WHEREAS, for over three years, the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group has provided accurate information, advice, comfort, and hope to people with multiple myeloma and their families; and WHEREAS, four Richmond-area residents founded the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group after identifying a need for increased support for multiple myeloma survivors and caregivers in the community; and WHEREAS, with assistance from the International Myeloma Foundation, the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group held its first meeting in January 2010 with 12 members; the organization has experienced a great deal of success and now has close to 40 members attending monthly meetings; and WHEREAS, the members of the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group often hear from expert speakers on relevant topics, such as clinical trials, new research and treatments, and caregiving; the group also offers mutual support and encouragement by sharing personal experiences; and WHEREAS, the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group strives to reach anyone in need, distributing flyers to local oncologists, hematologists, and hospitals and placing announcements in local newspapers and magazines; and WHEREAS, multiple myeloma is the second largest blood cancer, affecting approximately 750,000 people worldwide; while there is no known cure, multiple myeloma is treatable, and advances in treatment are frequently being made; and WHEREAS, affirming the need for an ongoing discussion about the disease, the International Myeloma Foundation recognizes March as Myeloma Awareness Month; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group for its work to better the lives of those coping with multiple myeloma; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the group's contributions to the Richmond community. |