The Waldenstrom's Weekly

November 24, 2023

Volume 3, Issue 44

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 -

Next Tuesday is #GivingTuesday!

#GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity which will take place on November 28^th. There are several ways you can give back to the International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation.

DONATE

#GivingTuesday is the perfect day to show your support for the IWMF. Click here to make a donation via our website on Tuesday, November 28^th. Remember, every dollar we receive helps drive our mission to support everyone affected by Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia while advancing the search for a cure. Need assistance making your gift? Contact our office at 941-927-4963 or feel free to reach out to Annette Preston, Director of Donor Engagement, at [email protected].

ENCOURAGE

Did you know you can support the IWMF simply by liking and sharing our social media posts? Letting your friends know that you support our work is a fantastic way to encourage others to give to the IWMF.

Thank you,

The IWMF Team

- Education -

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!

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.

NORD Community Conversation:

National Family Caregivers Month

From the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD):

Thursday, November 30th

7:00PM - 8:05PM U.S. ET

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we invite you to join us for a community conversation around caregiving. Hear directly from fellow rare disease caregivers about their different journeys, with time for resource-sharing, connection, and Q&A.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Webinar

Friday, December 1st at 1:00PM U.S. ET

Resilience Through Progress:

Slow Growing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

LLS INVITES YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT:

• How your NHL subtype determines treatment goals and strategies
• Navigating the uncertainty of chronic diseases
• New therapies on the horizon
• Methods to manage side effects

THIS SUNDAY, November 26th

Yoga Nidra at 4:00PM U.S. ET

"I hadn't known about Yoga Nidra before but found the exercise wonderfully relaxing, well-paced, and just the right length. When I went to bed later I fell asleep almost immediately -- a rare event for me. And slept soundly and deeply. Thank you for this great gift.”

- first-time WM Yoga Nidra practitioner from October’s session. 

Use this guided relaxation and visualization practice to reduce stress levels, sleep better, and elevate well-being. Reach out to [email protected] via email if you're not already on the list to receive our Zoom invite and follow-up recordings. 

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Webinar

Caregiving Over Coffee: Give Yourself Grace

November 28th, 2023

3:00PM - 4:00PM US Eastern Time

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) invites you to grab a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage, and join a discussion about the challenges and triumphs of caregiving.

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: [email protected].

WM People of Color Support Group

The WM People of Color Group will be having their next meeting for patients and caregivers in December. Attendees will join leader Paula on Zoom for a sharing session, which will last approximately one hour.

Friday, December 1st, 2023

1:00PM - 2:00PM U.S. ET

To join the mailing list for this group, contact [email protected]

WM Community Corner

Take the IWMF Wellness Program Survey! 

The IWMF is proud to be funded and informed by individuals who live with WM. Many of the changes we have made over the past few years were from YOUR direct input, and we'd love to keep the conversation going! Take this 10-minute anonymous survey to help us continue to support and empower your well-being in the most effective ways possible.

Free Covid-19 Tests for U.S. Residents from USPS

As of November 20, 2023, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. You can order tests HERE.

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