Living with a condition like multiple myeloma has a significant impact, both physical and psychological, on those who suffer from it. Through the metaphor of the tides, the communication and information campaign “Mmarea – Multiple myeloma. Wave after wave” promoted by Pfizer Italia in collaboration with AIL, the Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, offers support and tools to manage the disease in all its phases. The objective is not only to inform and raise awareness, but also to instill hope and courage in patients and their loved ones, so that they never feel alone.
Mmarea: living with the disease between phases of remission and relapses
Il multiple myeloma it’s a cancer which affects a particular type of cell bone marrowthe plasma cells, that is, those elements of the immune system that produce antibodies to fight infections. Its clinical course alternates phases of remission to the appearance of relapses, which are particularly difficult to deal with. But thanks to the availability of new therapies, the adoption of different treatment strategies and continuous care, the prospects for quality of life have improved significantly, also prolonging the duration of remission.
The importance of the psychological well-being of the patient and those who assist him
«Patients who have to face a flare-up of an illness like multiple myeloma find themselves having to deal with aexperience of pain that doesn’t just overwhelm them from the physical point of viewbut also under theemotional and psychological aspect“, it needs William Arcese, President of the Scientific Committee of AllL, Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma. “Suddenly, these people are hit by fears and worries regarding their daily lives, family relationships, work, the social sphere.”
«Il The psychological well-being of the patient and those who assist him is essential to ensure correct adherence to treatment and to ensure that the sense of loneliness and isolation, which often affects patients and caregivers, can be overcome. This is why it is truly essential to legitimize this need and support the patient and his family, offering them listening, understanding and support. As in the case of the “Mmarea” campaign, which today sees us alongside Pfizer Italia, but also with the many local projects that, as a reference patient association in the field of this pathology, we carry out every day.”
Bring innovations that improve the quality of life of patients
“We are proud to be able to begin this journey of support for the many patients and their loved ones affected by multiple myeloma together with AlL, clinicians of international importance and the collaboration of important artists”, declares Marco Provera, Director of Oncology at Pfizer in Italy. “L‘commitment of Pfizer in oncology and blood cancers is to bring innovations that can prolong the expectations and quality of life of oncology and haematology patientsaiming to make available in prossimilar 6 years at least 8 new therapeutic options in the field of breast cancer, thoracic, genitourinary and hematological tumors such as multiple myeloma”.
«To improve the quality of life of patients, the development of projects and initiatives such as “Mmarea” is essential to accompany them along the treatment path, involving all the interlocutors: clinicians and scientific societies, patient associations and companies involved in research».
Mmarea: the 5 chapters that talk about multiple myeloma
The heart of the Mmarea campaign is the illustrated storyrealized by Manuela Adrianiwhich tells the story of a fisherman whose challenges with the fluctuations of the sea mirror those of multiple myeloma patients, navigating between phases of stability and storms of relapse.
The narrative is divided into 5 chapters which metaphorically describe 5 topics related to the pathology: diagnosis, therapies, relapse, remission and awareness. From this graphic novel was also born a podcast of 5 episodes, with the narrative voice of Luca Zingaretti. At the end of each reading, the episode delves into the heart of the metaphor with a short talk between an expert in Hematology and a representative of the AIL, for an in-depth analysis of the topic addressed.
Chapter 1: the night
Like an unexpected tide, the diagnosis of the disease overwhelms the daily lives of those who experience it. Early diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms can be general and understated, just like that red moon before the flood.
Chapter 2: the day
The fisherman feels sad, distressed and alone in front of his destroyed hut. The same thing can happen to someone who receives a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. On the other hand, the strength with which the fisherman rebuilds the hut represents the same strength and resilience of the patients who rely on specialists and treatment paths to fight the disease.
Chapter 3: the sunset
In the third chapter there is the story of relapse, one of the most difficult moments in the journey of those living with this pathology. The very high wave that destroys the fisherman’s boat symbolizes the myeloma that returns to disrupt the person’s life.
Chapter 4: dawn
The remission occurs when the disease returns to control. The villagers who help the fisherman represent all those fundamental figures who accompany people with multiple myeloma in the treatment process, supporting them every day in managing the disease.
Chapter 5: the fish
In the last chapter of Mmarea, the fisherman reaches a deep awareness and acceptance of its existence. She understands that he, like fish, must adapt to living in symbiosis with the sea, despite its unpredictable tides and storms. The narrative closes with a message of hope and inner strength, highlighting the resilience of those who learn to navigate the fluctuations of the disease, while recognizing the emotional complexities of this coexistence.
Mmarea: the information mini-site on multiple myeloma
Mmarea is also a informative mini-site on multiple myeloma, created in collaboration with a pool of hematology specialists which aims to become a point of reference on the pathology for patients and caregivers.