March’s Myeloma Action Month means sharing patient milestones
International Myeloma Foundation-led global event aims to boost awareness
This year’s Myeloma Action Month (MAM), which is observed each March, is focused on celebrating and sharing patient milestones to help call attention to myeloma and bring hope to the global community.
The event, led by the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), seeks to improve awareness of myeloma. Over the years, MAM has reached more than 50 million people across 36 countries.
Myeloma accounts for about 10% of all blood cancers, affecting more than 176,000 people around the world each year. About 100,000 U.S. residents have the disorder that arises from plasma cells, immune cells produced in bone marrow that are responsible for creating antibodies.
“Myeloma Action Month is a powerful global movement that brings the myeloma community together to take action and raise awareness. This year, in conjunction with the IMF’s 35th anniversary, we invite individuals to share their most meaningful myeloma milestones —celebrating resilience, strengthening connections, and inspiring hope,” Peter Anton, IMF vice president of marketing, said in a press release.
For the #MyelomaMilestone campaign, patients are encouraged to share and honor their milestones, such as overcoming a tough challenge, learning a new skill, enjoying time with loved ones, or taking a new step in a treatment program. Every milestone is worth celebrating, according to the organization, and every shared milestone both spreads myeloma awareness and can also aid the fight against the disease. According to the IMF, sharing personal myeloma milestones can help doctors recognize symptoms earlier, which can lead to faster diagnoses and improved outcomes. It can also spread important information about the condition, potentially leading to identifying the disease earlier.
Sharing your myeloma milestone
Sharing milestones can also provide patients, their families, and caregivers with the resources and support to navigate their journey, the organization states. It can also help drive advocacy efforts, encouraging lawmakers to prioritize myeloma research, improve access to care, and ensure equitable treatment options for all patients.
“Every milestone you share contributes to fueling breakthroughs in myeloma research,” the release states. “As awareness grows, so does the momentum for discovering new treatments and ultimately working toward a cure.”
Participants are asked to write their milestone on a provided downloadable sign then take a photo with it. Participants can also make a video that explains their milestone and its importance and encourage others to share their stories. The photo or video should be posted on social media with the hashtag #MyelomaMilestone.
“Your story can inspire others and show the world the power of perseverance and community,” the IMF states.
The organization is providing sample social media posts such as, “Today, I celebrate my #MyelomaMilestone — a moment of resilience in the face of adversity. Whether big or small, each milestone is a victory. Join the movement and share your story! #MyelomaMilestone #MyelomaActionMonth.” The organization is also providing #MyelomaMilestone campaign resources and tools, including a social media toolkit with myeloma facts, statistics, and infographics available in multiple languages.
There’s also a patient action letter template that can be customized and sent to primary care clinics, encouraging providers to discuss potential signs and symptoms along with treatment options. A customizable press release template is available to inform local media outlets about MAM and the campaign.
Scheduled IMF MAM events
There are a number of IMF MAM events scheduled throughout March, including Facebook Live events where community members can learn about healthcare disparities, the latest research and treatments, benefits of proper nutrition, and a holistic approach to psychosocial self care. The live “Ask Me Anything About Myeloma” Q&A events will take place on:
● March 6 at 7 p.m. EST with Saad Usmani, MD
● March 15 at 1 p.m. EST with Joseph Mikhael, MD
● March 25 at 7 p.m. EST with Urvi A. Shah, MD
The IMF will also host in-person and virtual events for patients, featuring myeloma experts. They include:
● A Virtual Myeloma Community Workshop on March 4, 6-9 p.m. EST, where topics will include new diagnoses, transplants, treatment side effects, patient relapses, and clinical trials.
●A free In-person Patient and Family Seminar on March 14-15 at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center in Florida will cover a variety of topics, ranging from financial considerations in myeloma and symptom management to cellular therapies and shared decision making. Registration is requested.
● The Miracles for Myeloma 5K Run/Walk IMF fundraiser on March 15 will also kick off at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center. The goal is to raise $100,000 for research initiatives, grants, and other efforts. Registration is at 6:30 a.m.
● The Living Well with Myeloma Webinar: Why Clinical Trials are Important fror You! on March 20 at 7 p.m. EST is a moderated event that will feature specialists who will discuss topics such as clinical trials, common misconceptions about myeloma, and underrepresented communities.
● The In-person Regional Community Workshop on March 29 at 8 a.m. PST, in San Francisco at the Grand Hyatt at SFO will include an introduction to myeloma, early treatments, maintenance therapy, relapse information, and a clinical trials update. There will also be a Q&A session.
“Through collaboration, advocacy, and education, Myeloma Action Month helps inform the public and empower individuals affected by myeloma,” the IMF states. “Together, we work toward better treatments, enhanced patient outcomes, and, eventually, a cure.”
Around the world
Myeloma Action Month can be followed on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Elsewhere, the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai in New York City is marking the month by calling attention to its Center of Excellence for Multiple Myeloma, one of the world’s largest myeloma programs.
Also, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is offering a myeloma webcast on March 10, “The Future of Myeloma Treatment: What’s Next?”
Throughout March, the HealthTree Foundation is spreading myeloma awareness by sharing patient stories and hosting weekly seminars with experts.
In Belgium, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is offering a myeloma patient guide patient guide it created in partnership with patient associations and specialists that’s available in French and Dutch.
Also, Myeloma Australia is presenting online seminars to help improve awareness of the blood disease. The series focuses on targeted treatment and individualized supportive care.
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