We have reached the end of the annual meeting and exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH23). The time between the early mornings and late evenings were filled with oral and poster sessions, education programs, and connecting with members of the multiple myeloma #CoMMunity. The support group leaders (SGLs) attending both in person and remotely have covered so many of the simultaneous sessions, reporting on them through social media, blogs, and vlogs.
I am impressed by Jessie Daw (@Daw6Jessie) for her Vlog summary of iStopMM studies. Well done! 👏🏼 She continues her screen-time information sharing at the post #ASH23 Webinar “Top Myeloma Research Presented at ASH 2023” on January 4, 2024, providing the smoldering myeloma perspective.
I am also very proud of my good friend, Jack Aiello (@JackMAiello), for completing daily blogs to keep people updated. He captures some great quotes and highlights from multiple abstracts.
Jill Zitzewitz (@JillZitzewitz) was our “virtual” tech champion and mentor, being available for the other virtual folks knowing the onsite people may be difficult to reach during sessions if there was a need. She is also our science guru (she chooses to say science geek!). As a veteran multiple myeloma nurse, I am impressed with her ability to digest the details of bench science.
Diane Hunter (@DianeHunterMM) returns for her 2nd year, shining her light on #myeloma awareness, “What we do not understand, we often fear. I want to be able to eliminate the fear of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma and living with it by shining a light on it.” Her blog is inspirational.
Adrienne Moore (@AdrienneMM2020) and Barb Davis (@bkinoglu) round out the virtual #Voices@ASH23 program, both being first-timers, but you would not know it by their tenacity and contributions to our group discussions.
Barb Davis
The onsite team included veteran #Voices Linda Huguelet (@LindaMYELOMA) and Sheri Baker (@blondie1746). Both bring perspective from long-time survivors, seeking information on what options are available and coming next.
Newbies Oya Gilbert (@grandgrizzo) and care partner Carri Helman (@copybycarri) took #ASH23 by storm, highlighting the diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) programs, creating awareness and connecting with outlets for further awareness. There is a rumor about a piece in the Boston Globe yet to come. Talk about powerful #Voices!
Carri Helman
Read all of the blogs as these dedicated SGLs share their #Voices to heighten awareness of scientific and clinical research and the patient/care partner experience of this myeloma journey.
Our in-person team was led by Robin Tuohy (@IMFSupport) and Becky Bosley (@MidAtlanticMSG), supported by Michael Tuohy (@IMFmikeMYELOMA) and Jonathan Fitzpatrick. It takes a village to make this program happen. Without their hard work, guidance, and steadfast support, the program would not run smoothly. I have so much gratitude for their hard work.
Michael will also be part of the January 4th, 2024, Webinar, providing the perspective from a >20 year #myeloma survivor. There are a variety of other post-ASH webinars coming in the next weeks so tune in for more highlights and updates from #ASH23. Replays can also be found at https://www.myeloma.org under Publications and Videos.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the sponsorship of the IMF and our industry partners. Many thanks go out to those companies that see the value of including the patient #Voices at all levels, understanding that one voice reaches many.
