NORWALK, Conn. & SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN) will hold their first joint MMRF Patient Summit in Scottsdale, AZ on Saturday, March 24, 2018. The Patient Summit is a free educational program designed to help patients and caregivers learn more about multiple myeloma, the second most common blood cancer, and how to optimize their journey with the disease. Program Chair P. Leif Bergsagel, MD from the Mayo Clinic, will be joined by multiple myeloma experts who will discuss treatment options for all stages of the disease, clinical trials, and management of symptoms and side effects.
The agenda will cover a myeloma disease overview, caregivers, front line therapy, stem cell transplantation, relapsed/refractory disease, immunotherapy, supportive care options, and hot topics in multiple myeloma. This free educational program will be held on Saturday, March 24th from 7:45 AM to 4:00 PM at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Visit https://www.themmrf.org/ScottsdaleSummit to register or contact Beth Ann Karlehag at karlehagb@themmrf.org.
Arizona Myeloma Network, a 2016 Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits, delivers free Cancer Education to myeloma patients, as well as all cancer caregivers and their families. AzMN’s goal is to build healthier communities through advocacy, collaboration, and education.
“At the MMRF, we recognize that patient-powered collaboration is the key to combatting this disease and improving outcomes. Educating patients is the best way to empower them to work together with their care team on therapy decisions, donation of their data, and participation in clinical trials. We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Arizona Myeloma Network to bring this joint program to Scottsdale and the surrounding communities. Uniting together with the myeloma community, raising awareness and funding, we can accelerate toward a cure,” said Mary DeRome, Director Medical Communications and Education.
Barbara Kavanagh, MSW, President & CEO of AzMN said, “When my husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 26 years ago, we were devastated and felt so alone. We had no idea of how to battle this devastating cancer and decided to try and learn all we could about treatment. We started the Arizona Myeloma Network to share this knowledge with others. Collaborating with outstanding cancer facilities and organizations such as the MMRF, we can help to improve the quality of life for both patients and their family of caregivers. That is why we launched the Cancer Caregivers Education Program™ (CCEP®). Our mission promises to educate cancer caregivers for their wellbeing and improved patient outcomes.”
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cell. It is the second most common blood cancer. An estimated 30,770 adults (16,400 men and 14,370 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with MM in 2018 and an estimated 12,770 people are predicted to die from the disease. The five-year survival rate for MM is approximately 49.6%, versus 31% in 1999.
About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
The mission of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is to find a cure for multiple myeloma by relentlessly pursuing innovation that accelerates the development of next-generation treatments to extend the lives of patients. Founded in 1998 by Kathy Giusti, a multiple myeloma patient, and her twin sister Karen Andrews as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the MMRF is a world-recognized leader in cancer research. Together with its partners, the MMRF has created the only end-to-end solution in precision medicine and the single largest genomic dataset in all cancers. The MMRF continues to disrupt the industry today, as a pioneer and leader at the helm of new research efforts. Since its inception, the organization has raised over $400 million and directs nearly 90% of the total funds to research and related programs. To learn more, visit www.themmrf.org.
About Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN)
Founded by Barbara Kavanagh in 2004, AzMN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit FIN 32-0169742 and its mission is to promote education, awareness and advocacy for the improved treatment and quality of life for Multiple Myeloma and other cancer patients, all cancer caregivers, and their families. AzMN organizes quarterly cancer caregiver and patient education conferences every year with the help of public donations and corporate sponsorships. “Lunchtime talks” are designed for the workplace and other community organizations. The Spring Cancer Caregivers Conference will be on Saturday, April 28, 2018. A faculty of cancer and healthcare professionals will share information and resources to guide attendees on “How to Help a Loved One Deal with Side Effects.” For more information on free cancer education programs visit www.cancercaregiversaz.com or www.azmyelomanetwork.org or email admin@azmyelomanetwork.org. Contact Barbara Kavanagh, President/CEO; 20280 N 59th Ave, Suite 115 #448, Glendale, AZ 85308-6850; Phone 623-466-6246; Email barbarak@azmyelomanetwork.org
