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More possible drug options for Multiple Myeloma Patients

kimberlya — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:07:05 +0000

April 30, 2012 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

A New Drug Used by 71-Year-Old Marathoner DonWright Could Soon Be Approved to Help More Patients with Multiple Myeloma Says Tackle Cancer Foundation

Pomalidomide from Celgene has been Submitted to the FDA for Approval

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Leaders of the Tackle Cancer Foundation (TCF) today said they are excited to learn that a new drug for patients with multiple myeloma, pomalidomide from CELGENE, has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration. If approved it would mean patients with the bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma would have access to this potent new drug without going into a clinical trial.

“We are proud that Elijah did his part to help bring new drugs toward approval, and we are sure he would be pleased to know that soon patients may have a new option. We eagerly await the FDA decision.”

Don Wright, the 71-year-old marathon runner sponsored by TCF in the E-Race Cancer Campaign, takes pomalidomide for his multiple myeloma. Taking an oral drug without the side effects of typical chemotherapy allows him to continue with his personal passion, running marathons. Don hopes to complete marathons in all 50 US states this year, nine years after he was first diagnosed with cancer. But Don Wright must depend on a clinical trial to get his pomalidomide.

“We know from personal experience that it is essential for cancer patients to have ready access to new therapies,” said Kimberly Alexander, TCF Executive Director. “When our founder, my late husband Elijah Alexander, had gone through all of the available therapies, he had to travel out of state to get into a clinical study so he could get new treatments. But not every patient can do that, and no patient should have to.”

Elijah Alexander, a former NFL football player was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 35, much younger than the typical patient profile. His first treatment, a bone marrow transplant, left him weak and debilitated. When a new drug called REVLIMID^®became available, he got his strength back, and started the Tackle Cancer Foundation to support myeloma research and help families who have a child with cancer.

Elijah experienced the benefits of new drug development first hand. But multiple myeloma cannot be cured, remissions end, and patients need new options. Elijah had been through all of the available drugs and Kimberly notes that he had to find a clinical trial so he could continue treatments.

“We are proud that Elijah did his part to help bring new drugs toward approval, and we are sure he would be pleased to know that soon patients may have a new option. We eagerly await the FDA decision.”

The Tackle Cancer Foundation helps pay family utility bills up to $2500 per year. A portion of the proceeds goes to the International Myeloma Foundation for research.

More information about TCF can be found at www.tacklecancerfoundation.org.

Information about E-Race Cancer is available at www.facebook.com/ERACECANCER.

Contacts

For TCF
Peggy C. Frank, 818-735-3591
pfrank@frankpr.com

Tackle Cancer Foundation Brings Lollipop Theater to Dallas for Kids with Cancer

kimberlya — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:32:28 +0000

These girls were all smiles and prepared to strike a pose!

On Wednesday, December 16th the Tackle Cancer Foundation sponsored a special red carpet movie screening, with the Lollipop Theater Network, for the movie Dolphin Tale. The event was for children being treated for cancer at Medical City Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly with one of the families Tackle Cancer Foundation has helped

It was so nice to be able to do something special for the kids. They were provided with a movie poster, activity book and t-shirt as well as popcorn, of course!!!

Kids and their families leaving the theater.

TCF Golf

summerg — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:23:00 +0000

[portfolio_slideshow thumbs=true]

Giving Back Never Giving Up

summerg — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:12:14 +0000

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Originally posted in 2008

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE S-T/MIKE FUENTES

Elijah Alexander was diagnosed with multiple myeloma two years ago, but the cancer is now in remission.

MCKINNEY — Watching a strong and vibrant Elijah Alexander walk around the TPC golf course at Craig’s Ranch on Tuesday, there was little hint of the near tragedy upon which the day’s activities were founded.

Alexander was rushed to Plano Presbyterian hospital two years ago. He was dehydrated, and his kidneys were shutting down.

Alexander, a former Fort Worth Dunbar star, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a rare cancer of the bone marrow.

Alexander, a 235-pound linebacker for 10 years in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis and Oakland Raiders, had to undergo chemotherapy and a bone marrow transfusion.

At his lowest point, Alexander was a frail 178 pounder who couldn’t shower himself or sit up to eat.

Kimberly, his wife of 12 years, remembers the days she had to put towels on the floor so he could crawl to bed.

And then there was the very real possibility of him not even making it because of possible organ failure.

“He is a trooper,” Kimberly said. “Looking at him now you wouldn’t really know what he went through from September 2005 to March of 2006. It was tough.

“He was broken down. And we didn’t realize how close we came to losing him.”

Today, Alexander’s cancer is in remission. His levels are almost undetectable, thanks to maintenance drugs.

While his body and immune system are still not NFL strong, he does have the wisdom to know he is blessed and the strength to give back.

With the help of parents from his pee wee football team, Alexander and his wife created the Tackle Myeloma Foundation, benefiting multiple myeloma research and Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas.

“I was still coaching my son’s football team when I got ill,” said Alexander, 37.

“When I got done after the bone marrow transplant, a lot of the parents said, ‘Let’s give back. Let’s do something to raise money since there is no cure.’”

Alexander took a step further. He saw the impact cancer had on his family and the other families while he was in the hospital — many who did not the have the resources an NFL background can provide.

Said Kimberly: “I think it’s more of matter of us realizing how blessed we are and turning it around and trying to be a blessing. It was literally while Elijah was laying in his hospital bed that he said he wanted to raise money for research and children affected by cancer.”

Roughly 140 participants gathered at the TPC at Craig’s Ranch for the second annual TMF golf tournament and fundraiser. Among the attendees were running back Marion Barber, receiver Patrick Crayton and safety Keith Davis of the Cowboys, former NFL stars Russell Maryland, Tim Brown, Kevin Mathis, Ray Crockett, Larry Centers and Billy Joe Tolliver, and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk and Trevor Daley of the Dallas Stars.

“I couldn’t fathom seeing him at 178 pounds,” said former Steelers offensive lineman Barrett Brooks, who played with Alexander at Kansas State. “It’s an unbelievable difference where he was then and where he is now. But he always was a fighter. And what he is doing with the golf tournament to try to help others with cancer is a beautiful thing.”

2007 TCF Appreciation Dinner

summerg — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:37:40 +0000

Elijah Alexander Talks Myeloma Part 1 of 2

summerg — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:14:45 +0000

Elijah Alexander Talks Myeloma Part 2 of 2

summerg — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:09:19 +0000

Elijah Alexander Attends ASH 2007

summerg — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:11:40 +0000

March is IMF Myeloma Awareness Month

summerg — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:16:40 +0000

MARCH FOR MYELOMA!

M – Myeloma
A - Advocates
R - Research
C - Cure
H - Hope

Myeloma Advocates support Research and look forward to a Cure with never ending Hope!

For Myeloma Awareness Month, the International Myeloma Foundation is pleased to offer a series of teleconferences covering the world’s premier meeting on multiple myeloma, the International Myeloma Workshop (IMW). Held every other year, the IMW brings together myeloma specialists from all over the world to present the most exciting and up-to-date information on a broad range of myeloma topics, including phase III studies with new agents, the current role of transplant, immune therapy, and the microenvironment and its signaling pathways.

For more information, visit myeloma.org