Today we met with patients and their families who live in the Norfolk, Virginia area. Jerry Walton is a recently retired high school math teacher who contacted the IMF earlier this year wanting to help others. Jerry is a myeloma patient himself and being a teacher understands the IMF's motto of "Knowledge is Power." Jerry attended the IMF's Support Group Leaders Retreat in the Spring and decided that he would start a support group specifically for multiple myeloma patients and their families in Norfolk. Yesterday was their first meeting and we feel privileged that we were part of it!
This gathering consisted of newly diagnosed patients as well as "veterans" that have been dealing with myeloma for over 6 years. People shared their stories and experiences and got to know each other. There is already a bond forming in this group that will continue to strengthen and grow with each new member. We had a very open meeting talking about a variety of topics from what tests to get at diagnosis, discussing treatment options with doctors, kidney issues, osteonecrosis of the jaw and the importance of seeing a myeloma expert or seeking a 2nd opinion. We talked about the IMF's Patient & Family Seminars - and were happy to learn that a few of the folks at the meeting had just attend the Seminar in Teaneck, NJ - and loved it! Please don't forget that the Tampa Patient & Family Seminar is this Fall - check out the IMF's website for details.
After the meeting we went out to a delicious Italian restaurant for dinner and had a great time. Our thanks to Jerry Walton for his outreach to myeloma patients in the Norfolk area and creating this myeloma specific support group! The IMF is happy to continue to work with you and help! The group has already invited me back to talk with them "every week!" LOL!
Meeting Information: This group will continue to meet 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at Sentara Leigh Hospital Private Dining Room, 830 Kempsville Road, Norfolk, VA on the following Saturdays: September 15, October 20, November 17 and December 15. Interested patients, family members and friends are encouraged to contact Jerry Walton at 757-495-8432 or by E-Mail: jerrywalton@cox.net.
It was a pleasure to meet everyone and please remember to stay in touch! We are leaving Hot and Humid Virginia today for Steamy Baltimore! The heat index here in Virginia is forecast to be 114 today! Yikes!
Stay Cool :-)
Robin
By the way - Jerry Walton successfully completed an interview with Hampton Roads radio station 92.9 The Wave! Here's some information regarding listening information:
Those of you who are in Virginia can listen this morning, Wednesday, August 8 (the news director is not sure what time) to FM 92.9 for Jerry's interview!
Happily for the rest of us, 92.9 The Wave broadcasts live on the internet, so we can listen for Jerry's interview at http://929thewave.com/home.php