Ivey declares March Myeloma Awareness Month

Mayor Gary Ivey has proclaimed March 2013 Myeloma Awareness Month.

"We appreciate Mayor lvey's help in raising awareness of myeloma," said Eric G. Huckabee, leader of the Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group. "This recognition is important to the community because multiple myeloma is not a very well-known cancer."

Huckabee, who lives in Hoover, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in August 2008.

Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is an incurable cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow that affects blood cell production and can lead to anemia, infections, bone lesions, vertebral compressions, osteoporosis, severe pain, blood clots, kidney dysfunction and cardiac arrest.

In the U.S., there are approximately 100,000 multiple myeloma patients, and nearly 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite this fate, there is a lack of public awareness about this disease.

"During my chemotherapy sessions and stem cell transplants, it would have been very encouraging to share my experiences with other multiple myeloma patients," he said. "This is why I formed the support group. Our support group is a place where myeloma patients, caregivers, family members and friends can learn about the newest treatments available and share personal experiences with those who have been living with the disease."

Myeloma Awareness Month is sponsored by the International Myeloma Foundation, the leader in global collaborative myeloma research. The IMF brings together the world's leading experts in the most successful and unique way through the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), which is charting the course to a cure, mentoring the next generation of innovative investigators, and improving lives through better care.

The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Valley Baptist Church, Room B203. Eric Huckabee can be contacted at 370-4696 or erichuck@bellsouth.net.