EG.5/Eris: The New COVID-19 Subvariant of Interest

In this week’s blog, IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie focuses on the new COVID-19 subvariant of interest—EG.5 (nicknamed “Eris” in social media) has been on the rise, based on the latest data provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The good news is overall infections brought about by this new subvariant are still much lower compared to past results; with severity and symptoms reported to be similar as other omicron subvariants. However, Dr. Durie strongly advises that myeloma patients practice caution and stay vigilant to prevent infection. Get tested if symptoms emerge and start wearing masks again in situations of great risk, especially when indoors with large groups. Updated vaccines against EG.5 and other XBB variants are still awaiting sign-off from the FDA and CDC but may start rolling out by September.

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Welcomes Visionary and Strategic Fundraiser Sylvia Dsouza as Vice President of Philanthropy

Today, the IMF announced that Visionary and Strategic Fundraiser Sylvia Dsouza, MPA, has been named as the IMF’s Vice President of Philanthropy. Before joining the IMF, Dsouza was the Senior Executive Director of Development at RAND Corporation—a nonprofit research organization that develops solutions and helps improve policy and decision-making through research and analysis. On her new role with the IMF, Dsouza said, “Fundraising for a cause that directly affects the health and well-being of so many people has been a priority interest of mine. I was honored to put myself forward. Additionally, I have lost loved ones to myeloma, and while innovation in other sectors is happening at lightning speed, research to find a cure for myeloma needs to move more swiftly to meet the needs of those deeply affected by it.” 

She continued, “I am committed to bringing my background, experiences, skills, and knowledge gained through my roles at various organizations to help make a difference to people living with myeloma. Together, we can find a cure and provide a better and equitable quality of life for myeloma patients.” The IMF welcomes Sylvia Dsouza to the team. Read the full press release to learn more.

Co-pay Assistance Programs: Now Accepting Applications

Myeloma patients on Medicare: The HealthWell Foundation has opened a fund to help with co-pays/premiums. The maximum award level is $12,000, covering various treatments. Check eligibility and apply now. 

The Patient Advocate Foundation Medical Insurance Premium Assistance Co-Pay Relief Fund is open. Don't miss out on support for co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, and medical insurance premiums. Apply Now.

Visit the IMF Financial Resources to view a comprehensive list of programs that provide financial assistance.

Register Now for the In-Person 2023 Patient and Family Seminar in Los Angeles This Weekend

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that an in-person Patient and Family Seminar will take place from August 18-19 at Sofitel Los Angeles (8555 Beverly Blvd.) in Los Angeles, CA. IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, along with IMF President & CEO Yelak Biru and IMF Vice President of Support Groups Robin Tuohy will join the following expert myeloma speakers: Rafat Abonour, MD (University of Indiana—Indianapolis, IN); IMF NLB Board Member Donna D. Catamero, ANP-BC, OCN, CCRC (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai —New York, NY); Ajai Chari, MD (The Mount Sinai Hospital—New York, NY); Noopur S. Raje, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital—Boston, MA); Daryl Tan, MBBS, M Med, MRCP, FAMS (Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital—Singapore); and Robert A. Vescio, MD (Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute—Los Angeles, CA). The seminar is FREE, but in-person seating is limited. To attend in person, register at the button below. If you are unable to attend, you may register for the livestream here.

Register for the In-Person IMF Regional Community Workshop in Minneapolis

The in-person IMF Regional Community Workshop will take place on August 26 at 9 a.m. CST – 3 p.m. CST at the Heritage Center—Carriage Hall (6155 Earle Brown Drive) in Minneapolis. IMF Senior Director of Regional Community Workshops Kelly Cox will welcome attendees along with speakers, Jonathan Kaufman, MD (Emory University, Winship Cancer Institute – Atlanta); IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd (TGen, City of Hope Cancer Center – Phoenix); IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Teresa Miceli RN, BSN, OCN (Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN); and Minneapolis-based myeloma patient and care partner Steve and Sheila Ellingboe. The workshop will include an introduction to myeloma, upfront treatments at diagnosis, maintenance therapy, relapse information, an update on clinical trials, and more. Register today before slots fill up.

Las Voces de Mieloma Support Group (Spanish-Virtual)

Join Las Voces de Mieloma Support Group (Spanish/Virtual), on Tuesday, Sept. 19th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (Pacific)
Guest speaker:  Stephania Mancia, NP 
Stefania Mancia, NP is an oncology nurse practitioner at Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida. She specializes in the care of patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. She also works with people undergoing stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.

For any questions, please email [email protected]

Las Voces de Mieloma Grupo de Apoyo (Virtual/Español)

Uniese a Las Voces de Mieloma Grupo de Apoyo (en Español/Virtual), Martes, 19 de Sept. de 2023, a las 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (tiempo Pacífico).
Invitada Especial:  Stephania Mancia, NP
Stefania Mancia, es una enfermera practicante en Moffitt Cancer Center en Florida. Su especialidad es el tratamiento de pacientes que has sido diagnosticados con leucemia, linfoma, y myeloma multiple. Stefania tambien trata a pacientes que estan recebiendo tratamiento con transplante de celulas madres y otras terapias celulares.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a:  [email protected]

Now Accepting Applications: The 2024 Brian D. Novis Research Grants

The Brian D. Novis Research Grant was established in 1995 to honor IMF co-founder Brian D. Novis, who succumbed to multiple myeloma in July 1992. The grants are awarded to researchers working in the field of multiple myeloma and related disorders, including smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and immunoglobulin-derived amyloidosis. The grants will support senior research projects with $80,000 each and junior research projects with $50,000 each. Deadline for submission of applications is August 28, 2023.

#ASKDRDURIE | Dr. Durie's Weekly Web Video Series

What are the side effects and difficulties with new myeloma immune therapies?