35 Years of Defying Boundaries and Redefining Possibilities
When the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) was founded in 1990, it was the first organization focused specifically on multiple myeloma, and it remains the largest and only global organization in the field. What made the IMF extraordinary from the start was the unique combination of a bold vision and a powerful alliance. The IMF was conceived and founded by a patient, a care partner, and a physician working side-by-side.
Brian D. Novis, diagnosed at age 33, joined forces with his wife and care partner, Susie Novis, and his physician, myeloma expert Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, to create something the world had never seen before, a foundation built equally on lived experience, devoted support, and scientific and clinical expertise. Together, they set out to educate the patient community, raise myeloma awareness, and drive progress toward more effective treatments, better outcomes, and ultimately, prevention and a cure. Their guidance continues to shape the IMF’s work to this day.
IMF mission
The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure by focusing on our key pillars: research, education, support, and advocacy.
IMF vision
A world where every myeloma patient can live life to the fullest, unburdened by the disease.
In its 35-year journey, the IMF has continued to expand its global reach while remaining true to its mission and vision. The IMF unites patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families across 140 countries. We are delivering reliable and actionable knowledge, advancing science, support, and equity. The IMF has celebrated countless groundbreaking “firsts” that have reshaped the landscape of myeloma. The timeline below highlights only a select few of these “firsts.”
In the past 12 months alone, IMF programming reached more than 525,000 individuals, including patients, care partners, and healthcare professionals. In 2025, the IMF’s annual Myeloma Action Month initiative reached 53.6 million social media accounts worldwide. Across social media channels, IMF content was seen more than 350 million times. Through it all, the perspectives that shaped
the IMF’s founding remain central to its success: supporting patients and care partners, and advancing science toward a cure.
The IMF is at the forefront of technological innovation. The IMF Myeloma Knowledge Platform now includes Myelo®, an AI chatbot that has answered more than 82,000 questions from patients and care partners with accurate, ethical, and compassionate guidance. Myelo MD, the upcoming tool that will extend AI support to healthcare professionals, will deliver expert-backed diagnostic and treatment recommendations to non-specialists in real time. The SparkCures Clinical Trials Matching Engine is already helping countless patients to close knowledge gaps and connect to clinical trials.
As the IMF looks ahead, it does so with the same clarity of purpose that defined its beginning. The IMF serves as a vital bridge between evidence and lived experience, bringing together world-class research and the real-world needs of those living with myeloma. The IMF’s impact is tangible.
Diane Moran, RN, MA, EdM, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, shared:
Having joined the IMF in 2006, I have had the honor and privilege to twice serve as the IMF’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. I am now overjoyed to welcome Heather Cooper Ortner as the IMF’s new President and CEO. I have worked with Heather previously, when she was IMF Executive Vice President of Development, and I am assured of her remarkable leadership and deep commitment to the IMF’s mission and vision. As the IMF celebrates its 35th year defying boundaries and redefining possibilities, we welcome a new chapter under Heather’s prudent and thoughtful direction. We remain confident in accomplishing the IMF’s mission and vision.
(This article was originally published in the 2025 Fall Edition of the IMF's quarterly publication, Myeloma Today. Read the full publication here.)