Thanks to You, We Are One Step
Closer to a Cure!
Why You Should Take Part in the
Multiple Myeloma March?
Martine Elias, Executive Director
"Each contribution, no matter how small or large, makes a difference. Fifteen years ago, only one therapy was available to treat myeloma and the prognosis for a newly diagnosed patient was a mere 2-3 years. For what would seem like light years away at the time, for the first time ever, researchers are now starting to use the word ‘cure’ when outlining where we are headed. Tremendous progress has been made, with exceptional drug and technology developments and research advancements over the last 15 years. We are finally seeing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding a cure."
What's New at Myeloma Canada
Just a Few Weeks Left to Register for the Multiple Myeloma March!
Thanks to your donations and support over the years, you have helped improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma and have helped move us drastically closer to finding a cure. 

Walk the walk, and make myeloma matter. Help us reach our fundraising goal!
Register now and start your campaign.
To register:

A) Visit  www.myelomamarch.ca

B) Click on "register", and select your location

C) Choose from one of the three options:
  1. Form a Team
  2. Join an existing team (if your 2019 team has already been registered)
  3. Register as an Individual

D) Choose from one of the two options:
  1. If you’re registering for the first time: Click “Join as a new participant” and simply follow the steps to register.
  2. If you’re a returning participant: Sign in with your 2018 username and password and follow the steps to register
You Can Now Donate to Myeloma Canada through Facebook!
There’s now a quick and easy way to donate to Myeloma Canada! Announcing a new program available through Facebook that makes it easy to contribute to our cause with just a few simple clicks (and receipts are set to you automatically!).
Why not start your own Myeloma Canada fundraiser on Facebook for a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, in honour of a friend, in memory of a family member, or even for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? You can create a post, select Support Nonprofit, search Myeloma Canada and follow the rest of the steps! Facebook giving is another great way to support our cause and raise awareness for myeloma through using social media.

And of course, if you prefer, you can still make your donations through our website at myeloma.ca, or by calling us, toll-free at 1-888-798-5771.
New Video Online
Click on the thumbnail below to view this month’s InfoVideo. 
InfoVideo Series
How does dexamethasone benefit myeloma patients and how does one determine the dosage?

The answer of Dr Kaedbey from Montreal.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be amongst the first to see our videos!  
"Au revoir" Olivier...
It’s with mixed emotions that I’m announcing that Olivier (Oliver) Jerome, our Director of Operations left Myeloma Canada on July 24, 2019... he's off to persue a new set of challenges and adventures with another patient organisation in Quebec. Olivier joined Myeloma Canada in May 2016 with the mandate to rebuild a team and operationalize our programs and administrative processes. He has done an outstanding job in helping to enhance the quality and impact of the Myeloma Canada team, increase our community reach and bring Myeloma Canada to where we are today.

Please join me, and the team at Myeloma Canada, in wishing Olivier the very best of success in his new position.
Olivier, thank you for your passion, strong ethics, dedication and leadership over the past 3 years.  

Our paths are sure to cross again!

Martine Elias
Executive Director
Taking Action
Pension Plan Disability Program
During his recent visit to his hometown of Timmins, Ontario, our co-founder Aldo Del Col was invited to speak to a group of nurses who adjudicate disability claims for the Canada Pension Plan Disability Program.

With the increasing number of myeloma-related claims, the nurses wanted to be better informed about the disease. Aldo gave a presentation on the basics of myeloma, with an emphasis on how debilitating the disease can be.
Pictured to the left is Aldo Del Col with Christina Miller, a member of the adjudication team.
Congratulations! Our Own David McMullen Appointed Member of New CADTH Committee
New Committee Brings Diverse Patient, Family, and Caregiver Voices to the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.  

On July 10, 2019, CADTH, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, announced the members of its newly formed Patient and Community Advisory Committee. We’re thrilled to let you know that David McCullen, a valued and long-standing member of our Myeloma Canada community, was appointed as one the 12 members of this important committee. 
Research & Access
Participate in a Research Study on Multiple Myeloma
A new study is being conducted by Dr. Cheryl Pritlove at the St Michael’s Hospital, with the objective of understanding the experiences of patients and caregivers living with multiple myeloma. Among questions are experiences with treatment, physical and psychosocial impacts of treatment, and treatment preferences. 
Darzalex N ow Listed in Saskatchewan!
As of July 15, Darzalex (daratumumab) has been approved in Saskatchewan, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd regimen) or bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd regimen) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with good performance status who have received at least one prior therapy.

For a full list of approved drugs, click on the button to the right.
Health Canada Approves Pomalyst-Based Triplet Combination
On July 10, 2019, Celgene Inc. announced that Health Canada approved a Pomalyst (pomalidomide)-based triplet combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone as a new medication option for patients living with multiple myeloma. This is a new treatment option for those who have received at least one prior treatment regimen that included Revlimid (lenalidomide).
 
Dr Reece from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre was quoted as saying “…The Pomalyst-based triplet combination is a positive step forward in the treatment journey for multiple myeloma patients and their loved ones."

While this new drug option is available and approved for sale in Canada, it is not yet covered through provincial governments. 
The Dr Andrew R Belch Myeloma Education and Enriched Training (MEET) Grant
There is still time to submit your application for The Dr Andrew R Belch Myeloma Education and Enriched Training (MEET) Grant if you will be participating at the 2019 American Society of Hematology Conference (ASH, Dec 7-10, 2019 Orlando, FL). Click below to find out more .
Spotlight on Yol anda Brunson-Sarrabo :
Bringing Awareness to Racial Diversity within the Multiple Myeloma Community
This month, Yolanda, an American who has been living with myeloma since 2008, agreed to be featured in our Spotlight section. Her story is both one of strength and perseverance in facing her illness, the challenges this represents as a black woman living in the United States, and reminds us of the importance of self-advocacy in navigating through our health care system.  
Upcoming Events
Meet & Greet
Montreal (West Island), QC
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
In the Community
Resources
Support Myeloma Canada’s mission in accelerating access to better care for
Canadians impacted by myeloma. Your support and generous donations help to further important medical research and advancements currently taking place in the myeloma field. Moreover, your contributions enable us to provide essential information, programs and services to our Canadian myeloma community.
Find out how you can help by clicking on the button below or by calling us, toll-free at
1-888-798-5771.
Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources: