Dec ember 9, 2009
The Honorable Sherrod Brown
The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison
United States Senate
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senators Brown and Hutchison:
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
your amendment to H.R. 3590 establishing coverage of routine patient care costs
for patients participating in clinical research studies.
Myeloma research is producing extraordinary breakthroughs and although
myeloma was once considered a death sentence with limited options for
treatment, myeloma is an example of the progress that can be made and the
work that still lies ahead in the war on cancer. Many myeloma patients are living
proof of what clinical research can achieve - sequential remissions, long-term
survival and good quality of life. The ability to receive treatment in a clinical trial
is an important part of a quality health care system in addition to advancing
cancer research.
We applaud your effort to remove the significant financial
barriers to access that prevent some myeloma patients from participating in
clinical trials.
Thank you again for your leadership on this crucial issue facing myeloma
patients.
The IMF looks forward to working with you to enhance access to
treatment in clinical trials.
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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