Comments on: Pat’s Place: Encouraging Minorities With Myeloma To Seek The Best Cancer Care

By: Pat Killingsworth

Pat Killingsworth — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:30:50 +0000

Danika-
Call the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) at
800.452.CURE (2873) Since a majority of support groups work with the IMF, they should be able to help you out. If that doesn’t work, email me and I will put you in touch with the Florida support group contact for the IMF. Good luck- Pat

By: Danika S.

Danika S. — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:36:22 +0000

Hello,

I just came across your article when doing a search for support groups for African Americans with multiple myeloma. I am wondering if you know of any such groups in the Miami area? I am looking for something for my father. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:48:13 +0000

Thank you, Pat. I definitely will. Cheryl

By: Pat Killingsworth

Pat Killingsworth — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:16:58 +0000

Cheryl-
Please email me anytime to share your thoughts and progress. God bless- Pat

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:55:21 +0000

Pat,

Thank you for your concern and focus on minorities with multiple myeloma. I have enjoyed your writings. My husband, an African American (I am, too), was recently diagnosed during a routine physical. We are getting our grounding in the initial phase of treatment but plan to use our community outreach experiences and networks to tap the African American community and the broader MM community. You’ll hear more from us soon. Cheryl

By: Pat Killingsworth

Pat Killingsworth — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:06:08 +0000

So true, Sean! I wish this was a symbolic thing, but there are lots and lots of minority patients who are not getting the best care. The problem is not a secret: I am in contact with several researchers who are conducting studies in the minority community to try and identify the causes. Fewer patients with insurance. Check. Access and travel challenges. Check. Cultural issues and mistrust of physicians and the medical system. Check. Afraid to ask questions or seek second opinions. Check. I’m sure there are lots more road blocks hindering access to quality care. Thanks for caring! Pat

By: Sean Murray

Sean Murray — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:15:19 +0000

Heroes, indeed! Thank you for this wonderful story. It is a call to action for me. EVERYONE deserves help in fighting cancer. While I do see minority patients at my treatment center, the thought of one person not receiving available care for whatever race-related reason, is unacceptable. My family is mixed race. My wife and I are Caucasian and my children are Asian. Thanks for poking me with this needle, Pat.