It’s January 2021, another year is put to rest. I truly wish it was indeed restful, but we know it has been challenging. These times have been some of the most frightening, and we probably say that every year. Yet, here we are slogging our way through a pandemic and lockdowns to help us stay safe.
The United States has had hard times before, and we have seen things that we never thought we’d have to see again. After so many wars at home and abroad, I — like so many others across our beautiful country — thought the worst must be over by now. And then, things began to breakdown. Now, here we are, relearning how to be pieced back together again.
When I was in college, we proudly marched from Massachusetts – the land of liberty – to Washington DC. to demand that people of all colors, who came from all across the U.S., have the rights that are clearly stated in our Constitution. According to the U.S. Senate, "The Constitution's first three words—We the People—affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. For over two centuries the Constitution has remained in force because its framers wisely separated and balanced governmental powers to safeguard the interests of majority rule and minority rights, of liberty and equality, and of the federal and state governments."
As many of us watched on our TVs, we experienced shock and dismay at the mayhem experienced in Washington, DC, and in other U.S. regions. But we are resilient, and we are strong. We care about each other, all across our nation, in small towns, and big cities.
The U.S. has had its ups and downs, but we always pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and keep moving forward. That’s what our great country is all about! And this rings especially true for the myeloma community, as we brace ourselves to get through the surge of Covid-19.
Despite all the stressors of our external world, we can all be together while apart, knowing that we are all advocating for our health, staying safer at home, and reaching out online to stay connected. We have seen harsh times, and we have always seen them through to a brighter future. I know our myeloma community can reach out to one another and hold one another up on our shoulders. The International Myeloma Foundation continues to be here for you through it all.
With warmth,
Susie Durie, IMF Co-Founder
