at Medicina y Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González in Monterrey México.

He is an investigator of 80 articles including high impact indexed journals such as The Lance Haematology and Blood. He is a faculty member of the American Society of Hematology, where he offers research courses for the application of new technologies in Latin America. He has also been a recipient of the ASH Global Research Award for leukemia research in Mexico. Additionally, he holds other roles in committees of national and international academic societies, such as the Mexican Hematology and Transplant Societies the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, and the Latin American Bone Marrow Transplantation Group. He also serves as editor of the journal Hematology. In his faculty appointment he is a member of the transplant team, directs the acute leukemia clinic, the telemedicine clinic and has developed the first initiative of the clinical implementation of CAR-T therapy at his institution. LEARN MORE.  

As changes in Medicare Part D impact patient care and out-of-pocket costs, join the IMF and Triage Cancer for a discussion on navigating these shifts. At the beginning of the webinar, IMF Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Danielle Doheny will talk about these new changes as well as the benefits of the redesigned prescription drug program. 

Gain insights into the altered landscape, understand the implications of these part D changes for myeloma patients, and receive practical guidance regarding what to expect financially in 2024 and beyond from Triage Cancer CEO and Cancer Rights Attorney Joanna Fawzy Doran, Esq. 

The Living Well with Myeloma Webinar will conclude with a summary discussion and a live Q&A, offering attendees an opportunity to address specific concerns. REGISTER NOW.

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2024 San Francisco Patient and Family Seminar will take place on April 12-13, 2024, in Foster City, CA. The seminar is FREE, but in-person seating is LIMITED.

Keynote speaker for this seminar is Thomas G. Martin, MD (UCSF, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer—San Francisco, CA). He will present on the topic of “What is the Future of Myeloma?”

Other seminar presenters include IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD (TGen, City of Hope — Scottsdale, AZ); Ajai Chari, MD (Mount Sinai — New York, New York); Amrita Krishna, MD, FACP (City of Hope — Orange County, CA); Caitlin Costello, MD (University of California — San Diego); IMF Infoline Advisor Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN; Deborah Doss, RN, OCN (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — Boston); Wendy Thomas RN, MSN, CHPN; and Erin Bair, Esq., Staff Attorney, Triage Cancer. Topics will include a resource review of myeloma.org, Myeloma 101, understanding your labs, shared decision-making, financial considerations in myeloma, clinical trials, symptom management, and advanced care planning. REGISTER NOW.

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce the launch of the Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE)—a 3-day, 2-night fundraiser biking tour set to take place from August 29 - September 4, 2024, in Reykjavik and around Iceland to kick off Blood Cancer Awareness Month, which happens every September. The ICE biking tour is an inaugural signature IMF Myeloma Cures fundraiser, with the goal of highlighting IMF’S diverse and robust research portfolio.

ICE will include a team of approximately twelve participants who will be individually raising funds for the IMF'S vast Research portfolio. These IMF cyclists will embark on an unforgettable journey of adventure and purpose, as they take part in this exclusive bike tour of the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland while doing it to find a cure for myeloma.Read the full press release to learn more. LEARN MORE. 

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will hold its 15th Annual Gala for the first time in New York City! Join us at the Edison Ballroom (240 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036) at 6:00 p.m. EST for this star-studded event. Hosted by Ray Romano, the Gala Benefits the Peter Boyle Research Fund and Celebrates Groundbreaking Myeloma Research, Education, Support, and Advocacy.These initiatives support research toward prevention and a cure for myeloma, as well as promote greater health equity and access to care for all. 

Launched in 2007, shortly after beloved actor Peter Boyle lost his battle with myeloma, the IMF Annual Gala continues to raise funds and awareness for groundbreaking myeloma research projects. LEARN MORE.