Living with Myeloma Conference Unites Patients, Families, Medical Experts

Glendale AZ – The Arizona Myeloma Network is currently accepting registrations for its Fourth Annual “Living with Myeloma” Conference taking place on Saturday, March 27, 2010, in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The conference is free of charge and welcomes patients, family members, caregivers, physicians, researchers, and other healthcare providers with an interest in myeloma – a blood cancer affecting more than 25,000 newly-diagnosed patients annually.  Along with a free continental breakfast and hot lunch, the conference also provides 4.5 continuing medical education (CME) credits for healthcare professionals. 

This year’s conference is being held at the Scottsdale Conference Center and Resort, 7700 E. McCormick Pkwy, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with onsite registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.  Registration for the free event is also ongoing on the Arizona Myeloma Network website, www.azmyelomanetwork.org.

The regional conference has attracted several high-profile researchers and specialists in the myeloma field, including Dr. Robert Kyle, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  Dr. Kyle is Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board and on the Board of Directors of the International Myeloma Foundation, and sits on the editorial boards of several journals, including Blood Reviews, Clinical Lymphoma & Myeloma, and Leukemia.  Dr. Bodour Salhia, Ph.D., a myeloma researcher with TGen of Phoenix and other myeloma research and treatment facilities, will also speak at the conference, along with more faculty members and researchers.

In addition to presenting the latest information and cutting edge research, the meeting will provide a gathering spot for patients and others affected by a diagnosis of myeloma, where they can share experiences and resources in a caring and supportive setting.

“Our conference hopes to attract patients and families who often don’t know anyone else with myeloma and who may feel alone and overwhelmed.  That’s how we felt when my husband was first diagnosed, and he has been living with myeloma now for 19 years.” said Barbara Kavanagh, Founder and President of the Arizona Myeloma Network.  “We also want to bring together researchers and doctors from different hospitals and medical practices who rarely have an opportunity to meet professionals outside of their own workplace or laboratory.”

Alan R., a Prescott, Arizona, resident who has attended all three previous Arizona Myeloma Network conferences said, “I  am a myeloma patient and have come to AzMN’s conferences for the past three years.  It may sound odd, but I look forward to coming.  I learn so much and I also meet such nice people.  It’s like a reunion!  We are all glad to see each other and know that we are alive and doing well.”

Space is limited for the Living with Myeloma Conference and those interested in attending are urged to register quickly.  “I believe this will be our best conference yet,” notes Kavanagh.  “It will be a day full of information and encouragement.  Participants will not be disappointed.”

Published on behalf of Arizona Myeloma Network
AzMN was founded in June 2004.  Its mission is to promote awareness, education and advocacy for improved treatment and quality of life, for multiple myeloma patients, their families and caregivers. For additional information visit the AZMN website at www.azmyelomanetwork.org.

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