International Myeloma Foundation comedy fundraiser October 17th

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) was founded in 1990 by Susie Durie; her late husband, Brian Novis; and Brian G.M. Durie, MD. From what started in a garage with a borrowed typewriter, a lawn chair, and lots of hope, the IMF is now the largest organization focusing specifically on multiple myeloma.

As the organization approaches its 30th anniversary, the IMF's reach extends to more than 525,000 members in 140 countries worldwide.

According to the National Cancer Institute's SEER program, an estimated 32,110 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2019 alone. Currently, an estimated 124,733 people are living with myeloma in the U.S., and globally, nearly 160,000 new cases are projected to be diagnosed within the year. Additionally, multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the world. The IMF's mission is to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure through our four founding principles: Research, Education, Support, and Advocacy.

The IMF leads the charge in the search for a cure with its signature research program the Black Swan Research

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Initiative® (BSRI). The BSRI is a multi-faceted program comprised of the world's leading multiple myeloma experts whose mission is the prevention, treatment, and cure for multiple myeloma. The BSRI's myeloma prevention initiative, Iceland Screens Treats or Prevents Multiple Myeloma® (iStopMM), is the world's largest myeloma prevention-focused study. To date, the study has tested more than 50,000 participants blood samples over the age of 40, performed approximately 900 bone marrow tests, and has begun potential early intervention therapy for participants with pre-myeloma markers.

To encourage a dynamic and proactive approach to raising awareness, the IMF declared March as "Myeloma Action Month." The initiative empowers patients living with the disease, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers to take actions that save lives. These Myeloma Warriors work to raise awareness for multiple myeloma on a global scale.

On April 2, 2019, the Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) awarded Susie Durie and Brian G.M. Durie, MD, a joint honorary doctorate for scientific excellence. The VUB recognized the worldwide impact the IMF has created through the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities, along with its dedication to inform, involve, and educate myeloma patients.

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The IMF'S 13th Annual Comedy Celebration honoring Peter Boyle and benefitting the Black Swan Research Initiative will be held October 17, 2019, at the historic Beverly Hilton Hotel. Actor and comedian Ray Romano will host an all-star lineup of comedy legends. Previous years have included performances from Jimmy Kimmel, Gabriel Iglesias, Tig Notaro, and many more. This event, along with other fundraising opportunities, allows the IMF to continue providing much-needed support to those affected by myeloma along with furthering its breakthrough research to find a cure.

Downloadthe flyer with performer info here:

Contact the IMF's Director of Corporate Giving, Maria Del Rio-Gomez at mdelriogomez@myeloma.org to find out how to become a sponsor for the annual Comedy Celebration. You can also get event tickets at comedy.myeloma.org.

The International Myeloma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more about the ways the IMF is helping to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. Contact us at 818.487.7455 or 800.452.CURE, or visit myeloma.org