News Release: Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan Recognizes Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
For Immediate Release
Contact: Amy Wilczynski (586.945.1250, awilczynski@BERLINE.com)
Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan Recognizes Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
Multiple Myeloma Patient Enrollment Growing Faster Than Any Other Blood Cancer Supported by CLF
Farmington Hills., Mich. (March 1, 2020) – March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month – a crucial time to recognize those impacted by multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer that requires lifelong treatment. Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan (CLF) estimates more than 4,000 people with multiple myeloma reside in the state of Michigan.
Symptoms of multiple myeloma include ongoing pain, neuropathy, nausea and fatigue. Patients often find themselves emotionally exhausted, frustrated and stressed due to the nature of the disease and treatment.
CLF reports that multiple myeloma patient enrollment is growing faster than any other blood cancer patient group supported by CLF. It is nearly doubling each year and, in some instances, even more than doubling.
“There is currently a rising need to support multiple myeloma patients throughout Michigan,” said Heidi Grix, president and CEO, CLF. “This is a lifelong disease that impacts patients physically, emotionally, socially and financially. Our role is to help them anticipate, untangle and navigate the hardships that come with a diagnosis by providing education and support services in critical areas.”
CLF has assisted many multiple myeloma patients, including Molly Peterson of Northville. Both Molly and her husband Leo were diagnosed with blood cancer in the same year.
“As someone living with multiple myeloma, I’m constantly coping with the fact that my disease is chronic and something I’ll always need to manage,” said Molly Peterson. “Blood cancer takes up a huge space in my life – unlike some cancers, I will never get to remission.”
Multiple myeloma occurs more commonly in adults over 60, making available financial resources challenging to identify. Treatment is expensive, and the financial strain in particular can be devastating.
A state-wide non-profit organization, CLF was established nearly 70 years ago to help any Michigan child, adult or family affected by blood cancer sustain themselves, emotionally and practically, throughout their experience by providing support, education and guidance.
CLF offers reimbursement for treatment-related expenses not covered by insurance (including prescriptions and travel expenses), provides special grants to cover unexpected emergency expenses, and reaches out to other agencies on behalf of its patients to identify ways to make the financial burden more manageable.
“CLF is a resource for people with blood cancers specifically, which is so needed because with the complexities of these diseases, comes a special set of issues,” continued Peterson. “CLF looks at all the different ways blood cancer can impact you and is there in concrete ways to help.”
In addition to financial assistance, CLF’s Patient Services Coordinators provide a multitude of outlets for patients and family members to share their experiences and express difficult emotions, including a monthly support group and one-on-one emotional support. CLF also hosts social outings throughout the year for patients to get out and have fun at no cost to themselves.
Currently, CLF supports more than 3,200 families across Michigan, and is experiencing a surge in requests for services. Any Michigan resident diagnosed with multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma or another blood related disorder is encouraged to contact the organization to determine whether they qualify for enrollment. There are no age limits or income restrictions and services are free of charge. Interested patients may call 800.825.2536 or visit leukemiamichigan.org for more information.
Fully dependent on philanthropy to fuel its mission of educating, supporting, and empowering patients and families, CLF also relies on volunteers and donations. Donations can also be made online at leukemiamichigan.org.
About Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan (CLF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the emotional and practical needs of adults and children affected by blood cancer across Michigan. Master’s level professionals provide critical education and support services that are personalized to each patient and family, elevating their ability to cope and heal – from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
CLF is proud to be among only a quarter of rated charities at charitynavigator.org who have received the maximum 4-stars for strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. CLF also earned a 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, showcasing the progress and results made toward its mission.
CLF does not solicit by phone. For more information, visit leukemiamichigan.org.