The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)-supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians- announced that Susie Novis, president and co-founder of the IMF, has received the Wellsphere Health Impact Award for providing outstanding support and education to myeloma patients and caregivers, and driving innovation in the field of myeloma treatment.

The Wellsphere health network is an extensive internet community that includes expert medical writers and patients who write on a variety of health and medical topics. Wellsphere's mission is to help millions of people live healthier, happier lives by connecting them with the knowledge, people, and tools they need to manage and improve their health. The Wellsphere Health Impact Award honors individuals and organizations making the greatest impact in the lives of patients.

"We are very proud of Susie's receipt of the Health Impact Award," said David Girard, executive director of the IMF. "Susie's commitment to myeloma patients and her dedication to supporting the entire myeloma community inspire the work of the IMF, and we are pleased that her efforts and the efforts of the IMF have been recognized by the Wellsphere health community."

Criteria for determining recipients of the Health Impact Award include: providing support for patients; conducting or supporting basic and applied research; improving accessibility and affordability of care; raising awareness of significant health issues; promoting prevention and proactive care; providing and supporting education; and driving and inspiring innovation.

"I am pleased to accept the Health Impact Award on behalf of all of the dedicated IMF staff who tirelessly serve myeloma patients and their families," said Ms. Novis. "The IMF works hard to achieve its mission of promoting patient and family support, education and advocacy, as well as supporting myeloma research, and I am pleased that this award recognizes the IMF's important role as a resource for the myeloma community."

In recognition of this achievement, the IMF was presented with a "Health Impact Award Badge," which is posted on the IMF Website. Susie Novis accepted the award on September 23, 2008.

About The International Myeloma Foundation

The International Myeloma Foundation is the oldest and largest myeloma organization, reaching more than 185,000 members in 113 countries worldwide. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients and their families, the IMF focuses in four key areas: research, education, support and advocacy. To date, the IMF has conducted more than 200 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned hotline, and operates Bank on a Cure®, a unique gene bank to advance myeloma research. The IMF was rated as the number one resource for patients in an independent survey by the Target Research Group. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE, or out of the United States at +1-818-487-7455.

The International Myeloma Foundation