The Waldenstrom's Weekly

November 17, 2023

Volume 3, Issue 43

The IWMF mission statement is to support and educate everyone affected by Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) to improve patient outcomes while advancing the search for a cure.

- Special Announcements -

#GivingTuesday is November 28th

The countdown is on… Giving Tuesday is quickly approaching on November 28^th.

Giving Tuesday is a yearly worldwide movement encouraging radical generosity. This year the IWMF aims to provide more RESEARCH, EDUCATION, & SUPPORT programs for the global WM community.

On this day our end of year fundraising season begins. Please join us by donating to the IWMF to help us provide Support and Hope to everyone around the world affected by WM.

Together, we can achieve our vision of “A World without Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.” 

YOUR donations support the IWMF and all that we strive for.  

Thank you,

The IWMF Team

- Education -

Recording Available!

Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy – Past, Present, and Future for Blood Cancer and WM Patients

IWMF Educate & Empower Series

Coping with Fatigue and Sleep Disturbance

November 30th from 1-2:30PM US EST

Find out how fatigue can look and feel different in the context of cancer, and learn strategies to help boost your energy and decrease fatigue. Come prepared to do a short movement practice to manage fatigue. We’ll also define which common behaviors can get in the way of a good night’s sleep, and learn how to create an environment that invites sleep. You’ll leave the webinar with new tools to improve sleep quality, combat fatigue, and thus improve your overall quality of life while living with Waldenstrom’s. Come ready to have all your sleep and fatigue questions answered!

Registration Open!

Webinar Hosted by IWMF Sarasota Support Group

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

1:00PM - 2:00PM US Eastern Time

Rituxan has been pivotal in treating various conditions in the realm of oncology. Hearing from a scientist involved in its development can provide unique insights into the drug’s creation and application. 

Martin will share his own personal experience with taking this drug because he has Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.



Join Sarasota Florida Support Group Leaders Sharon Piotrowski and Michelle Postek to better understand the drug's development and its impact on patients like Martin.

Recording Available from LLS Canada

Blood Cancer and Spirituality

A blood cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming. Research has shown that people with a particular faith or spiritual belief often have hope, a sense of peace and a better quality of life. The spiritual dimensions of the cancer experience go far beyond religious practice or personal belief. Join David Maginley, Spiritual care practitioner, to explore the significant role of spirituality in adapting to a blood cancer experience and ways you can express your spirituality in your day to day living.

TODAY at 2:00PM US ET- Caregivers are Invited!

“This helps me escape from my tinnitus and body pain.” “Thank you so much for sending the recording. I listened this morning and again found amazing feelings of relaxation and calm that lasts beyond the recording.”

Relax to the sound of authentic Himalayan Singing bowls, with gentle verbal guidance and healing chants to further calm the nervous system. Email Ann Grace (anngrace@iwmf.com) to receive the Zoom link and follow-up recording.

Research studies have shown that sound meditation with singing bowls reduced tension and increased feelings of spiritual well-being in its participants, and could be useful for those experiencing fatigue, chronic stress, depression or anxiety.

NEW Specialty Support Group Meeting

WM and SMZL: Living with & managing TWO rare disease/diagnoses

CALLING ALL WM patients and caregivers who have WM and Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL)!

IWMF Specialty Support Group “WM and SMZL: Living with & managing two rare diseases/diagnoses.” 

 On Wednesday, November 29th at 8:00PM US eastern time, Join the WM & SMZL Support Group for a sharing session. Bring your stories and questions to share with the group for approximately one hour. The group leader will be Tom:

"As I exhibit symptoms of both WM & SMZL and a bone marrow biopsy cannot pinpoint the disease type, I’m striving to provide a forum where patients experiencing a similar WM / SMZL dual diagnosis can share ideas and help each other navigate treatment options."

To join the group list, contact Michelle: mpostek@iwmf.com.

Bing-Neel Syndrome Support Group

From Bing-Neel Group Co-Leader, Julie Davidson:

"We are going to try something a little different for the fall Bing- Neel Support Group meeting on Sunday, November 19 at 1 PM and 7 PM (EST-US). There will be a couple of our own members presenting their stories. Then there will be a fun participation presentation by Joseph Hawthorne ACSM-CPT, AKC, RBT, CSC, Owner of Block Fitness (blockfitco.com)."

Waldenstrom's Weekly is a free service to WM community members to share WM related news and events. Click on downloading photos at the top to view all content. For more information, email info@IWMF.com or visit www.IWMF.com