This West African icon is symbolic of help & support

"As you give, you shall receive"

As the West African icon represents help and support, the overarching sentiment and theme of this initiative hinges on these principles with the goal of building a strong myeloma community TOGETHER.

We understand the assignment!

MYELOMA INCIDENCE IN THE BLACK POPULATION

Black individuals are 2-3 times more likely to develop multiple myeloma, or its precursor conditions MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) or smoldering myeloma.

Knowing what to do when you receive this diagnosis is critical for your best outcomes. Data shows that African American patients are less likely to receive care that could be life-saving or life-extending. They are less likely to receive triple combination drugs (a standard in myeloma care), less likely to receive a stem cell transplant (also a standard in myeloma care) and less likely to join clinical trials using new, innovative therapies.

OUR STRENGTH SHALL SUSTAIN US!

Let's change this narrative and utilize all resources to keep us informed of vital information that can positively affect the outcomes of a myeloma journey and empower us to know what discussions you should initiate when dealing with healthcare professionals.

Each person is a valued piece of the puzzle as we COLLECTIVELY work towards better outcomes and equity for African American patients in the diagnosis of myeloma and continuing throughout treatment, including clinical trials.

The relevant message that must be communicated to every person who benefits from our initiative, reassures them that, you are not alone – we are in this together – lean on us - we have your back!

This theme is inspired by African American culture where common practices that are valued by Blacks include sharing, caring, helping, lifting and praying for others in our circles. It is also part of the Kwanzaa principle "Ujima" which means Collective Work & Responsibility - building and maintaining our community together to make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together. 

As this community grows, we will focus on addressing our problems and our concerns together as we raise awareness and education of myeloma. Our annual Virtual 5k Run/Walk for Black Myeloma Health Awareness will serve as one of the flagship events. Our initiative will host various online campaigns with touch points during the year that will focus on informing and spreading the word regarding African Americans and the higher incidence of multiple myeloma.

We invite you to share these messages as word of mouth is one of the most effective tools to reach others in the Black community. Ensuring that relevant information is reaching our communities is critical to the health and wellness of all.

Additionally, throughout the year, we will explore ways to create collaborative relationships with other organizations and events that share our passion for educating our Black communities regarding healthcare issues that affect our families. We welcome working with others to further our goals of awareness, education, outreach and advocacy as it relates to multiple myeloma.

Quoting Dr. Maya Angelou, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color."

Health disparities exist for African Americans in healthcare. African American lives are part of the Myeloma tapestry and these lives are equally important, however long-standing disparities in the medical field serve as barriers for Blacks prior to a myeloma diagnosis and throughout treatment.

Outcomes are not always optimal due to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis and less aggressive treatments. Lack of access to the number of new therapies and stem cell transplantation options will often preclude Black patients from receiving optimal medical care. Lack of awareness and education of multiple myeloma in the Black community coupled with other social determinants of health also create circumstances that have a direct negative impact on this population.

Our programs will be created with these barriers in mind with the hopes of helping eliminate or at least lessen the negative impact of those disparities.

Our woven Myeloma tapestry must represent us ALL in the most equitable way possible.

Our goal is to break down barriers that prevent this from happening.

• Black Health Matters
• Myeloma Crowd Round Table: Fixing Disparities in Myeloma - the Key to Unlocking Cures for All? 
• Myeloma 101 for the African American Community with Craig Cole, MD, Michigan State University, 
• Racial Disparities in MGUS and Myeloma
• Addressing Disparities in Myeloma Care
• Financial Resources
• Triage Cancer
• Cancer+Careers