October 9, 2026 - Volume 6, Issue 19 | | Welcome to the WM Digest: a place where you can find vital information and education about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), hear the latest WM research updates, meet WM community members who share their stories, and get diverse support for managing WM. | | | | IWMF's mission is to support and educate everyone affected by Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and to improve patient outcomes while advancing the search for a cure. | | | Special News | | Research | | Events and Webinars | | Community Support | | Living Well | | | The October Torch is Here! | | |
The October issue of The IWMF Torch brings together the latest in WM research, clinical care, and community connection.
Highlights include an overview of pirtobrutinib in WM by Camille Edwards, MD; Beth Grant’s inspiring personal story; and a look inside the Queen Square Neurohaematology Clinic with Professor Shirley D’Sa.
| | | |
The issue also includes tributes to Dr. Robert A. Kyle, updates on global support groups, discussions on integrative wellness--including Reiki and WM--and organizational news from the foundation.
Read the digital torch.
| | Your Generosity Made IWMF History | | Our Drive the Discovery campaign has concluded, and it was the most successful Giving Challenge in IWMF’s history! Together, we raised more than $560,000 to advance IWMF’s mission. This extraordinary result reflects the strength and generosity of our community. Every matching gift will be honored, helping IWMF advance research and provide education, support, and wellness resources for people affected by WM. Thank you for making this possible. | |
IWMF at the Lymphoma Coalition Global Summit | Lymphoma patient advocates, including IWMF’s Hannah Mobarak and Peter DeNardis, gather at the Global Summit in Dublin, Ireland. | | |
IWMF’s Hannah Mobarak, Director of Global Partnerships, joined patient advocacy organizations from around the world at the Lymphoma Coalition Global Summit in Dublin, Ireland, alongside Peter DeNardis, IWMF Chair Emeritus and Lymphoma Coalition Treasurer.
Hannah also presented the results of a breakout session, “Pathways for Diagnosis: What Needs to Change.” Together, they are amplifying the voices of the WM community and strengthening global lymphoma advocacy.
| | New Fact Sheet: Loncastuximab | | |
IWMF has added a new fact sheet on loncastuximab (Zynlonta®), an antibody-drug conjugate being studied as a treatment option for people with relapsed or refractory Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM). Loncastuximab targets the CD19 protein found on B cells, delivering a cancer-killing drug directly into targeted cells.
Although loncastuximab is not FDA-approved specifically for WM, preliminary clinical trial results have shown activity in people with relapsed or refractory WM, including those who have received several previous treatments.
| | This graphic was generated by AI | |
The IWMF fact sheet provides an overview of how loncastuximab works, its potential role in WM, clinical trial information, side effects, and monitoring. The fact sheet was reviewed and edited by Dr. Shayna Sarosiek of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Read the new Loncastuximab Fact Sheet on the IWMF Publications page.
| | |
What Plasma Makes Possible for Patients (PPTA) - Watch the Recording
For WM patients like Peter DeNardis, immunoglobulin treatments (IVIG) have been an important part of living well with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). Pete has received more than 130 IVIG treatments so far.
| | | | | |
Patient/Doctor Meeting (Waldenstrom France) -
Saturday, October 10, from 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. at Centre Léon Bérard (Oncology Hospital) in Lyon, France
Get more info here.
| | The Educational Forum on Lymphoma (LRF) - Saturday, October 10 to Sunday October 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET each day. | | There will be a breakout session on Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia with Dr. Shayna Sarosiek at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday. Register Here. | | IWWM-13 Patient Highlights Session (IWMF and IWWM) - Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT in Palm Springs, CA. | | There are only a few in-person seats left. Virtual attendance has been expanded to 500 attendees! Register here. | | Mayo Clinic Patient Symposium (Mayo) - Saturday, October 31 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT in Eagan, MN. | | Sessions in Multiple Myeloma, AL Amyloidosis, and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia available. In person attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with Mayo Clinic experts. There is a limited virtual option. Register here. | | Support Groups Connect Across the Country | | Minnesota / Western Wisconsin In-Person Support Group Gathering | | |
From Minnesota to Texas, IWMF Support Groups continue to create opportunities for connection, encouragement, and shared experience.
The IWMF Minnesota/Western Wisconsin Support Group gathered outdoors in September at Autumn Hills Park in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. Members welcomed new faces, shared updates about their WM journeys, and discussed the importance of talking with healthcare providers about vaccinations. The group looks forward to welcoming a Mayo Clinic pharmacist to its next Zoom meeting in November.
| | Central Texas In-Person Support Group Gathering | | |
In late September, the Central Texas Support Group met in Blanco, Texas, bringing together members in treatment, post-treatment, and watch and wait. Members shared their experiences and perspectives, enjoyed each other’s company, and found strength in connecting with others who understand the WM journey.
We’re grateful to all of our Support Group leaders and members for fostering these welcoming spaces where the WM community can connect, share, and support one another.
| | Financial Assistance for WM Costs | | If you need help covering the costs of WM treatment, these patient advocacy organizations offer financial assistance programs to help with copays, premiums, and other out-of-pocket expenses: | | Explore the On-Demand Wellness Library | | |
Missed a class? Looking for a little extra support between live sessions? The IWMF Integrative Wellness Videos on Demand library is here whenever you need it.
Explore a growing collection of free, evidence-informed practices created with the WM community in mind, including gentle yoga, relaxation and meditation, fitness, T’ai Chi and Qigong, and wellness webinars featuring expert speakers and practical tools for living well with WM.
| | This graphic was generated by AI | | |
Whether you have 10 minutes for a calming meditation, want to move at your own pace, or are ready to learn something new, there’s something to meet you where you are.
Take a few minutes for yourself. Explore the IWMF Wellness Videos on Demand and take exquisite care.
| | |
Check out IWMF's Wellness Calendar.
Receive IWMF's monthly Integrative Wellness Newsletter.
Reach out with any wellness-related questions.
| | |
This e-newsletter is a free service to WM community members to share WM related news and events. Scam / Phishing Alert: Be skeptical of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls—even if they appear to come from a trusted organization.
Remember: IWMF will never ask for your password, banking information, or payment through unsolicited emails or text messages. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the IWMF, contact us directly before taking any action.
For more information, email info@IWMF.com or visit www.IWMF.com
| |
| How did you like this email? | | | |
Please note our new mailing address:
IWMF, 1449 S Michigan Ave STE 13329 Chicago, IL 60605
info@iwmf.com | 1-941-927-4963 | | | | |
