The Waldenstrom's Weekly
November 18, 2022
Volume 2, Issue 44
"Thank you IWMF for helping me through this holiday season with support, new friends, and smiles. I no longer feel alone!"-  Jim T 
Don't Forget to Mark Your Calendar for GivingTuesday!
A Message from the IWMF Home Office Team
Dear amazing community members,

As we close in on the holiday season, here’s a few things you may want to know about us.

The IWMF team is grateful to be working for an organization that truly cares about you… the people we serve.

We hear stories every day from people that are newly diagnosed and fearful, to others who have been living with WM for years.
The one common factor is that we often witness fear replaced with hope and attitudes of empowerment as our community members connect with Support Group Leaders, attend webinars, and meet others who have been in their shoes. YOU inspire us!

We believe in putting our efforts and resources into making things happen! We want to be out of a job because we are no longer needed. Our common goal and vision are the same as yours. “A World without WM”.

The perception is that IWMF operates with dozens of employees that make things happen. Our IWMF team members consist of only 6-dedicated individuals working under the guidance of our fearless leader, CEO Newton Guerin. We excel at working together to make things happen and it’s not unusual for team members to socialize outside of work not because it’s required but, because we enjoy each other’s company.

Our modest office speaks volumes… There are no fancy front doors, expensive furniture or other items that don’t make a difference. We want resources to be allocated where they can do the most to make everyone’s life better in one way or another.

There is however a sign at the front in BIG letters that proudly reads the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation.

And we are all grateful to be working for you and this organization closing out 2022.

Thank you,

The IWMF Home Office Team
- Research -
BeiGene Launches Talk About It Program to Elevate the Importance of Addressing
Mental Health during Cancer Care 
On November 15th, BeiGene announced the launch of a new program, Talk About It: Cancer and Mental Health, designed to elevate the important intersection of mental health and cancer care to help improve health outcomes for cancer patients.

Aimed at patients and caregivers, healthcare professionals and policymakers, Talk About It draws attention to mental health care as a critical component of quality cancer care. Data shows that up to a quarter of people living with cancer are also living with depression, and about half are at risk for clinically significant anxiety. Talk About It will feature innovative empowerment strategies, advance public policy conversations, and inspire dynamic health equity initiatives to support people throughout their entire cancer journey. 

Click Here for the full press release.
Good News for WM Patients in Scotland!
SMC Approves Use of Zanubrutinib 
From the WMUK:

Following a resubmission to the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), zanubrutinib has now been approved for use within NHS Scotland. This a great result for the WM community in Scotland and gives patients a wider choice of treatment options.

Read the full story from WMUK HERE.
- Support -
TODAY! WM Sound Meditation
2:00PM U.S ET
Relax to the sound of Ann Grace's authentic Himalayan Singing bowls, with gentle verbal guidance to further calm the nervous system. According to sound healing traditions that have been passed down through both lineage and training, these bowls introduce a healing harmonic sound wave that helps dislodge stagnation on the cellular level, bringing the mind and body into perfect tune. Contact Michelle for the Zoom link: [email protected]
WM Vietnam Veterans Discussion Group
November 30th at 2:00PM U.S. ET
For the first time in its history, the IWMF is proud to be hosting a special discussion group for WM community members who served in the Vietnam war. 

On November 30th from 2-3 pm ET, topics for discussion will include: sharing experiences with Agent Orange; navigating the Veterans Administration and more.

The meeting will be moderated by Ray Vance, IWMF Lifeline Volunteer and Vietnam Veteran.

For any questions, please contact Michelle Postek at [email protected].

Please register at the button below for the meeting. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email in your inbox with the Zoom link.
Recording Round Up:
Yoga Nidra & Cardio Flow with Ann
Yoga Nidra can reduce stress levels, help you sleep better, and elevate your well-being. Give yourself permission to relax and rest, while setting intentions for personal growth and exploring the deeper self. Check out the recording HERE.

Cardio Flow for WM is a medium-paced class that features cardio, strength, and balance training to safely get the heart rate up for those managing WM. Check out the recording HERE.

To be added to the mailing lists for these classes, contact Michelle at [email protected]
WM Community Corner
IWMF swag alert! Beverley Andrade from the United Kingdom is sporting her new IWMF hoodie. Click HERE to purchase yours!
Support the IWMF through Amazon Smile
We are entering shopping season, and now you can make a difference for people living with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia with the click of a mouse.

When you sign up for Amazon Smile and choose The International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation Inc, a percentage of your eligible purchase goes to IWMF at no extra cost to you.

Here’s how to sign up… It’s quick, easy, and free!!!

Sign in with the same account you use for Amazon.com.

Select The International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation Inc

Start shopping! Remember to check out at https://smile.amazon.com/

TIP: Add a bookmark to make it easier to shop at https://smile.amazon.com/ 😊

Happy shopping and thank YOU!
- Education -
TOMORROW! WMUK Patient Doctor Summit
IWMF is dedicated to supporting and educating everyone affected by WM while advancing the search for a cure. 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