Multiple Myeloma Support Group

Hi, I'm Vicki Watzlawick, a heavy hitter in the Real Estate Industry here in the Northwest Chicago area.  In December of 2014 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma; it is a terminal blood plasma cancer that fractures or breaks bones from the inside out. I have been diligently attempting to locate a support group in the Northwest suburbs, whether in person or online, but I have had zero luck. Surprisingly, I have found that most people with cancer don't want to discuss their disease or situation. I am a firm believer that all of us with this horrendous disease share a common bond other than our cancer, and I would love to find that bond. While spending time at the chemo center over the last few months, I have noticed the wide array of types of cancer and types of treatment; the treatment of choice seems to be solely based on the doctor caring for each patient. For example, I am headed into a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) next week at Northwestern Hospital. Why aren't more Multiple Myeloma sufferers being offered this treatment?  I lost a friend to this disease a year ago, and she didn't make it to a stem cell transplant. My goal with this fundraiser is to raise money and start hosting support groups in the local area (and possibly expand in the future! Move over Susan Komen!)  We can share ideas, cry on each other's shoulders, pray, talk about new breakthroughs in treatment and clinical trials, and try to help researchers and doctors find a cure for our disease!
I welcome and appreciate ideas, information, or a donation! Let's show other sufferers they are not alone like I have so often felt since my diagnosis. For any donation over $15.00 I will send you a Multiple Myeloma awareness bracelet. If we can save even ONE life, isn't it worth it? This is my dream; I want to LIVE! And ultimately, I want to help ease the pain of all sufferers through my experience. Thank you for reading part of my story; I value any and all help!