Drawing Strength from Amanda Gorman’s ‘An Ode We Owe’


Drawing Strength from Amanda Gorman’s ‘An Ode We Owe’ In this week’s blog, IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie looks to Amanda Gorman’s poem, “An Ode We Owe” for strength, wisdom, and insight on global key issues that we are presently facing—whether climate change, poverty, hunger, inequality, hatred, or COVID-19. Despite President Biden’s declaration of the pandemic being over, Dr. Durie still strongly advises myeloma patients to exercise due diligence in protecting themselves from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing best-quality masks, and availing of Evusheld and Paxlovid for added protection. He looks forward to the rapid evolution in standards of care for myeloma patients in the next 5 years and emphasizes the IMF’s commitment to enhancing patient access to testing and treatments on a global level.


Myeloma Patients and Care Partners Raise Awareness During Blood Cancer Awareness Month September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. During the 2022 IMF Support Group Leaders Summit, we asked patients and care partners what they wished people knew about multiple myeloma.


Do You Know Myeloma Research? Join Dr. Mikhael on Facebook LIVE, September 28th As part of the IMF’s initiatives for its Blood Cancer Awareness Month #kNOwMyeloma campaign, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael will conduct a special two-part series about myeloma on Facebook LIVE this September. The second Facebook LIVE event, Do You Know Myeloma Research? Breakthroughs in Research, Immune Therapies, and the IMF Black Swan Research Initiative® is on Wednesday, September 28, at 4:00 p.m. PST/ 7:00 p.m. EST. In this 30-minute LIVE event, Dr. Joseph Mikhael will discuss major breakthroughs in myeloma research, new and highly anticipated immune therapies, as well as ongoing research projects being conducted by the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative®.


Happening Today: Living Well with Myeloma Live Webinar The Living Well with Myeloma Webinar: Psychosocial Care\|Common Support Needs and Coping Skills will be held TODAY, September 22, at 4 p.m. PST. IMF Vice President of Support Groups Robin Tuohy will moderate a presentation by Elaine Wheat Dawson, Psy.D (City of Hope—Duarte, CA) that will focus on common emotions when dealing with myeloma; coping skills in living with myeloma; dealing with chronic pain; and communication with family, friends, and your healthcare team. The webinar will conclude with a discussion and a Live Q&A. Become empowered by registering now.


The M-Power Project: Changing the Course of Myeloma in Black Communities The IMF M-Power Initiative is focused on changing the course of myeloma in Black communities. Myeloma is two times as common in people of African descent as it is in all other races and ethnicities. Empower yourself by joining our 1st virtual M-Power New York webinar on October 1st at 10:00 a.m. EST. Meet event panelists: Dr. Saad Usmani (Memorial Sloan Kettering—NYC, NY); IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Amy E. Pierre, RN, MSN, ANP-BC; IMF Patient, President & CEO Yelak Biru; Patient and Care Partner Team Terrence and Toni Green; IMF Vice President of Support Groups and Care Partner Robin Tuohy; and IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael. Panelists will be participating in real time and answering your questions.


Download Understanding MGUS + SMM—2022 Edition Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the earliest disease state associated with the subsequent development of myeloma, and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor to active disease. If you are a patient with MGUS or SMM, it is important and helpful to learn as much as possible about your diagnosis in order to play an active role in your own medical care and to make good decisions about your care with your doctor. *Get your FREE copy of the IMF’s Understanding MGUS + SMM—2022 Edition* in printed form or as a downloadable PDF with hyperlinks to informative resources.**


4^th Annual Inland Empire/Virtual/In Person Walk for Myeloma Miracles The 4th Annual Inland Empire/Virtual/In Person Walk for Myeloma Miracles will be held on Saturday, September 24, 9:00 a.m. PST at Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. You may register as a participant or a team member, donate to a participant or a team, or purchase a Remembrance Path. Donations will also be accepted on the day of the event. Everyone is encouraged to run outdoors, walk, bike, or run on a treadmill to complete their own path for the Virtual Walk/In Person for Myeloma Miracles.


#ASKDRDURIE \| Dr. Durie's Weekly Web Video Series Should patients see a multiple myeloma expert?

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Mackenzie’s March for Myeloma

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9th Annual Guys and Gears Charity Car Show

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Creatives Against Cancer

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IMF Patient & Family Webinar— Back to Basics: From Testing to Tailored Therapy 

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Regional Community Workshop — East South Central

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2nd Virtual M-Power Charlotte Webinar

See also, all of our events.