The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is an American non-profit organization serving patients with myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all myeloma patients by focusing on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy.
Founded in 1990 by Brian Novis, Susie Novis, and Brian G.M. Durie, the IMF operates through four founding principles: research, education, support, and advocacy. The organization is a 501(c)(3) based in North Hollywood, California, and, according to its 2018 annual report, has a membership of 525,000 people in 140 countries.[1] Its motto is "Improving lives — Finding the cure".
History
Founding
The IMF was established in 1990 following Brian D. Novis's diagnosis with multiple myeloma at age 33. Novis co-founded the organization with his wife Susie Novis (later Novis-Durie) and his physician, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, a hematologist-oncologist specializing in myeloma.[2]
Brian Novis died of myeloma complications in July 1992. Following his death, Susie Novis-Durie assumed the role of Executive Director and later served as President and CEO for 31 years.[3]
Leadership
Susie Novis-Durie led the IMF from 1992 until her retirement in 2021. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its educational programs, including the creation of the Patient & Family Seminar series in 1994.[4] In 2002, she received the Joseph Michaeli Award for her contributions to myeloma research and treatment.[5] In 2019, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.[5][6]
Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, a co-founder, served as Chairperson of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer until January 2025. Dr. Durie is known for developing the Durie-Salmon Staging System for multiple myeloma and has published over 700 research papers.[7] He received honorary recognition including the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.[8]
In November 2021, Yelak Biru, a myeloma patient and former board member, was named President and CEO. He resigned from his position in February 2025.[9]
As of February 2025, Diane Moran, RN, MA, EdM, served as Interim CEO.[10] Dr. S. Vincent Rajkumar, Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, was elected Chairperson of the Board in early 2025.[10]
In November 2025, Heather Cooper Ortner joined the IMF as President and CEO.[11] Cooper Ortner previously served a tenure at the IMF as the Executive Vice President of Development. She went on to serve in roles such as President & CEO of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles and CEO of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.[11][10]
Programs
There are approximately 32,110 new patients diagnosed with myeloma each year in the U.S.[12] The IMF offers a variety of programs to aid with educating all new patients and their caregivers.[citation needed]
In 1993, the IMF became the first organization to offer Patient & Family Seminars, granting patients and their caregivers' access to doctors working in the field of myeloma. US-based seminars have been held in Boca Raton, Florida; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; and Los Angeles, California. Internationally based seminars have been held in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, France, Austria, Norway, Slovakia and Italy.[1]
To address the need for similar events in smaller communities, the IMF also hosts Regional Community Workshops and Myeloma Center Workshops. US Regional Community Workshops have been held in North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Indiana, Arkansas, Kansas and Wisconsin. Internationally based seminars have been held in Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.[1]
The IMF produces a number of publications, which are regularly updated and offered free of charge both in print and digitally on the IMF website. The IMF library of publications provides information related to myeloma, including innovations in treatment and information on clinical trials. IMF also produces an InfoPack, which is made up of a selection of the IMF’s publications and is designed to provide newly diagnosed patients and their families with an understanding of the disease and care.[1]
The IMF worked with the Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) to create a myeloma mailing list an amyloid mailing list to facilitate information exchange and support.[13] The IMF also hosts a hotline at 800-452-CURE (2873 and offers online help at www.myeloma.org.[14]
Advocacy
The IMF has an advocacy group (the Myeloma ACTION Team) that guides individuals in taking a stand about critical health issues affecting the myeloma community.[15]
Research
The IMF is involved in a variety of research efforts, which include maintaining a myeloma gene and tissue bank project.
The IMF created the Brian D. Novis Research Grant in 1994 as part of its commitment to finding a cure for myeloma. Novis was the co-founder of IMF and in his memory, the organization promotes research of better treatments, management, prevention, and a cure. The grants are made possible through donations from private individuals and are awarded to doctors and researchers in the field of myeloma, as well as related disorders including but not limited to MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) and immunoglobulin derived amyloidosis.[16]
A subsidiary is the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a consortium of more than 100 myeloma researchers from around the world who collaborate on a broad range of myeloma projects. Members of the IMWG conduct research to prevent onset of myeloma, improve treatment and find a cure.[17] The working group publishes statements and treatment guidelines in its own name[18] as well as sponsoring publications by its members.
The IMF also has the Black Swan Research Initiative (BSRI) in order to work towards finding a cure for myeloma.[19]
Fundraising
The organization holds its major fundraising event, the annual Comedy Celebration benefiting the Peter Boyle Memorial fund, in November of each year.[20]
In the United States, IMF is categorized as a 501(c) non-profit organization by the IRS.
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