Unwinding in the Time of COVID-19

In this week’s blog, IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie relishes his first true getaway while still in the midst of dealing with lingering anxiety brought about by COVID-19. With the emergence of the potentially “troublesome” BA.2.75.2 subvariant, he reminds us to remain vigilant and to take advantage of all the tools at our disposal: the antibody treatment Evusheld, new variant-specific vaccine boosters, and high-quality masks. Dr. Durie acknowledges the importance of unwinding, socializing, and hugging family members and friends to our well-being and looks forward to the day when we can resume doing pre-pandemic “normal” activities.

The IMF Strengthens Global Diversity with the Asian Myeloma Network Annual Summit

October is Global Diversity Awareness Month. The IMF continues to strengthen our understanding and appreciation of different cultures, ethnicities, and the global community at large. For example, this week, the IMF’s Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) held its annual summit. At this gathering, leading myeloma specialists in Asia discuss the latest developments in myeloma diagnosis and treatment and set priorities for the future. 

IMF Regional Community Workshop—Eastern Midwest on October 22

The IMF Virtual Regional Community Workshop will take place on Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. CST to 12:30 p.m. CST. Guest speakers include Craig Cole, MD (Michigan State University, Karmanos Cancer Institute—Detroit, MI), and Rafat Abonour, MD (Indiana University, Simon Cancer Center—Indianapolis, IN). IMF Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) Member Deborah Doss, RN, will talk about managing side effects and symptoms of myeloma and treatments. After each presentation with the experts, attendees will have ample time to ask questions. 

Las Voces de Mieloma Support Group (Spanish-Virtual), October 18

Join Las Voces de Mieloma Support Group (Spanish/Virtual), on Tuesday, October 18, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. PST. The guest speaker is Dr. Mauricio Villegas Fortuny, Hematologist at the General Hospital San Juan De Dios, Social Security Institute, Pedro Betancourt Antigua Guatemala Hospital, and Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro. He is also the current Director of Laboratories of the Institute of Human Genetics in Guatemala. Join us by registering at https://lasvoces.support.myeloma.org/. For any questions, please email [email protected].

Las Voces de Mieloma Grupo de Apoyo (Virtual/Español), 18 de Octubre

Las Voces de Mieloma Grupo de Apoyo (Virtual/español), Martes, 18 de Octubre, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. (Tiempo Pacífico). Expositor invitado: Dr. Mauricio Villegas Fortuny, Hematólogo del Hospital General San Juan De Dios, Instituto de Seguridad Social, Hospital Pedro Betancourt Antigua Guatemala y Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro. También es el actual Director de Laboratorios del Instituto de Genética Humana de Guatemala. Únase a nosotros registrándose en: https://lasvoces.support.myeloma.org/. Para preguntas, envíe un correo electrónoco a: [email protected].

This Week: 10th Annual Miracles for Myeloma 5K Hybrid Run/Walk

The 10th Annual Miracles for Myeloma Hybrid 5K Run/Walk will be held this Saturday, October 15, in-person in a safe environment at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ. This year will still be a HYBRID race and participants still have the option to join a team virtually or in-person. For those who are unable to participate, donations are also being accepted here.

Scip & Savor for a Cure Fundraiser on October 15

Hosted by IMF Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and External Affairs Fatima Scipione and her husband, Jimmy Scipione, the Scip & Savor for a Cure Fundraiser will be held this Saturday at the Scipione residence in Medfield, MA. Award-winning restaurateur Andy Husbands will provide a live demonstration where guests can enjoy and savor Boston’s Best BBQ. Celebrity chef Ming Hao Tsai will indulge guests with his gourmet cooking. IMF Patient, President & CEO Yelak Biru will share his patient journey as a 27-year myeloma survivor and will focus on the IMF’s patient-centric mission. All proceeds raised will equally benefit the IMF and Family Reach—a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing the financial barriers standing between cancer patients and their treatment. While the fundraiser is a closed event, donations are welcomed and appreciated.

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Are there treatment options available to relapsed myeloma patients?