The Waldenstrom's Weekly
February 3, 2023
Volume 3, Issue 3
Although WM is a rare disease, with the IWMF, you are never alone
- Special Announcement -
World Cancer Day is February 4th
About World Cancer Day

From the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
World Cancer Day aims to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness and mobilise the global community to make progress in cancer care.

Find out HERE how you can participate in the second year of the World Cancer Day, including downloading customisable posters, using new instagram filters and other social media tools. While doing so, please also consider spreading awareness about WM and your journey with the disease among your family and friends via email and social media, or doing your own activity to raise funds to benefit the IWMF (for more info, see: http://iwmf.com/fundraise-for-iwmf/).  
- Education -
Ed Forum Raffle Taking Place on February 20th!
The 28th Annual IWMF Educational Forum will be a unique experience to learn from medical experts and WM community members around the world. Whether you join us in person or virtually, get in the St. Louis spirit!

Register for this year's Ed Forum by February 20th, and you will be included in a random drawing to choose three winners to receive an item of their choice from the IWMF shop, and one lucky winner to receive a complimentary registration to the 2024 Ed Forum in Renton, Washington!

We will have a live drawing on Facebook the week of the 20th and also announce the winners in the WM Weekly on February 24th. Stay tuned and be sure to register!

While you are at it, be sure to peruse the fabulous St. Louis Gateway Guide, which was created by our incredible Ed Forum Committee volunteers!

And don't forget, while you can attend virtually, the Ed Forum is a unique opportunity to meet, IN PERSON, world-renowned WM clinicians and researchers and spend time with fellow patients and caregivers who are also experiencing the WM journey.
Podcasts Available with our Friends in the UK
From the United Kingdom: In Karger Publishers' The Waiting Room podcast, Bob Perry (Patient Support Manager, WMUK) and Dr. Shirley D'Sa (Consultant Haematologist at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ) were featured in a two-part special feature covering WM.

- Support -
WM People of Color Support Group
TODAY, February 3rd at 1:00PM U.S. ET
The WM People of Color Discussion Group will be having their next meeting for patients and caregivers TODAY. Attendees will join leader Paula on Zoom for a session including two guest physicians, Dr. Susan Slager (Mayo Clinic) and Dr. Mary McMaster (NIH), which will last approximately one hour.
 
To get the Zoom link for this meeting, please email dcutillo@iwmf.com or info@iwmf.com
This Sunday: Yoga Nidra at 4:00PM U.S. ET
Yoga Nidra with Ann MacMullan
Ann is inviting those affected by WM to her free 30 minute guided relaxation practice on Sunday, February 5th. Yoga Nidra can reduce stress levels, help you sleep better, and elevate your well-being. RSVP to Ann directly for the Zoom link at: ann@anngraceyoga.com
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Free One-on-One Nutrition Consultations
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS’s)
PearlPoint Nutrition Services®
Patients and their caregivers may receive a free one-on-one phone consultation with one of LLS’s registered dietitians who have expertise in oncology nutrition.
Eating well helps people with cancer feel better, stay stronger, and better tolerate the side effects of treatment. Good nutrition also helps the body replace blood cells and healthy tissues that are damaged as a result of cancer treatment.

Or call 877-467-1936

Telephone consultations are available to patients and caregivers in the United States and Canada only. If you live outside the U.S. or Canada, email PearlPointNutrition@LLS.org to connect with a dietitian via email.
 
What to Expect from a Nutrition Consultation:
 
Consultations last approximately 30 minutes. By speaking to a registered dietitian, you can learn
  • Strategies to improve nutrition and side effects
  • Tips for meal planning and grocery shopping
  • How to care for a loved one during cancer treatment
  • Answers to your nutrition questions
  • Questions to ask your healthcare team
  • Additional nutrition resources online and in your area
 
The nutrition consultations are intended for general educational purposes. Due to the nature of the consults, these services are not available
  • Recommendations for dietary supplements and herbal preparations
  • Prescription diet orders or restrictive diets
  • Nutrition therapy by tube or IV
  •  Free meal delivery
Podcast Episode Available from LLS
Topic:
Improving Quality of Life Through Wellness Practices

This episode will help patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals understand the benefits of adding wellness practices to conventional therapies—such as utilizing yoga, mindfulness, journaling and massage to decrease side effects and improve the life of patients following a cancer diagnosis.
WM Community Corner
Rajini and Saurabh Seroo, IWMF Affiliate Leaders for Waldenstrom India, went to visit Hampi in India recently. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is comprised mainly of the remnants of the Capital City of the Vijayanagara Empire, a Hindu Kingdom that ruled between 14th-17th centuries A.D. Saurabh has also helped the IWMF in the process of creating a WhatsApp group for our International Affiliate Leaders to keep them connected.
IWMF is dedicated to supporting and educating everyone affected by WM to improve patient outcomes 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 info@IWMF.com or visit www.IWMF.com