New Jersey Cancer Patient Advocate Reports from Major American Hematology Conference

Joining the approximately 20,000 hematologists and healthcare professionals attending the recent 55th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana were a number of cancer patients, caregivers and support group leaders.  Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group member and patient advocate Cindy Chmielewski was one of them.  

Chmielewski’s participation at the conference was sponsored by the International Myeloma Foundation, the oldest and largest foundation dedicated to improving the life and care of myeloma patients around the world. Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of cells in the bone marrow that affects production of red cells, white cells and stem cells and can damage bone. It is being contracted by an increasing number of people and is particularly affecting younger people.

ASH participants like Chmielewski were brought up-to-date on the latest research, therapies, and tools available to myeloma patients. During the conference, she and her fellow patient advocates reported back to the myeloma community using a variety of social media tools, including blogs, Twitter, video and Facebook.

This came naturally to Chmielewski, who was diagnosed with myeloma in 2008. She reaches out to fellow patients and doctors via Twitter using the appropriate handle “@MyelomaTeacher” to pass along research news, identify noteworthy articles on the subject and create an online community of those interested in learning as much as they can about the disease.  

IMF is leading in the areas of research, education and support, and counts Chmielewski as one of the success stories whose participation at ASH the organization sponsored. Held December 7-10, 2013 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the ASH annual meeting is the premier hematology conclave in the world. Some 300 pharmaceutical companies, medical suppliers, clinical diagnostic and research-based companies, publishers, and nonprofit organizations were on hand in the state-of-the-art exhibit hall, IMF among them.

“I have learned to live with myeloma,” says Chmielewski. “I try to make the best of each day, and help others deal with this unpredictable, unique disease.” 

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION

Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, the International Myeloma Foundation reaches more than 240,000 members in 120 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 on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. To date, the IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned hotline, and established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org.

Cindy Chmielewski of Lawrenceville is pictured with Andrew Schorr, Founder of Patient Power. www.patientpower.info  Mrs. Chmielewski was interviewed by Patient Power while at ASH on the importance of educating yourself abour your disease and being an active participant in your healthcare.