Former MLB Sluggers Team up to Create Awareness of Multiple Myeloma
Posted: Friday, September 7, 2018
Three rather well-known sports personalities have combined their experiences, knowledge, and hopes in an effort that may be of value to oncologists and their patients with multiple myeloma. Former Major League Baseball all-stars Dave Winfield and Steve Garvey, along with the son of former all-star Don Baylor, have helped launch Myeloma MVP, a national campaign to help those affected by multiple myeloma create their Most Valuable Plan, an individualized approach to managing their disease. Mr. Winfield and Mr. Garvey have both been touched by multiple myeloma, and Mr. Baylor, Jr. saw his father pass away in 2017, after a 14-year battle with multiple myeloma.
The Myeloma MVP guide asks a series of questions to help patients think through their priorities before their next oncology appointment. Myeloma MVP stresses that navigating this complex disease is a team effort. The campaign assists patients, their families, and their oncologists to determine the most appropriate treatment regimen.
Steve Garvey saw firsthand the impact of multiple myeloma, when his father-in-law was diagnosed and later died of the disease. As Mr. Garvey noted, “If you or someone you love is up against multiple myeloma, you’re not alone. The right strategy can help you manage this complex disease.”
Dave Winfield also knows the impact of multiple myeloma. Don Baylor was his close friend and former teammate. Together with Mr. Baylor’s son, Mr. Winfield is committed to helping patients with multiple myeloma, their families, and their care team. “On the field, as a player, coach, and manager, Don Baylor always had a plan in approaching the day’s game. Off the field, he took the same approach in managing his multiple myeloma,” noted Mr. Winfield.
As part of the campaign, Amgen Inc. is working closely with the multiple myeloma patient research and advocacy community, including the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the International Myeloma Foundation, and Myeloma Crowd, to raise awareness with patients and caregivers. Amgen also is working with Major League Baseball to recognize local multiple myeloma communities at select games during the 2018 season.
Let Us Hear From You!
JNCCN 360 occasionally provides special features such as this one to further general awareness of certain types of cancer and often to share useful patient education sites. Let us know whether you find such features of value and interest and what other types of stories you would like to see on JNCCN 360. We value your opinion, so share your thoughts with us at sjackson@hbside.com.
