In these uncertain times, there is one thing that we know for sure:
With the IWMF, we are never alone.
That unifying truth is even more important and powerful during these trying days of social distancing and isolation in the face of COVID-19.
Since your safety and health are our top priorities, the IWMF will be CANCELING all face-to-face U.S. Support Group Meetings through June 15, 2020.
However, we have found a creative way to connect, offer support and assist each other by meeting together REMOTELY using Zoom.
Please watch for exciting details about REMOTE Support Group Meetings being hosted by U.S. Support Group Leaders all across our country! We hope to “see” you online soon!
Note: Remote Zoom meetings are NOT intended to permanently replace our in-person IWMF Support Group Meetings. During this unprecedented time of necessary social distancing, meeting remotely merely offers us a safe and sound alternative. When our face-to-face meetings resume in the future, Zoom will be a great supplemental, complementary resource for “keeping the conversation going” between our invaluable in-person meetings!
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.
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(link is external) is pleased to offer you the audio replay, program slides and supporting documents from the program “Your Questions Answered About Coronavirus (COVID-19).”
- LRF (Lymphoma Research Foundation)(link is external) – understanding COVID-19 and how it impacts lymphoma patients.
- Please join NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) tomorrow (March 31) for a special webinar featuring invited guests for guidance on living with a rare disease and maintaining your physical and mental health in the time of COVID-19. Register by clicking 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 Chair of the Board
Newton Guerin
IWMF, President & CEO