What a journey the last 3 years have been. To sum it up, amid COVID, I was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic 5 vertebra and multiple myeloma in October 2020, at the age of 42.
Not knowing anyone my age with multiple myeloma, I started looking for support groups in my area. The closest groups were 2 hours away, so my husband and I started a local support group in Bloomington, IL (#bloomingtonIL). Our first meeting was in January 2023.
After attending the IMF Support Group Leaders Summit this year, I found myself wanting to know so much more about myeloma. What better place to learn than from the best of the best hematologists, researchers, and scientists from around the world? I am so grateful for this opportunity and invitation from the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to attend the 65th American Society of Hematology’s (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition virtually.
This is my first year attending, and I will be attending as both a patient and a Support Group Leader. My main areas of focus and what I will be blogging about will be the following:
- early detection
- learning about the new therapies for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients
- learning more about bispecific therapies and what’s in the pipeline
- the development and testing of new tools and methodologies to improve diagnostics and tailored therapies for blood diseases.
I am ready to soak up as much information as I possibly can so that I can share with my fellow myeloma warriors. My hope is to pass along more hope and encouragement to myeloma patients and care partners.
I’d like to give a HUGE shout out to the IMF and the pharmaceutical company sponsors, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Regeneron, Takeda Oncology, Karyopharm for making it possible for our team to attend ASH — both virtually and in person.
I will be blogging about my experience while virtually attending the ASH Meeting and Exposition, December 9-12th.
— Adrienne Moore
@AdrienneMM2020
Support Group Website: https://www.myeloma.org/bloomington
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553816150399&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Sounds exciting to attend, especially since you are Deeply involved! 👍
You will be a great leader for the things you know and have learned with your multiple myeloma and teaching people to have the positive outlook and strength you have will help others fight
You are such a lead from the front type of person. You display proof of the benefits off a positive disposition & lifestyle. I’ve observed your genuine grit & motivation in any circumstance- 1st hand. Your words can inspire many, many people. I cant wait to read & hear all about your experiences.