Spotlight on the Patient Advisory Council (PAC)

We’re thrilled to announce that 3 new members have joined our Patient Advisory Council (PAC): Deb McKnight and Glenn Hussey, both of the Ontario region, and Susan McLean , of the Western Canada region. Welcome! We're very much looking forward to their fresh ideas and perspectives. We would also like to extend a big thank you to all the wonderful people who expressed their interest in joining the PAC.

Deb McKnight Deb lives in rural Ontario. After staying at home to raise her two children, she returned to school full-time, graduating from Sir Sanford Fleming College in Sporting Goods Business. She worked within the sporting goods industry for six years before changing careers to the insurance industry. During her 12 years as a licensed insurance broker, she completed both CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) and CPIB (Canadian Professional Insurance Broker) designations, while working full-time. After a lengthy illness, Deb was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in December 2016, and had a stem cell transplant in June 2017. Having the good fortune to have achieved a complete response, Deb remains in good health.

Now retired, she enjoys life to the fullest. She loves travelling, taking Pilates & Yoga classes, reading, spending time with family & friends, and working with a local dog rescue organization. Deb and her toy poodle Coco also volunteer with Trent Hills Therapy Dogs, making weekly visits to the local hospital.

Glenn Hussey Glenn, a Newfoundlander, studied at Memorial University before moving to Ottawa where he completed his studies at Carleton University. He worked for the federal public service for 40 years focusing on policy, strategic planning and client service. Following Glenn’s retirement in 2015, he acted as a caregiver for his wife who was in complex, continuing care until her passing in 2017. Glenn discovered that he had the markers for multiple myeloma in 2008, but didn't require treatment until 2017. Following back-to-back stem cell transplants in 2018, Glenn is currently medically stable. He is a writer, a fitness lover, and has been an active community volunteer for youth sports (soccer and figure skating).

Glenn continues to share his passion for soccer, especially Manchester United, with family and friends. He was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125 th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada for his contribution to his community.

Susan McLean Susan is a retired high school English teacher who has studied at many universities: UBC, U of Ottawa, U of Saskatchewan, and McGill. She was also the president of the BC Teachers of English Language Arts and worked with the BC Ministry of Education to help write the new English curriculum. Living in Nanaimo, BC, she enjoys an active outdoor life, yoga, swimming, gym workouts, and playing in an ensemble at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, travelling, and have lived in five different Canadian provinces! Susan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016 and has been in remission for nearly two years. She is the co-support group leader for the Nanaimo Support Group, helped start the first Vancouver Island Multiple Myeloma March, as well as the first Cinco de Mayo fundraising dinner.

We would also like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to our retiring members , Julie Gibbons (Ontario region representative retired Nov/18) and Julie Salsman (Vice Chair and former Atlantic Canada representative retired May 1, 2019). Their contributions to the PAC have been invaluable and we wish them both all things wonderful for the future.

Stay tuned…Deb’s, Glenn’s and Susan’s bios and contact information will be updated on the Myeloma Canada website very shortly.

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