In Memoriam: IMF Board Member and Support Group Leader Jack Aiello’s Legacy of Dedication to Patient Education and Advocacy

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and members of the myeloma community mourn the loss of beloved IMF Board Member and Support Group Leader Jack Aiello, who peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 13th, at age 74, surrounded by family and friends.

It was only a year ago when Jack was elected to the IMF Board of Directors—a fitting appointment for his “tireless efforts in grassroots funding, innovative thinking and passion for supporting the IMF’s key programs, and active participation and valuable input when it came to shaping the future direction of the IMF, ensuring that patient perspectives and needs remained at the forefront of the IMF’s endeavors,” said IMF President & CEO and 28-year myeloma patient Yelak Biru.

The IMF extends its deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers to Jack’s family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Visit the full tribute to Jack Aiello to look back at his legacy.

Watch “A Day in the Life” with Myeloma Patient Jason Hendler and Husband and Care Partner Chad Billmyer

In this episode of "A Day in the Life," Jason Hendler and Chad Billmyer, a patient and care partner married couple, share their journey of Jason's multiple myeloma diagnosis. Jason encourages patients to find a myeloma specialist they trust, become informed, advocate for oneself, and remain vigilant about their health due to increased vulnerability. Watch the full episode now.

Give to the Cyclists Who Will Tackle the Inaugural Iceland Cycling Expedition

The Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE) is a fundraising bike tour taking place in beautiful Iceland with a team of twelve cyclists. From August 29, 2024, to September 3, 2024, 12 intrepid individuals will embark on an adventure across Iceland to support the Black Swan Research Initiative®, including the iStopMM Research Project in Iceland. Visit the Donate button below to give to an individual cyclist on the ride. By giving to a cyclist, you will support the thrill of adventure while being an agent for change.

Apply for a 2025 Brian D. Novis Research Grant by August 26, 2024

The International Myeloma Foundation funds the Brian D. Novis Research Grants which are provided through private donations. The IMF awards these grants to researchers working in the field of multiple myeloma and related disorders including smoldering myeloma, MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), and immunoglobulin-derived amyloidosis. This year's awards will be $50,000 each for the junior grant and $80,000 for the senior grant. Applicants must complete and return the application package to the IMF no later than August 26, 2024.

Take Part in This Year’s Patient and Family Seminar in Los Angeles from 8/16-8/17

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that the 2024 Patient and Family Seminar will take place on August 16-17, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA. The seminar is FREE, but in-person seating is LIMITED. The event’s keynote speaker Rafael Fonseca, MD, Hematologist, Director for Innovation and Transformational Relationships, and Professor of Medicine (Mayo Clinic —Phoenix, AZ) will present on “What is the Future of Myeloma?"

Other esteemed members of the myeloma community who will speak at this seminar include the following: IMF President & CEO, and 28-year myeloma patient Yelak Biru; Sagar Lonial, MD (Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University — Atlanta, GA); Kansas City Area Myeloma Support Group Leader Wendy Thomas, RN, MSN, CHPN (Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion, University of Kansas Health System — Kansas City, MO); IMF InfoLine Advisor Teresa Miceli, RN, BSN, OCN (Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN); Urvi Shah, MD (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, NY); Angela Dispenzieri, MD (Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN); Robert Vescio, MD (Cedars-Sinai — Los Angeles, CA); IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, M.Ed., FRCPC, FACP (TGen, City of Hope — Phoenix, AZ); IMF Nurse Leadership Board member Tiffany Richards, MS, ANP, AOCN, (MD Anderson — Houston, TX); Triage Center’s Erin Bair, Esq.; IMF Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Danielle Doheny; and IMF Vice President of Philanthropy Sylvia Dsouza. You don’t want to miss this event that gathers top practitioners and educators in the field of myeloma under one roof!

Around the Web: Myeloma News

To keep you abreast of the most recent myeloma research findings, “The Myeloma Minute” features links to top myeloma content around the web. Read these articles in ASH Clinical News on “Patients With Functional High-Risk Multiple Myeloma Show High Response With Ide-Cel,” and “Teclistamab Combination with Daratumumab, Lenalidomide Shows Promising Efficacy, Tolerability in Patients with NDMM.” 

Also, each month the IMF’s team of medical editors summarizes the most fascinating studies about myeloma. Here is the most recent edition: June 2024 – Myeloma News from the Journals. As always, we invite you to visit the IMF Newsroom for the latest myeloma news.