What Is Advocacy?
Advocacy involves individuals coming together to influence decision-makers and drive law and policy changes. For those affected by myeloma, this means raising awareness, advocating for better treatments, access to care, and increased research funding.
By sharing your story, you can help shape the laws and policies that affect the myeloma community as well as all patients.
Every day on Capitol Hill, in the White House, within federal agencies, and among state and local lawmakers, critical healthcare issues affecting myeloma patients are discussed in various capacities.
In our democratic system, every citizen has the right to advocate for change. In fact, our elected officials rely on hearing from constituents to understand the real impact of their decisions. This means patients and caregivers are uniquely qualified to speak to their elected officials about their healthcare experiences,
challenges, and the impact of those decisions on them and other patients.
By sharing personal experiences and challenges, through patient stories, myeloma patients and caregivers provide crucial insights that can drive meaningful legislative action for the myeloma community.
Does Advocacy Work?
Advocates wield more influence than they may realize. As constituents, patients and care partners hold the power to impact the decisions of elected officials. Personal stories from those living with myeloma can offer lawmakers the information they need to make informed decisions and shape effective healthcare laws and policies. Advocacy efforts have led to the passage of critical legislation that increases federal funding for myeloma research and ensures access to the latest treatments.
Every Voice Is Needed: Advocacy with the IMF
As a patient, no one knows your story better than you do. Your experience with myeloma is the most compelling type of advocacy because it brings a personal and powerful perspective that statistics and data cannot convey. By sharing your journey, you can inspire change, influence policy, and help others understand the real impact of a myeloma diagnosis.
Those who engage with the IMF in advocacy will receive training through webinars, virtual meetings, and written materials to better equip you to share your story. Advocates will also gain a deeper understanding of the current issues most critical to the myeloma community.
Take the First Step to Become an Advocate with the IMF
As a myeloma patient or supporter, you have the power to drive meaningful change. By engaging in advocacy, you can help create a healthcare system that better serves the myeloma community. Start today and share your story by contacting us at [email protected].
