Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group
Who We Are
Our History
The PMMNG was formed in 1995, and is a diverse group of myeloma patients, caregivers and support persons.
From an original meeting around a kitchen table, the founding members led the organization to find more appropriate meeting space, an experienced group facilitator and many more members.
Phil Falkowitz and his wife, Barbara, along with Marilyn Alexander and her twin sister, Sharon, mobilized efforts to include patient education, political advocacy, and fundraising for Myeloma research. Meeting notices spread throughout the Philadelphia region, and relationships with local cancer organizations were established.
In 1999, the growing group found a home at the Ralston House on the campus of UPenn. The membership list grew to upwards of 300 members. After COVID, our meetings have been online via Zoom.
We are affiliated with the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). There is a small leadership council with several working groups that manage the group’s operations. Our medical advisors are
Dr. Edward Stadtmauer and Dr. Dan Vogl, of the Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania
Certainly we wish there were no need for a group such as ours, but we take comfort from the fact that we are known in the region as a safe haven for families dealing with myeloma and being able to reach and assist so many more people than the small group who met more than 30 years ago.
Our Members’ Stories