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Important Update for Myeloma and Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Patients

Posted by Peter Pugliese Feb 1, 2010

Effective February 1, 2010, eligible myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients will now be able to receive up to $10,000 in support to help offset the costs of prescription drug co-pays and other insurance related expenses. This increase is retroactive for expenses incurred from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 and is available to new and currently approved patients.

Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals may submit patient applications easily online through the established link on the Co-Pay webpage www.lls.org/copay. Applications can also be submitted on the toll-free line with a Co-Pay specialist. Eligibility will be determined by medical and financial need.

For more information on this and other LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program disease funds, please call 877-557-2672 or visit www.lls.org/copay.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: multiple_myeloma, co-pay_assistance_program, myeloma, waldenstrom_macroglobulinemia, co-pay_fees

In the News: A Possible Link between 9/11 and Myeloma

Posted by Samantha Mills Aug 10, 2009

A report in the news this week suggests that 9/11 responders to the World Trade Center may be at an increased risk for myeloma. The report’s authors caution that their findings are very preliminary, however so far eight responders have been diagnosed with myeloma, four of whom are men who were diagnosed when they were younger than 45 years. Myeloma typically is diagnosed in persons who are aged 50 years or older.

While some say that it is possible for these myeloma cases to be linked to these patients’ time at Ground Zero, there is also admission that it could just be a coincidence. "In all fairness, it is unusual for this patient population to have multiple myeloma but it's not unheard of," explains Dr. Denise Pereira, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "But a lot of the things they were exposed to, such as benzene, have in the past possibly been implicated with an increased incidence in the cancer. It does make theoretical sense."

This report appears in the August issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; to read the full news article visit HealthDay.

If you’d like to learn more about myeloma, here are some myeloma resources you can find on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) website.

Find out about causes, signs and symptoms and much more in the Myeloma section on www.LLS.org.
Order or download these free booklets, Myeloma and The Myeloma Guide: Information for Patients and Caregivers.
Already living with myeloma or are taking care of a loved one with myeloma? Some myeloma patients may qualify for the Co-Pay Assistance Program.

As always, our Information Resource Center specialists are available to take your questions Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at (800) 955-4572. You may also contact them online.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: myeloma, multiple_myeloma, benzene, co-pay_assistance_program, 9-11, patient_financial_aid

Myeloma Patients Should Apply for Co-Pay Assistance

Posted by Samantha Mills Jun 25, 2009

A few weeks ago we shared a post on financial insecurity and blood cancer treatment, sharing with you some helpful links to information and programs provided by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). In this post, we wanted to highlight the personal side of our Co-Pay Assistance Program and share with you a couple of stories about myeloma patients who have benefited from this program.

Kalimah Jenkins, a 44-year-old African American from Atlanta, GA, was stunned to find out that her bone pain and fatigue were symptoms of myeloma, a difficult blood cancer. She was equally as shocked when she found out how expensive her treatment would be, and wasn’t sure how she would be able to pay for the drugs she needed. It was in her favor that her doctors knew about LLS’s Co-Pay Assistance Program, which helped her pay for her critical treatment.

Cislyn Blackwood, a 60-year-old from Fresno, CA, also a myeloma patient, has also benefited from the Co-Pay Assistance Program. Her treatment was already very expensive, but after being laid off from her job and her COBRA benefits running out, her financial situation became ever more challenging. She received the funds she needed through LLS's Co-Pay Assistance Program and was able to pay for her medication.

Both women say that LLS’s program has been a tremendous help, and are grateful that they found out about it; unfortunately, some myeloma patients who can’t afford it wind up going off of life-saving treatment.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with myeloma, visit www.lls.org/copay or call (877) LLS-COPAY to find out if you or they qualify for assistance. Note that other blood cancer patients may quality for assistance as well.

If you are a doctor, visit www.lls.org/copayproviders to find out how you can apply for the Co-Pay Assistance Program on behalf of your patients.

Learn more about Kalimah’s and Cislyn’s stories.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: co-pay_assistance_program, myeloma, financial_support, co-pay_providers, co-pay_fees, multiple_myeloma

Patient Programs Update

Posted by Samantha Mills Sep 22, 2008

This time of year we all seem to have so much more to do. Why not plan some things just for you? If you have myeloma or know someone who does, check out our new fall program at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). We also have several local events (Chapter Education Programs) about all types of blood cancers going on throughout the year. Included below are some offerings you may want consider in the coming weeks and months.

National Education Programs

October 15, 2008 - Understanding Myeloma: From Diagnosis Through Treatment. Register now for this telephone education program which will feature Dr. Asher A. Chanan-Khan. Participants will have a chance to ask Dr. Chanan-Khan questions during this hour and a half program.

Chapter Education Programs

Contact your local chapter about the availability of the following programs in your area:

Welcome Back: Facilitating the School Experience for Childhood Cancer Survivors - Note that parents are also welcome at this event.
Getting the Best Cancer Care at Age 55 and Older
Milestones in Myeloma Therapy: An Overview for Patients and Caregivers
The Road to Discovery: Emerging Therapies in Blood Cancers

There are also other programs that occur all throughout the year. Find out more about the following on-going programs:

Family Support Groups - These are regularly scheduled meetings that bring together patients, families and friends.
First Connection - Be matched with someone who has been through a similar cancer experience. Volunteers are also welcome to join this program.
Chat Sessions - Every Monday and Wednesday NHL patients are welcome to come online and chat about their cancer experience.

As always, feel free to share suggestions, ideas or questions with our Information Resource Center staff. Contact us via our Contact Us form or by phone at 1-800-955-4572. Or just visit us at www.LLS.org.

1 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: myeloma, multiple_myeloma, blood_cancer_programs, teleconference, local_lls_chapters, support_groups