MARCH IS MYELOMA AWARENESS MONTH

March is Myeloma Awareness Month. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is at the forefront of the fight against myeloma. We’ve seen significant progress over the past decade, with new therapies resulting in better overall survival. Our vision is to transform treatment and care for all those impacted by myeloma.

  • LLS remains committed to investing in the most promising myeloma research to find cures. Last year alone, LLS committed $31.7 million in research dedicated to myeloma, spanning the most pioneering science including immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine.
  • LLS provides myeloma support, resources, education, and community based outreach about myeloma for patients, families and caregivers to help patients live better, longer lives.

One-on-One Support

  • Information Specialists: Our Information Specialists are master’s level oncology professionals who provide free, personalized assistance to patients, families and healthcare providers. Our Information Specialists offer guidance through cancer treatment, financial and social challenges, and give accurate, up-to-date disease, treatment and support information. 
  • Registered Dietitian: Our registered dietitian has expertise in oncology nutrition and provides patients, parents and caregivers with free nutrition consultations by phone or email.
  • Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators: Our Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators are registered nurses with expertise in blood cancers who conduct comprehensive clinical trial searches and personally assist patients, parents and caregivers throughout the entire clinical trial process.

Get Information and Support

  • Information Booklets: Download or order free books about myeloma diagnosis, treatment and support in English or Spanish.
  • Webcasts and Videos: Webcasts and videos for patients and caregivers feature experts who share the latest disease, treatment and research updates, including information about survivorship. These programs are available via telephone, Web and in person.

**Don’t miss our upcoming myeloma webcast on March 23rd!  Register Here**

  • Financial Assistance: Financial assistance through our Co-Pay Assistance, Urgent Need, Travel Assistance and Patient Aid programs can help eligible patients cover treatment and non-treatment related expenses. Also ask your local Patient & Community Outreach Manager about local travel assistance grant availability.
  • Caregiver Support: To help you care for a loved one, we provide a wide range of resources, information and support, including videos and a comprehensive caregiver workbook.
  • Podcast: The Bloodline with LLS offers several episodes for myeloma patients and caregivers addressing nutrition, treatment, clinical trials and survivorship. 

 Connect with Other Myeloma Survivors

  • LLS Community: Join our online social network, which has a specific myeloma group where you can share your experiences with other patients and caregivers, stay current on the latest diagnosis and treatment news, and get personalized support from trained LLS staff.  
  • Online chats where myeloma patients can meet with others impacted by the disease in a space moderated by a licensed clinical healthcare professional. 
  • Support Groups: Local support groups are facilitated by healthcare professionals and provide a comfortable, caring environment where you can discuss anxieties and concerns with others who share the same experiences.  
  • Peer-to-Peer Support: The Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program provides the opportunity to talk about your experiences one-on-one with someone who has “been through it,” including other patients, caregivers or loved ones.

 Myeloma Link

African Americans have twice the incidence of myeloma as white Americans. What’s more, recent studies show that African Americans are significantly less likely to receive the latest treatments, and are more likely to experience treatment delays.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is dedicated to helping African Americans with myeloma access the treatment and care they need and improving quality of life. LLS provides free tools and resources to help patients and caregivers navigate the treatment landscape more effectively and cope with the disease.

To find out more or connect with LLS to have your church, senior center, residential community or community group get more involved, visit https://www.lls.org/myeloma-link.