Jack and Linda Huguelet, leaders of the Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group, Bill Bennett, myeloma patient and Hamilton County property assessor; Mayor Jim Coppinger
Hamilton County and Mayor Jim Coppinger have proclaimed March 2015 “Myeloma Awareness Month.”
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is an incurable cancer of cells in the bone marrow that affects blood cell production and can lead to anemia, infections, bone lesions, vertebral compressions, osteoporosis, severe pain, and kidney dysfunction, according to the International Myeloma Foundation.
“Early diagnosis can lengthen survivability and reduce side effects of the disease,” said Linda Huguelet, leader of the Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group.
“This recognition is greatly appreciated as it helps increase awareness and may help patients get diagnosed and treated more quickly.” Linda was joined at Wednesday's meeting by fellow patient Bill Bennett, Hamilton County property assessor.
Myeloma currently affects more than 100,000 people in the United States, with an estimated 20,000+ new cases diagnosed each year. Myeloma is increasing in numbers and is becoming more common in younger patients, with possible links to environmental toxins.
Linda Huguelet, a Signal Mountain resident, was diagnosed in 2010 when she was 46. “A myeloma diagnosis can be an overwhelming thing and 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.” The local support group was founded in 1995 and Ms. Huguelet, along with her husband Jack, began leading the group in 2011. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month and is supported by the Memorial Center for Cancer Support and the IMF.
Ms. Huguelet attended the 2014 American Society of Hematology Conference in December 2014 as one of 12 support group leaders selected by the IMF to participate in the conference. The leaders joined a record-breaking 26,000 hematologists and healthcare professionals from around the world at the 56th annual convention in San Francisco to learn about the most up-to-date research, therapies and tools available to myeloma patients. “I was honored to be asked to attend the conference and so pleased to have a first-hand look at the encouraging research taking place.” said Ms. Huguelet. She shared information from the conference with local patients and caregivers at a recent networking group meeting.
The Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group meets the 2nd Thursday of the Month, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Memorial Center for Cancer Support. For more information contact Ms. Huguelet at 423-779-4907 or lindahuguelet@comcast.net. Follow Linda on Twitter at @IMFlindaMYELOMA.