International Myeloma Foundation

Myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, is considered to be one of the fastest-growing types of cancer in the Western world. At present, there is no known cure. The IMF, a model for other organizations, fosters advocacy, diagnosis and patient support initiatives focused on improving the quality of life for myeloma patients. To combat the disease and its affects, the IMF is leading the world in collaborative research and achieving extraordinary results in research laboratories, in doctors offices, in clinics and in the homes of its members. Founded in 1990 by myeloma patient Brian Novis, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie and Susie Novis, the IMF is the world's first non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for multiple myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. More than 16 year after his death, Brian Novis's vision continues to guide the IMF as it reaches out to patients and family, research, government and medical communities. To implement its comprehensive array of Patient Programs and Services, the IMF has a dedicated and diverse staff that provides urgently needed medical information to more than 100,000 members in 106 countries. The IMF also coordinates Services for Medical, Research and Healthcare Professionals to keep physicians and scientists abreast of advances in the myeloma field, provide much-needed research funding, and offer education for healthcare professionals. Through The Brian D. Novis Research Grant program the IMF annually funds up to $800,000, supporting the best research worldwide for myeloma and related diseases. To provide practicing clinicians and the international academic community with an opportunity to get the most current information and real-time feedback on new approaches and ideas from their peers, the IMF hosts clinical conferences and workshops. The IMF also seeks to enhance doctor patient information exchange and has developed Doctor Packs. This IMF initiative provides up-to-the-minute information on a monthly basis to doctor offices and clinics.