Julie's Walk for Waldenstrom's

I was diagnosed with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (say that five times fast!), aka "WM", in March of this last year, at 45 years old, and having spent several years with various doctors trying to figure out the complete picture of what was "wrong" with me. I'm one of maybe 1500 cases diagnosed per year in the US. And less than 10% of those 1500 cases happen to someone as young as I am. The average age of diagnosis is something like 65.

Since diagnosis, I've discovered that there are "Wallies" all over the world, and have benefited tremendously from the sharing of knowledge and support from these folks through a private, international Facebook group. I've also relied heavily on the International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation--a wealth of information and support. 

The IWMF is dedicated to supporting and educating everyone affected by WM, while advancing the search for a cure.  And while I'm not sure I can pull off what the Susan Komen foundation has in regards to breast cancer,  I am committed to doing what I can to give back to a community that has already given so much to me. 

So--walk for Waldenstrom's with me? And/or make a donation towards my goal of $2500 between now and August 28th? August 28th is the "official" 2020 date for a virtual WM walk, and it is part of the annual IWMF educational forum--an event I hope to attend in person one day. 

WM is, as of now, a chronic non Hodgkins lymphoma--meaning that there is no cure. But there is incredible treatment, and lifelong management. For this, and all the research that has made this management possible, I am profoundly grateful.
Funds raised during the Walk for Waldenstrom's will directly support the mission of the IWMF. And y'all know I've done my research on that as a development professional! :)

On August 28th, Maddy and I will walk a 5k for WM -- our location is TBD, but we'll likely hit up one of Louisville's many beautiful park spaces. If you're local and would like to join us physically, we'll keep you posted. We welcome anyone to join us virtually that day as well. And we encourage the following hashtags #waldenfriend (so IWMF can see our support) and #teamJulie (because why not?). 

Y'all, I know this has been a helluva year. And there is so much need all over each of our communities that it breaks my heart--and I feel fortunate to have such a great village loving me through this. I almost did not do this simply because I know so many people need so much. But also--Maddy and I need for WM research to keep getting funding. For ourselves and the life we love together, and for the people I've already connected with all over the world who live with WM.

For the support so many of you have shown, in so many ways, I am already so grateful. Your love and prayers have humbled me and held me up in ways I can't even describe.  As a clergy friend of mine once said, "It is awful when you have to fall into the arms of your community--but it's amazing when they catch you." Thank you for catching us--and for considering broadening the safety net for Wallies and their loved ones everywhere by supporting IWMF.