June 2020

IMF and VAM Stand Together with the Black Community

The brutal killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police has enraged the world. The IMF and VAM stand together with the Black community in calling for justice and racial equality. We believe unconditionally that Black Lives Matter.

Because of the systemic racism that still runs rampant in our communities, Black patients have long been denied access to the best care. Their health status has been undermined by inequalities in every sphere of life …

May 2020

Dear VAM Member,

This Memorial Day seemed a little different. Beyond the lack of families piling in SUVs to head to the closest beach, there was something the COVID-19 pandemic was reminding us about how change effects our lives. When someone falls in the line of duty, those around them mourn the loss, remember the fallen and carry on the mission, but their lives are forever altered. Those that survive the fallen have witnessed true sacrifice and commitment; qualities that some say are rarities …

April 2020

Revised VAM Info Book for Patients

Veterans Against Myeloma is pleased to announce that the VAM Info Booklet has been revised in order to act as a better resource for patients on how myeloma and military service relate. The new Info Booklet includes updates on the VA Mission Act and the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act.

To download the VAM Info Booklet, CLICK HERE.

VA Releases COVID-19 Response Plan

At the end of March, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) removed the “For Official Use Only” …

March 2020

Dear Members, 

As you would expect, this update is solely focused on the ongoing pandemic that is Covid-19. VAM is here to provide information specific to veterans with myeloma on coronavirus and the role DoD and VA have in this fight. We have provided information directly from the VA on how veterans should protect themselves during this time. Additionally, as concerns for myeloma patients are heightened, VAM recommends IMFs Covid-19 information page for questions and answers to how myeloma patients should navigate this crisis. 

Be …

February 2020

Advocacy Opportunity – Department of Defense Seeking the Help of Myeloma Patients

We are seeking volunteers to help us advance myeloma research!

The Advocacy Team heavily lobbied Congress, and myeloma researchers are now able to apply for research funds through the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). With this inclusion, the IMF now has a unique opportunity to nominate a myeloma patient or caregiver to apply for the role of consumer reviewer for the program.

Consumer reviewers …

January 2020
 

Legislation Introduced That Will Help Military Firefighters with Myeloma

On January 16, 2020, Rep. Spanberger (D-VA) and Rep. Bacon (R-NE) introduced legislation that would help military firefighters with myeloma receive VA benefits.

H.R. 5637, the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act would create a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with firefighting, which includes myeloma. By creating this presumption of service connection for military firefighters, this population would gain the ability to receive VA benefits without the need to prove …

December 2019
 

Firefighting Foam Contaminated Military Base Drinking Water

A task force charged with determining the extent of contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, have released preliminary findings which show the issue has much greater reach than previously thought. PFAS are commonly found in firefighting foam use by the military to quickly extinguish fires on ships and around fighter jets. The military have been using firefighting foam with PFAS since the 1970’s.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because …

November 2019
 

Wishing all our Veterans Against Myeloma a Happy Veterans Day

Thank you for your sacrifices, your commitment to freedom and your service. We hope you enjoyed your day.
 

Congressional Fellowship Program Available to Gold Star Family Members

Last month, lawmakers approved a yearlong to give members of families of the fallen first-hand experience in Congress. Passed by voice vote, the paid fellowship is named in memory of Army Sgt. 1st Class Sean Cooley and Spc. Christopher Horton. The fellowship will be open …

October 2019
 

Take Our Survey and Help Us Improve How We Help YOU!

VAM is conducting a brief six-question survey to help focus our efforts in to issues that are important to veterans with myeloma. Please take a few moments to complete and submit your response to this survey.

CDMRP Funding Could be in Trouble for 2020

For the first time in 58 fiscal years there could no Defense appropriations legislation passed by Congress. While this does not affect the Department of Veterans …

JULY 2019
 

VA Puts Hold on All Blue Water Veteran Claims Until Law Takes Effect

The Department of Veterans Affairs has placed a hold on all claims from Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans until the recently passed law, signed by the President, takes effect on January 1, 2020. Claims from this group are under a temporary stay until the VA feels they have operational authority to act once the law takes effect. However, we believe the Procopio ruling earlier this year, which we have …