The Rhode Island Multiple Myeloma Support Group was established by Carol Murray-Rossi in 2005.

 Carol was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003. Eager to find information on the disease and hoping to meet others facing the same challenges, she searched for a support group to meet her needs.

There were many different support groups for cancer patients in R.I., though none were specifically for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Carol decided to start The RIMMSG in 2005. This patient run support group remains to be the only support group in the state of R.I., specific to multiple myeloma.

Shortly after advertizing the newly formed group, Carol was contacted by the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), offering their support.  The IMF has worked closely with the RIMMSG ever since.

ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the cells in the bone marrow that affects production of red cells, white cells and stem cells. More specifically, it is an uncontrolled growth of plasma cells which attack and destroy bone.

It represents approximately 1% of all cancers, and is the 2nd largest of the blood cancers. Each year approximately 20,000 Americans are diagnosed with myeloma. There are currently approximately 100,000 Americans undergoing treatment for the disease.  Common symptoms include bone pain and fractures, anemia, kidney dysfunction, fatigue, and increased incidence of infection.

Although there is no known cure, multiple myeloma is treatable and outcomes are constantly improving.