September 2, 2009
The Honorable Brian Higgins
US House of Representatives
431 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman Higgins:
On behalf of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), the oldest and largest
myeloma foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma
patients while working toward prevention and a cure, I am writing to thank you for
introducing HR 2366, the Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2009. This
legislation is critical to the myeloma community and we applaud your
commitment to eliminating disparities for cancer patients whose insurance
coverage has differences in the way oral and intravenous chemotherapy
therapies are covered.
As you may know, myeloma is a cancer in the bone marrow affecting production
of red cells, white cells, and stem cells.
It is also called "multiple myeloma"
because multiple areas of bone marrow may be involved.
Myeloma is the
second most common blood cancer after lymphomas affecting an estimated
750,000 people worldwide and its prevalence appears to be is increasing
significantly. In 2009, 20,580 Americans will be diagnosed with myeloma and
10,580 are expected to lose their battle with this disease.
Thank you again for your support on this crucial issue facing myeloma patients.
If our organization can be of any assistance to you or your staff in the future,
please don't hesitate to contact Christine Murphy, IMF's Government Relations
Director at 703-738-1498.
Sincerely,
David Girard
Executive Director
12650 Riverside Drive Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607
800-452-CURE (2873)
818-487-7455 telephone 818-487-7454 fax
www.myeloma.org

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