"The American Society of Hematology (ASH) is the world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatments of blood disorders. The mission of the Society is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology."


Each year thousands of people from all over the world attend the ASH Annual Meeting to learn the latest and greatest information available. Of course, our main focus will be on multiple myeloma and the treatments in that "pipeline" for our future!

Michael and I will be attending the 53rd American Society of Hematology Meetings from December 8 - 12, 2011. There will be many exciting oral and poster presentations for all of us to look forward to.

Please note in particular the following information, webcasts, and live presentations available on the IMF website (myeloma.org)

Pre-ASH Highlights - the IMF presents a special edition of Citings, our premier publication featuring the most up-to-date information on multiple myeloma treatment and diagnostics. This edition highlights presentations that will be made at ASH and the latest research on Freelite.

• Special Edition ASH 2011: Pre-ASH Highlights
  
  
• Special Edition: ASH 2011: Freelite® / Hevylite® Issue
  

The IMF is holding a Free CME-Certified Symposium on Friday, December 9 entitled: "Myeloma Questions and Controversies: New Developments in 2011 That Impact Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment."

• If you would like to watch the Symposium LIVE as it happens, go to http://imfashprogram2011.myeloma.org at 6:30 PM Pacific time on December 9.

• After ASH, the video of the Symposium will be posted to the web, and you'll be able to watch it by going to http://ash2011symposium.myeloma.org. (This link will not be live until after the meeting.)

IMF Journalists' Workshop LIVE webcast from ASH: Monday, December 12, at 8:00 PM (Pacific). Details on webcast of Journalists' Workshop.

The IMF will be posting over 90 webcasts taped at ASH reporting on the current status of some of the most interesting research in myeloma. Please check back daily for postings.

We will also be blogging from ASH! The IMF has invited patients and caregivers from across the country to attend the meeting, and they will be blogging daily. They include me, of course, Jack Aiello, Pat Killingsworth, Jim Omel and Cindy Ralston. And, if the spirit moves them, maybe more!

As you can see, we've got a lot to be hopeful for in the world of myeloma research and treatments!

All of this information is available at myeloma.org. Look under "New & Noteworthy" on the right side of the home screen.

Please share this information and blog with anyone you know of that has an interest in myeloma.The more we learn the better we can communicate with our doctors! Knowledge is Power! Stay tuned for my next blog direct from ASH!