The Waldenstrom's Weekly

February 2, 2024

Volume 4, Issue 5

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 -

World Cancer Day is February 4th

About World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day aims to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness, and mobilize the global community to make progress in cancer care.



Please consider spreading awareness about WM and your journey with the disease via social media, doing your own activity to raise funds to benefit the IWMF, or making a special donation in honor of this day.  

No matter where you are in the world, you are not alone with the IWMF!

Important Survey Opportunity:

Lymphoma Coalition Global Patient Survey

The Lymphoma Coalition Global Patient Survey (GPS) on Lymphomas & CLL aims to deeply understand the patient and caregiver experience including the impacts of treatment and care.

When you’ve been affected by Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, it’s not just another survey. You’re helping to make a difference in the lives of others like you. Sharing your experiences through the GPS helps improve the lives of others globally and locally.

Benefits of completing the survey:

• Improving Patient Experience
• Better Support & Care
• Improving Research
• Better Policy

The survey is conducted every two years, and this year it is available in 20 languages! The patient survey takes approximately 30 minutes, and the caregiver survey can be completed in 20 minutes.

Ready to make a difference for people living with WM? Complete the survey below!

- IWMF Ed Forum & Cruise -

We are excited about our upcoming 2024 Educational Forum! As we prepare for this conference, we wanted to share some exciting activities that will be available before, during, and after the conference.

Ed Forum Alaska Cruise - May 6-13 -DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Following the Educational Forum, we invite you to join us on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Cruise through the picturesque Alaskan fjords with their majestic glaciers and abundant wildlife. This is an opportunity to unwind, network, and create lasting memories with members of the IWMF community. Reserve your balcony room here. 

Guided Hike of the Cascades - May 2 

Get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Cascades with our guided hike. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the stunning views that await you. Join our volunteer guides for a peaceful and reenergizing escape. Click here for hike details.

Discover Renton & Seattle - Educational Forum Recreation Guide

Extend your stay in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and use our comprehensive Ed Forum Recreation Guide. Discover the vibrant city of Seattle, visit iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, explore the unique neighborhoods, and sample local cuisines. Additionally, Renton offers its own charm, with stunning parks, museums, and recreational activities to enjoy. The Educational Forum Planning Committee has created a quick Recreation Guide just for you!

We believe these activities will enhance your overall experience at the 2024 Educational Forum, providing opportunities to relax, explore, and network. Whether you embark on the guided hike, join us on the Alaskan cruise, or explore the wonders of Renton and Seattle, we are confident that you will have a memorable experience.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need further information. We can't wait to see you at the 2024 Educational Forum!

- Education -

Registration Open! Educate & Empower Webinar

Thursday, February 29th at 1:00PM U.S. ET

Want Stronger Bones? Next month’s Educate and Empower webinar registration is open! 54 million Americans, half of all adults age 50 and older, have low bone density and are at risk of breaking a bone; that includes men. On top of it, some of the medications and treatments used to treat cancer may affect our bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. To stimulate bones to grow stronger, force must be applied – in the form of compression or tensile stress. Yoga is a safe and impact-free way of applying that force. Take control of your bone health by actively practicing tested yoga poses with consistency, proper alignment, and eagerness. No one is too old for yoga – and the earlier you start, the better it is for your bones!

Ann Grace MacMullan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a certified yoga therapist who specializes in tailoring the practice of yoga to a wide range of practitioners, and especially enjoys providing tools to support the aging process. She is qualified to teach Yoga for Osteoporosis through Dr. Loren Fishman and was featured in the New York Times article You’re Never Too Old for Yoga.

Recording Available! 

Thank you for joining us for January's Educate and Empower Webinar with Nancy Campbell! We had 230 registrants and 102 live attendees with lots of great questions. A huge thanks to our caring and knowledgeable expert, Nancy Campbell, for sharing her warmth, wisdom, and time with us. Let us know what you think!

WM People of Color Support Group Meeting

TODAY at 1:00PM U.S. ET

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

Friday, February 2nd, 2024

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

To join the mailing list for this group, contact Mpostek@iwmf.com

TODAY! Cardio Flow for WM at 2:00PM U.S. ET

Challenge your coordination and balance while addressing symptoms like fatigue and peripheral neuropathy. Get your body moving with repetitive, simple movements within the safe space of our WM community. Improve blood flow, balance, and mobility! Optional: stick around to connect with the WM wellness community after class. Reach out to Ann if you’d like the Zoom invite or recording at anngrace@iwmf.com.

Next week! T’ai Chi & Qi Gong

Tuesday, February 6th at 2:00PM EST

Get on the mailing list now for this exciting new offering! Join Rami Rones to safely explore the ancient mind-body therapies of T’ai Chi and Qi Gong. The meditative state achieved during practice can help reduce anxiety and stress while boosting your mood, immune system, and energy levels. Slow, low-impact movements can increase muscle mass and bone density, ease aches and pains, gently stretch muscles, and improve your balance. Reach out to Ann Grace if you’d like to be a part of this powerful mind-body practice: anngrace@iwmf.com.

Join the IWMF Online Community!

IWMF CONNECT and Facebook Groups

The IWMF offers two Internet-based group discussion forums where you can communicate with others, share experiences and insights, exchange information, and get emotional support. The discussions typically focus on WM diagnosis, treatments, research, prognosis, side effects, and related conditions. Thousands of patients and supporters from all over the world are signed up, come join us by clicking the links below!

·        IWMF CONNECT

·        IWMF Facebook Group

For help navigating IWMF CONNECT or Facebook, contact office@iwmf.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