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WHEREAS, multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is the third most common blood cancer in the United States; and
WHEREAS, multiple myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy blood cells; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that clinicians and the general public become more aware of the symptoms of multiple myeloma so that it can be diagnosed at an early stage; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2018 more than 30,000 new cases will be diagnosed and about 12,000 deaths will occur due to multiple myeloma; and
WHEREAS, although there have been important advances in the last decade, there is still no cure for multiple myeloma; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Richmond Multiple Myeloma Support Group was established in 2010 as an affiliate of the International Myeloma Foundation, and helps support patients and families; and
WHEREAS, Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate individuals on the signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma with the hope that increased awareness will lead to further research and improved treatment methods;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize March 2018 as MULTIPLE MYELOMA AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
