The Waldenstrom's Weekly

December 1, 2023

Volume 3, Issue 45

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 -

THANKS to ALL Who Gave on #GivingTuesday!

#GivingTuesday was a global day of support for meaningful organizations and causes in your life.

We are so grateful to the WM Community for raising over $50,000  (over 120 donors!) in support of the IWMF on November 28th!

 THANK YOU!

IWMF Announces New Partnership:

 House 086 from China 

We are excited to announce the new partnership between IWMF and HOUSE 086, a leading lymphoma charity based in China with around 120,000 users of their platform and 600 people estimated with WM.

HOUSE 086 was founded by a recovered Hodgkin’s lymphoma patient, Gu Hongfei, in 2011. Most of the staff are patients and caregivers, which is the reason why “only patients truly understand you” is said by many patients in this organization. By aiming to enhance patients’ confidence in overcoming lymphoma and promoting recovery, the mission of HOUSE 086 is “Together Fight Lymphoma!” With the support of many authoritative lymphoma experts and patients, HOUSE 086 has become a home that offers warm guardianship and companionship.

The IWMF was introduced to the organisation through our International Affiliate leader from China, Roger Yao. The IWMF will be working with the team who include, Gu Hongfei, the founder of HOUSE 086; Yun Wu the Patient Advocacy Lead; and Jenny Zhang, the Brand Communication and International Cooperation Lead. The IWMF team was fortunate to be able to meet our new partners in person in Madrid and Amsterdam and learn more about the organisation.

“We are looking forward to developing this relationship with House 086 and are keen to exchange knowledge and ideas across our organisations and cultures. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate on upcoming projects to enhance support for the global WM community.” -Newton Guerin, IWMF President & CEO.

“I am hopeful that joining forces with such a prestigious, organized, well-established, and mission-aligned organization like IWMF will only fortify our respective efforts, increase the WM footprint, and accelerate progress made towards raising awareness and finding a cure.” Gu Hongfei, HOUSE 086 Founder (pictured below).

Both HOUSE 086 and IWMF look forward to working together to help raise awareness, and create & share resources for WM.

- Education -

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.

Save the Date for 2024!

LLS Blood Cancer Conference- Florida, US

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will have a breakout session on WM with TWO speakers- including Dr. Steven Treon from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute!

Recordings Available from WMFC Ed Forum

The Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation of Canada (WMFC) held an extremely successful Virtual Educational Forum on November 3rd and November 4th, 2023.

All videos and slide decks are available HERE, at the WMFC website.  

Recording Available from PAN Foundation

Next Week - CancerCare Workshop

Coping with Cancer During the Holidays

Wednesday, December 6, 1:30-2:30PM US ET

Description

CancerCare is offering a free 60-minute workshop available to cancer patients, caregivers and bereaved individuals to learn coping skills during the holidays. The workshop will help participants learn ways to manage feelings of stress and anxiety, while still creating meaningful ways to celebrate. This workshop will provide a group mindfulness exercise to practice this skill together. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open discussion with an oncology social worker.

WM Community Corner

Lisa J. Wise, IWMF Vice-Chair of Information & Support, was recently published in The Washington Post! She wrote about a topic near and dear to her heart in this insightful interview with award-winning literary scholar Professor Susan Gubar. Read "Survivor reflects on living with cancer and the ambiguity of remission.” More at lisajwise.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 [email protected] or visit www.IWMF.com