A support group for people living with multiple myeloma plans to expand its assistance next month through a new partnership with a United States charity.

The Bermuda Multiple Myeloma United Support Group was founded by Pamela Shailer in 2015 to help those who suffer from the blood cancer.

The group has now announced that it will join the International Myeloma Foundation, a US charity dedicated to the same issues.

The partnership came as a result of a suggestion by Alisha Tucker, a Bermuda Hospitals Board locum oncologist/haematologist who specialises in blood cancers who had worked with the foundation through a support group in Jamaica.

Ms Shailer said: “We welcomed the suggestion and agree that this expands the benefit we can provide to not only our members, but also the general community.

“We can become more educated survivors and pass that information on to anyone who approaches us about it.”

Ms Shailer said she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013 during a routine blood test carried out as part of her annual physical.

“I had no symptoms,” she said. “I’ve had a stem cell transplant and chemotherapy, followed by medication. Today am no longer on medication for it.

“I’ve stressed to my friends the advantage of getting annual physicals, and I feel passionate about sharing information I learn from the IMF.”

Dr Tucker said: “Membership to IMF gives members of the Bermuda patient support group access to the latest research and clinical guidance on managing the illness.

“They can also attend conferences and seminars, and access a wealth of up-to-date information.”

Information about the Bermuda Multiple Myeloma United Support Group will appear on the foundation website in August. This will make the group easy to find for anyone, anywhere in the world, who may be coming to Bermuda and looking for support.

Dr Tucker added: “Most importantly, this will ensure that our patients who are diagnosed with multiple myeloma have access to developments on the disease, and can receive support and empowerment in the community.

“We look forward to assisting them in managing and treating their conditions, and even keeping us on our toes with their latest research knowledge and questions.”

Multiple Myeloma, which affects plasma cells in the body’s bone marrow, represents approximately 23 per cent of cases of blood cancer in Bermuda.

The Bermuda Multiple Myeloma United Support Group meets once a month. For more information, contact bermuda@imfsupport.org or call 236-6086