NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., and HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) -- conducting research and providing education, advocacy, and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers, and physicians -- today unveiled plans for its MYELOMA MOBILE to travel across the United States and parts of Canada this summer. The MYELOMA MOBILE is the brainchild of Michael Tuohy of Prospect, CT, who was diagnosed with myeloma when he was just 36 years old. Michael will be traveling with his wife, Robin and their two children, 14-year-old Ally and 9-year-old Mikey.
"When I was diagnosed I never thought I'd live to celebrate my 40th birthday, but here I am, seven years past diagnosis, in full remission and feeling good," said Michael Tuohy. "I thought of the MYELOMA MOBILE as a way to reach out to patients and their families who never heard of myeloma before their diagnosis, and to help those who do not have good medical resources to work their way through the many treatment options available today. Facing myeloma can be daunting if you're doing it alone, and we want to be there to help."
Plans for the MYELOMA MOBILE began in July when the Tuohys were vacationing in a region that had no myeloma support resources, and came up with the idea for national grassroots outreach. The IMF completed arrangements for corporate partnerships last month. The route is still being finalized, and people who would like a visit are asked to contact the International Myeloma Foundation at myelomamobile@myeloma.org.
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the bone marrow that affects the production of red cells, white cells, and stem cells. It is among them most prevalent of the blood cancers, which together are the third largest group of cancers. With continuing advancements in treatment, the IMF believes it is essential for patients to have the most up-to-date information. The MYELOMA MOBILE will be stocked with over 50 publications covering a wide range of topics in multiple languages.
Susie Novis, president of the International Myeloma Foundation says: "Michael carries an important message: As the premier organization dedicated to myeloma patient advocacy and support, we are seeing a growing number of myeloma patients who are now able to live active, productive lives as a result of new treatment options. The MYELOMA MOBILE will give Michael and Robin a chance to reach out to other patients and caregivers, and as the children of a cancer survivor, Ally and Mikey will be able to speak with others their age about living with a parent with cancer. We applaud them for showing there is life after a diagnosis."
"We want to visit communities that have local support groups to add our voice to theirs, and to visit communities that may have limited support and medical resources to bring them literature and information they need," said Robin Tuohy, who is also Regional Director of Support Groups for the IMF. "This will be my first experience with an RV, and since I'm doing the driving, my only concern planning the route is that I don't have to back up."
The trip will begin this summer when Ally and Mikey are out of school. The IMF is also planning a companion program in Europe.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
The International Myeloma Foundation is the oldest and largest myeloma organization, reaching more than 135,000 members in 113 countries worldwide. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients and their families, the IMF focuses in four key areas: research, education, support and advocacy. To date, the IMF has conducted more than 120 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned hotline, and operates Bank on a Cure(R), a unique gene bank to advance myeloma research. The IMF was rated as the number one resource for patients in an independent survey by the Target Research Group. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE or www.myeloma.org.
International Myeloma Foundation 800-452-2873 Media: GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners Stephen Gendel 212-918-4650
International Myeloma FoundationCONTACT: International Myeloma Foundation, 1-800-452-2873; Media: StephenGendel of GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners, +1-212-918-4650, forInternational Myeloma Foundation
Web site: http://www.myeloma.org/
