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December 2023
Dear community...
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Martine Elias, Executive Director | |
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"Hi everyone,
I cannot believe that this is our last Myeloma Matters for 2023! Where did the year go? It always seems to fly by in the blink of an eye, but when I look back and take stock in all that we’ve accomplished, I’m in awe.
Our influence and reputation as a leading cancer patient organization within the Canadian and international myeloma – and cancer - landscape, has never been stronger. We’ve been honoured time again by our peers as ‘the organization to watch’."
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I - December 2023 myeloma research update | |
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Since our last myeloma research update from July 2023, we've had the opportunity to attend two international conferences to hear the latest progress being made in the treatment of myeloma.
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65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition
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20th International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting
Read our summary of the various talking points and research advances shared at these events.
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II - Travel insurance coverage for myeloma patients with a 7-day “stability” period! | |
There’s nothing like ending the year (or starting the new one) with a restful getaway! We know traveling as a person with myeloma comes with its fair share of concerns, especially with many insurance companies having “pre-existing conditions” exclusions in their policies. | |
Thank you to the incredible efforts of Jan Wleugel, a member of the Toronto Myeloma Support Group Steering Committee. Jan has discovered that Medi-Quote, a Winnipeg-based travel insurance broker, may quote travel insurance to a person with myeloma with a 7-day "stability" period. So, sit back, order your favourite refreshment, and enjoy your days in the sun worry-free: you deserve it! | |
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Click here to read Jan’s 1-pager, “Be careful if you buy Travel Accident Insurance as a Cancer Patient, and practice Personal Risk Management if you travel”. (Note: this article applies to the Winnipeg and Calgary area.)
Last minute update!
In addition to Medi-Quote, Travel Guardian, is also providing travel Insurance coverage to myeloma patients with a 7 day “Stability Period”. No attempt has been made to analyze these policies for other provisions and a careful comparison should be undertaken if you get quotes from both.
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Please let us know about your success in finding equivalent services without "pre-existing conditions" with other insurers at contact@myeloma.ca | | |
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What's new at Myeloma Canada | |
I - New Myeloma Canada educational resources! | | |
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We are pleased to present new tools to help you navigate through the following topics:
- Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
- Demystifying palliative care
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II - Giving Tuesday keeps on giving!
Officially, Giving Tuesday may have come and gone, but ours just keeps on giving!
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It’s not too late to make your 2X IMPACT for 2X HOPE gift for our myeloma community (and get a tax receipt for 2023*). | | |
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Dominic’s amazing gift matching program is going strong
until the end of the year.
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A cure has never been closer. We need you to get us there. | | |
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Help turn $100,000 into $200,000
in honour of all Canadians who have been, are, or will be affected by myeloma.
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And of course, to those of you who have already generously participated in this year’s gift matching campaign, thank you, on behalf of Dominic Jean and Myeloma Canada!
*For donations $25 or more
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III - Critical insights to help Myeloma Canada: There's still time to take action! | |
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This survey, created by Myeloma Canada and the Patient Advocacy Council, asks people living with myeloma and caregivers key questions about their experiences, needs and opinions on a variety of subjects relevant to our community and our organization. | | |
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Who can participate?
- someone with myeloma
- a current or past caregiver
- a healthcare professional
- an industry representative.
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The survey consists of 60 questions and should take between 14 and 27 minutes to complete.
- The survey is completely anonymous and confidential; your answers will not be attributable to you.
The information we gather from this survey can help Myeloma Canada to design and direct our programs and resources to create the greatest possible impact.
| As a thank you for participating and sharing your perspectives, you can choose to enter a draw to win 1 of 10 gift cards for $50 at the end of the survey. | | | | |
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Happy holidays!
Please note that during the holidays, our response may be slower than usual.
During this time, please contact us by email at contact@myeloma.ca.
For emergencies, please contact Martine Elias, Myeloma Canada's Executive Director at
at melias@myeloma.ca.
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Spotlight on Ashley Dieks:
I refuse to stop for myeloma!
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"Hello, my name is Ashely Dieks.
In 2022, at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with myeloma. And I was in shock.
For over 16 years, I was a paramedic with the Manitoulin Sudbury Emergency Medical Services in Ontario. I have always been a fitness enthusiast and in pretty good shape.
I especially love cycling and weightlifting.
Being a paramedic, my job was often physically strenuous which ironically is a good thing as it led to my learning about my diagnosis."
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Join online from the comfort of your own home!
All you need is a computer, tablet or smart phone and an internet connection.
Full information on upcoming and past InfoWebinars is available by clicking here.
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Among past webinars available for viewing:
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I - Oyster shucking + Bloody Caesars = $43,175 for myeloma!
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The 11th Annual Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational & Bloody Caesar Battle, presented by Sawmill Bay Shelfish Company, hit Whistler with a bang!
On November 19, the world’s best twenty oyster shuckers, bartenders and mixologists battled to be crowned the best and help raise money for Myeloma Canada.
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Martine Elias with Steve Pocock at the 2023
Barefoot Bistro fundraiser
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In one electrifying night, $43,175 was raised for Myeloma Canada,
showcasing the heart and enthusiasm of this community.
Martine Elias, our Executive Director, was thrilled to be on hand and to be presented with the cheque from Steve Pocock, owner of Sawmill Bay Shellfish Company.
With 600+ attendees, it wasn't just an event; it was a culinary carnival, a mixology marvel, and a powerhouse of philanthropy.
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A huge thank you to the Bearfoot Bistro and Sawmill Oyster Farm
for their incredible generosity and support in making myeloma matter for the
2nd consecutive year!
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II - Spreading festive cheer: Christmas market raises $4,626 for myeloma!
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Once again, Les Promenades du Parc retirement home, managed by the Groupe Maurice in Montreal's South Shore, took part in a heartwarming holiday fundraiser for myeloma.
Every year, The Groupe Maurice organizes a Christmas Market at the residence in Longueuil, QC. This year’s festive event featured over 27 vendors and provided residents and their families with a delightful day of holiday shopping while contributing to our important cause.
Reflecting the true spirit of the season, the Groupe Maurice generously agreed to double the donations raised during the day to a maximum of $2,000 for Myeloma Canada.
What a wonderful example of how community events bring people together and make a meaningful impact.
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Volunteer pianist from chocolaterie Martin | Merchants from the Longueuil area | | |
Many thanks for your support again this year! | | |
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Turn your passion into a fun fundraising event.
We can show you how!
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For more information, contact Patricia Célestin or Sophia Mendoza
at Myeloma Canada.
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Myeloma Canada is here to support you along every phase
of your myeloma journey.
Please consult our website at myeloma.ca for up-to-date news and information,
as well as the following helpful links:
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In these difficult times, you, our community, remain our number one priority.
Now more than ever, we appreciate your support. Your donation enables us to continue
providing you with the best information, resources, programs and services - across as many
technology platforms as possible - to stay empowered, informed and connected, while funding
research to help find a cure for this disease.
Thank you for your generosity and for helping us help you.
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Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources: | |
Si vous préférez recevoir cette Infolettre en français, écrivez-nous à contact@myelome.ca. | |
Myeloma Canada's mission: To improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma through awareness-building, educational efforts, advocacy, fostering an empowered myeloma community and support of clinical research so that a cure may be found. | | | | |
