The First In-Person Patient & Family Seminar in L.A. in 3 Years: A Huge Success

In this week’s blog, IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie brings you the highlights of the recently concluded in-person Patient and Family Seminar (PFS) that was held in Los Angeles, CA from August 18-19. This was the first in-person PFS in Los Angeles in three years, and not even an impending hurricane dampened the spirits of the eager attendees— patients, families, friends, and care partners were all excited to be able to meet in person once again. The seminar was truly well-attended, both in person and virtually. Highlights of the PFS include a thorough discussion of new immune therapies (CAR T and Bispecifics); a discussion of Patient Support Group Programs in Asia by special guest, Dr. Daryl Tan (a hematologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore and a key investigator in the Asian Myeloma Network—a research division of the IMF); a presentation and discussion on Mass Spectrometry as a new technique for measuring myeloma protein level; and a discussion on Next Generation Flow (NGF) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) which provide more sensitive testing. Dr. Durie is elated that in-person Patient and Family Seminars have resumed. He looks forward to more in-person seminars to bond with the myeloma community. 

Join Us for a Series of Informative Facebook Live Events During Blood Cancer Awareness Month!

Throughout September, we have special guests hosting 30-minute sessions covering research, education, fundraising, and advocacy. Make sure to mark your calendars and RSVP "going" to their corresponding Facebook event pages.

• Discover effective myeloma symptom management strategies with IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Beth Faiman on 9/12 at 4pm PST/7pm EST—RSVP here.
• Learn the art of fundraising for the cure from IMF's Ilana Kenville on 9/19 at 4pm PST/7pm EST—RSVP here.
• Stay updated on the latest U.S. public policy developments with IMF Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Danielle Doheny on 9/26 at 4pm PST/7pm EST—RSVP here.

Our guest speakers will also select their favorite questions and award limited edition #kNOwMyeloma Merch during these live events. RSVP now and be part of these engaging discussions!

IMF Medical Student Scholars for Health Equity in Myeloma Present Research at the 2023 NMA Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), in partnership with the National Medical Association (NMA), the W. Montague Cobb Institute, and the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), sent a delegation of eleven IMF Medical Student Scholars for Health Equity in Myeloma along with their mentors to the 2023 NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, which took place in New Orleans, LA from July 29-August 2, 2023.

The NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly is recognized as one of the best national forums of African American health and medicine. The eleven student-mentor pairs shared their research during a poster walk. Read the full press release to learn more.

Register for the September 13th Virtual Regional Community Workshop

The IMF Virtual Regional Community Workshop will include an introduction to myeloma, upfront treatments at diagnosis, maintenance therapy, relapse information, and an update on clinical trials. A member of the IMF Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) will talk about managing side effects and symptoms of myeloma and its treatments. IMF Senior Director of Regional Community Workshops Kelly Cox will welcome attendees. Speakers include IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael (Translational Genomics Research Institute, City of Hope Cancer Center — Phoenix), Dr. Al-Ola Abdallah (University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City), and IMF NLB Member Rebecca Lu, MS, FNP, MD (MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston).

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 Support Group (Spanish-Virtual)

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]

Register Now for the Upcoming M-Power Community Workshop in Tampa, Florida

The M-Power Tampa Community Workshop will take place on September 23, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. Join us at the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity venue (5123 East Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. ET. During this workshop, you'll delve into how myeloma impacts the Black community. Top myeloma experts and key opinion leaders, including Dr. Joseph Mikhael (Chief Medical Officer, International Myeloma Foundation), Yelak Biru (President & CEO, International Myeloma Foundation), Dr. Brandon Blue (Moffitt Cancer Center), Dr. Kenneth Shain (Moffitt Cancer Center), Beth Finley-Oliver (IMF Nurse Leadership Board), and Gary and Nadia Lambert (Patient-Care Partner Team) will be sharing their experiences. 

Not only will you learn from these renowned experts, but you'll also have the chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights. The workshop will conclude with a meet and greet, where you'll receive complimentary IMF gifts.

Walk or Jog Alongside the IMF’s Nurse Leadership Board for a Fun Run/Stroll 5K in Dallas

The IMF’s Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) gives back to the myeloma community on September 8, 2023, at Trinity Overlook Park (110 W Commerce St.) in Dallas for an easy three-mile stroll. According to Beth Faiman PhD, MSN, APN-BC, AOCN®, BMTCN®, FAAN, FAPO, an IMF NLB founding member, the aim is “to give back to our beloved myeloma community.” All are welcome!

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

What new tests are on the horizon for myeloma monitoring?