Sunday, August 5, 2007 - 10 AM event at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Andy Lebkuecher and Doris Morgan, new Atlanta support group leader.
Today was very special as it was a visit to Atlanta, Georgia; home of Atlanta Area Myeloma Support Group; one of the largest and oldest myeloma support groups associated with the International Myeloma Foundation. Andy Lebkuecher is the leader of this group as well as Southeast Regional Director of Support Groups for the IMF and our good friend.
Andy and Kelly Cox of the IMF gave a great welcome and overview. Kelly Cox has been a driving force behind this whole project and we are very grateful for his continued enthusiasm and support when we make our visits.
The IMF is happy to be at Emory University to lend our voice to theirs in reaching out to patients. Winship's philosophy in finding a cure for cancer is admirable. Here is a quote from Emory:
"Accelerating discovery and hope is our life's work."
As you read this, you can be certain that somewhere within Emory Winship Cancer Institute, at this very moment, people are thinking, testing, collaborating, exploring.
That's because we know that the next great discovery in cancer research and treatment could come at any time. But only if we commit ourselves, our talents and our time to making it happen.
That commitment motivates and drives the people of Winship every day. Our life's work revolves around a single ideal: to accelerate the discovery of a cure for cancer and to apply this discovery to give people hope."
Dr. Heffner
We thank all of the passionate staff at Emory for working with us to organize today's Event. Dr. Leonard Heffner, Jr. spoke with us about the past, present and hopeful future for myeloma patients.
Dr. Lonial
Dr. Sagar Lonial is a positive man who spoke about the "good, bad and ugly," the incredible strides that have been made in recent years in the myeloma world and the novel therapies that are available to us today.
Michael and I and the kids really enjoyed talking with everyone both during and after the Event. We all learned from each other and shared our experiences as patients, caregivers and families.
We encouraged everyone to attend the IMF upcoming Patient & Family Seminar to be held in Tampa, Florida on November 2-3, 2007. If you have never been to one of the IMF's seminars, I HIGHLY recommend that you go! You can register to attend the seminar on the IMF's website (www.myeloma.org) or by calling the IMF at 1-800-452-2873. Here is a bit of info:
IMF Patient/Family Seminars & Symposia:
The first organization to provide ongoing Patient & Family Seminars, the IMF has held over 100 seminars in 13 countries since 1990. Emphasizing education, advocacy and support, these seminars empower patients and provide invaluable information to the myeloma community.
'Terrific isn't quite strong enough a word to describe my experience at the seminar.'
'Having so much one-on-one time with the experts was incredible.'
'I went to the seminar feeling afraid and depressed....I left inspired and filled with hope.'
As is now our signature ending, Michael and Ally played and sang his song "I'm not Leavin'." Thank you Atlanta for your "Southern Hospitality." :-)
Robin
Next Stop: Norfolk, Virginia here we come!