The Los Angeles Event was like coming home to our 2nd family - the IMF.
Our extended family in front of the Myeloma Mobile. Team Tuohy, Susie Novis, Dr. Durie, and Arin Assero, our coordinator.
The IMF staff is an incredible group of people that care about people and somehow have intertwined their lives with ours - because they want to - and because they really care.
It was a heartfelt event seeing all of our friends at the IMF as well as the Los Angeles, Inland Empire and San Diego support group leaders and members! We were greeted by people that we know with smiles and hugs and strangers that knew us through our journey that gave us hugs and well wishes! The support group leaders, Fred & Sheila Wilson, Barbara Campbell, Michelle Shields, Tom Courbat, Val Stevenson, Elliot Reicht and Julias Nagy - Thank you! It was fantastic to see you and we thank you for your support and continued efforts in helping other patients! You are an inspiration!
Susie Novis with Tom Courbat of the Inland Empire Support Group
Elliot Reicht of the San Diego Support Group
Sheila and Fred Wilson of the Los Angeles Support Group
Dr. Durie gave an overview on the International Multiple Myeloma Workshop held last month in Kos, Greece and also fielded numerous questions from the audience.
The IMF is pleased to offer comprehensive coverage of the XIth International Multiple Myeloma Workshop; webcast includes audio and slides from key sessions. Please go to www.kos.myeloma.org to view.
Susie Novis spoke with patients and caregivers and thanked everyone for joining us. She was particularly proud to introduce the many staff members of the IMF that were able to attend the Event.
Introducing the IMF staff at the LA event.
One of the many attributes of the IMF is the genuine care and compassion for myeloma patients and caregivers. Love, hope and information were "in the air" throughout this special Event and everyone went home feeling empowered, strengthened and full of vigor with new found friends and knowledge.
Michael and I and our children, Ally and Mikey, spoke about our experiences and fielded questions from the audience.
Tom Courbat, leader of the Inland Empire Support Group, asked Ally and Mikey what they have learned on this trip - and they both made me proud with their humble answers that they know that they are helping others, and that they are not the superficial kids that we hear about on TV today.
Susie Novis was kind enough to invite us to dinner while we were in LA, and her dog fell in love with Mikey. :)
They are typical - good kids - the ones that we just do not hear enough about - but there are plenty of. They want to let other kids, parents, and grandparents know that communication is key - just talk with each other - it is crucial for everyone's well being and brings us all closer.
Michael and Ally brought down the house with an especially moving rendition of his song "I'm not leaving."
We enjoyed refreshments and everyone came outside to sign the Myeloma Mobile with their good wishes!
I can't believe that we are halfway through our journey! We have almost 6000 miles on the Myeloma Mobile! Our next stop will be at a San Diego Padres baseball game; Michael will throw out the first pitch! We will be joined by many members of the San Diego Support Group at the game and it will be a fun evening for all. We hope to spread the word about Multiple Myeloma and to lend our voice to help create awareness for this disease.
After the game, we will have to say goodbye to the West Coast and begin heading back East - toward home. With the sun setting behind us and our thoughts on the wonderful people we have met and the ones we will meet as we journey on.
Thanks to the IMF Staff for their continued support and all the wonderful folks we've met along the way for helping to make this trip . . . . incredible.
Sincerely,
Robin