ARIZONA MYELOMA NETWORK (AZMN)

Advocates for cancer patients, families, and caregivers by spreading awareness about challenges faced by caregivers, securing proclamations from the Governor of Arizona for "Arizona Myeloma Awareness Week" and "Cancer Caregivers Week," and providing information to state and local government departments to gain support.

Advocates for cancer patients and caregivers at state and local levels, secures proclamations such as Arizona Myeloma Awareness Week and Cancer Caregivers Awareness Week, and engages with media (e.g., CBS5, AzTV) to promote awareness of caregiver challenges and organizational programs.

Provides guidance on locating Arizona-based support groups, myeloma-experienced doctors, and medical facilities. Offers personalized assistance, including helping patients like childhood leukemia survivor Shakira access life-saving care at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Continues to serve patients and caregivers virtually through internet and phone outreach, including publishing an online newsletter, conducting media interviews, and offering an online Cancer Caregivers Education Program (with a $35 annual fee option) and a free PDF guide of caregiver resources.

Operates the Dine Woman Helping Woman Program, which provides breast cancer awareness and support for survivors and their families across the Navajo Nation, and implements breast cancer awareness conference series and training programs on the Navajo reservation in Fort Defiance.

Runs the Cancer Caregivers Education Program (CCEP®), offering free in-person and virtual seminars, workshops, and conferences to equip caregivers with practical knowledge and skills. Over 75 seminars have been delivered across Arizona in the past decade, including specialized events focused on youth caregivers and managing treatment side effects.

Offers local guidance, training, and information to support groups across Arizona to enhance their ability to assist cancer patients and caregivers.

Offers free educational programs, such as the Annual Living with Myeloma Conference and the Cancer Caregivers Education Program, to provide up-to-date information, practical knowledge, skills, and strategies for cancer patients, their families, and caregivers in Arizona. These programs include seminars, workshops, and meetings, with some attracting over 350 attendees annually.

Offers support to individuals battling cancer and their families, including providing research and resources related to multiple myeloma treatment, alerting patients to support group locations, specialist doctors, and medical facilities, and offering a free PDF guide with patient stories and caregiver tips. The organization also provides direct support to underserved communities, including Arizona’s Indigenous populations.

Offers free symposiums, workshops, meetings, and online resources to provide up-to-date information on multiple myeloma. Conducts targeted outreach to underserved communities, including African American, Asian/Pacific, Hispanic American, and Native American populations, with language-accessible materials and specialists.

Shares research and educational materials on multiple myeloma treatment and caregiving, including blogs published through AARP Colorado. Offers training, guidance, and information to support groups across Arizona to strengthen local capacity.

Organizes events such as the "Out Race Cancer Timed 5K & Family 1K run / walk," the "Out Drive Cancer Charity Golf Tournament," and virtual cancer caregivers walk/race events to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients and caregivers.

Hosts annual events including the "Out Race Cancer" 5K/1K, the "Out Drive Cancer" Charity Golf Tournament, and the Virtual Cancer Caregivers Walk/Race to raise awareness and support for cancer patients and caregivers.

Offers direct financial assistance to families of cancer patients, including covering accommodation, food, and traditional healing ceremonies, as demonstrated in support for Shakira after her stroke.

Implements culturally responsive programs and conferences for Native American populations, including the Dine Woman Helping Woman Program and breast cancer awareness training on the Navajo Nation. A strategic focus for 2024–2025 includes expanding support for Arizona’s Indigenous communities.

Organizes the Annual Living with Myeloma Conference, which attracts over 350 attendees annually, providing education and support for patients, families, and caregivers. The conference features expert speakers and has been held since 2005.