Pictured: Jack and Linda Huguelet, Governor Bill Haslam, Carol Sanders, Nancy Bruno of the International Myeloma Foundation, and Kelly Owens. Carol and Kelly co-lead the Nashville Myeloma Support Group.
Governor Bill Haslam proclaimed March 2017 “Myeloma Action Month” in the state of Tennessee.
According to the International Myeloma Foundation, Myeloma, also referred to as multiple myeloma, is an incurable cancer of cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma currently affects more than 100,000 people in the United States, with an estimated 24,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Myeloma is increasing in numbers and is becoming more common in younger patients, with possible links to environmental toxins.
“We appreciate Governor Haslam’s help in raising awareness of myeloma,” said Linda Huguelet, co-leader of the Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group.
“Increased awareness among the citizens and physicians of Tennessee can lead to an earlier diagnosis for patients and this can ultimately improve their long-term survival.” Symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as anemia, back pain, and reoccurring infections, are often attributed to other causes and this can delay a myeloma diagnosis, officials said.
Mrs. Huguelet, who lives in Signal Mountain, was diagnosed in 2010 when she was 46 and has been co-leading the Chattanooga support group with her husband Jack since 2011. “Our support group is a place where people with myeloma and their families can learn about the newest treatments available and gain support and education from those who have been living with the disease.”
Myeloma Action Month is sponsored by the International Myeloma Foundation, a global collaborative in myeloma research. "The IMF brings together the world’s leading myeloma experts through the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) and is charting a path to a cure through the foundation’s signature project, the Black Swan Research Initiative," officials said.
The Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group meets the second Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Center for Cancer Support. For more information contact Linda Huguelet at 423-779-4907, lindahuguelet@epbfi.com, or visit the group’s website at
www.MyelomaChattanooga.org.