About the Founder

Arizona Myeloma Network, AzMN®
Our Mission is to promote collaboration, awareness, education and advocacy for improved treatment and quality of life for multiple myeloma patients, their families and ALL Cancer Caregivers with special consideration for the underserved.

Barbara Baroff Kavanagh, MSW, LCSW
Barbara B. Kavanagh is the Founder and CEO of Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN). She is a published author and has served as faculty for several universities including Boston University, Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, and Arizona State University. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Boston University and a bachelor’s from Duke University.

AzMN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization started in 2004 by Barbara and her husband, Jack, who is a 29 year survivor of multiple myeloma. In 2005, Barbara created the first Living with Myeloma Conferences and Research Roundtables® that now attract more than 350 attendees annually. All AzMN programs are free and open to patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in the treatments and advancements of care for myeloma and all cancer patients and caregivers.

During the past 12 years, she and her staff have developed and delivered over 75 cancer caregiver seminars throughout the State and have additional Cancer Caregiver Education Programs, CCEP©, scheduled through March, 2020*. The seminars provide caregivers of cancer patients and the patient’s team the practical knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary for effectively caring for their loved ones, as well as themselves. CCEP© is now available as a customized program for companies, healthcare organizations, and community groups who want to present the event for their staff, cancer patients, and caregivers. AzMN Celebrated the 2nd Annual Cancer CareGivers Week, November14-21 with a Proclamation from the Governor of Arizona.. And, from Nov.21-December 21st held the 1st Annual Virtual Cancer Caregivers Walk/Race Event in Arizona.

On November 23rd, Barbara received Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Lesko for her dedication to cancer patients and caregivers in Arizona.
She was recently selected for an award as one of the Top !00 Healthcare Visionaries, 2021, by IFAH International. Conferences.
She is currently working on her new book: “Living with Cancer, a CareGiver’s Journey®”. This book features information from major cancer researchers and clinicians as well as sharing her own journey and those of the hundreds of patients and caregivers she has met and learned from over the past 29 years.

Barbara and Jack have recognized in Tom Brokaw’s book A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope. Her books on volunteerism and patient advocacy include The New Volunteerism, A Community Connection; The New Partnership: Human Services, Business and Industry; and Training Volunteers in the New Millennium: An International Connection They reflect a life dedicated to teaching and mentoring others to achieve their goals and transform their own lives and those they touch. She is currently working on her new book: “Living with Myeloma, a CareGiver’s Journey®”. Sharing her own journey and those of the hundreds of patients and caregivers she has met and learned from over the past 28 years.

During the current COVID-19 crisis, Barbara and Jack have continued to reach out virtually via the internet and phone to serve other cancer patients and caregivers like themselves. They know how difficult the isolation and fear are for everyone, but especially those with the added burden of cancer. They continue to publish their online newsletter, and also tv and radio interviews, updated information on ‘what’s happening’ with the research on the virus relating to cancer treatment and resources. And share their own message of hope and share the inspiring stories of other cancer survivors.

View Barbara’s article in the March issue of Women of Distinction Magazine by clicking here.