The worldwide coronavirus outbreak, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, March 11, continues to be of great concern to WM patients and caregivers around the world.
As extra precautions are being taken around the world to protect ourselves, so too have additional measures been taken by our dedicated IWMF office staff in Sarasota, Florida. While they remain committed to providing support to everyone around the world affected by WM, they have taken extra safety measures by working remotely and limiting the need to physically travel to the office. They deserve our gratitude and support also, and we are very appreciative of their commitment in this time of crisis.
Previous IWMF Updates can be read at:
Soon, the IWMF will be announcing an update and resolution regarding the IWMF Ed Forum, initially scheduled to take place in Renton, Washington (near Seattle) from June 5-7, 2020.
A FEW KEY REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS IWMF NEWS UPDATES:
- You can obtain the latest information from the following links:
- WHO (World Health Organization)(link is external) – advice for the public, protective measures, etc.
- U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control)(link is external) – information about, and ways to protect yourself against, the coronavirus.
- Dr. Gwen Nichols, the Chief Medical Officer of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the U.S. (and frequent speaker at the IWMF Ed Forum), posted a useful list of FAQs with responses to help blood cancer patients adjust to the new normal as the coronavirus continues to spread globally. You can find that useful advice here(link is external).
- If you have questions specific to your personal health situation, please do not hesitate to contact your primary care physician and/or your blood cancer specialist.
- As we all strive to self-impose quarantine measures and social distancing practices, we should remember that the IWMF does provide “virtual” support services, such as the online discussion list (IWMF Connect); Facebook (IWMF Official page and a private closed support group); and the phone/email-based Lifeline, where a fellow WMer is just a phone call or email away. Should you need social or emotional support, feel free to continue to reach out to the IWMF worldwide community and take advantage of these resources. NOTE: IWMF Affiliates in several countries also have country/region-specific Facebook pages and discussion groups – please visit the IWMF International Affiliates web page for further information (see list here).
In this time of global crisis, the IWMF wishes to extend its concern and support to everyone around the world who is affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Our hope continues to be for a speedy and effective resolution.
Carl Harrington
IWMF Board Chair
Newton Guerin
IWMF President & CEO