Martine Elias, Executive Director

September marks the end of the summer and the beginning of a very busy time for our community. Kids go back to school, and we prepare for a long list of activities. For September and October alone, Myeloma Canada, with the help of many dedicated volunteers across the country, has planned a record number of 23 Multiple Myeloma Marches from coast to coast. We will also be hosting 5 InfoSessions, from Whitehorse to Rimouski, between now and the end of the year. 

To top things off, at the end of September we will be hosting in Montreal the largest Myeloma Canada Scientific Roundtable ever, where over 50 Canadian and international myeloma experts, along with patients and industry representatives, will be gathering to share and learn from each other about new research and treatment best practices.

 

We will also be sharing patients’ input on four new drug submissions with the Canadian agencies responsible for making funding decisions in our country. 

In the weeks and months ahead, we will be sending out many emails and communications announcing these events and providing updates. This means that lots is happening and positively impacting our patients and their loved ones.

 

This past summer also kept us very busy. We spent time with our Board of Directors crafting a strategic direction for the next 3 years, and with the help of the Myeloma Canada team, we developed our 2019 plan to deliver on our strategy. 

I am excited to share with you what our programs will focus on in the year to come. There will be more emphasis on the early diagnosis of myeloma – something we’ve heard loud and clear from our community. We will be launching a patient-friendly monitoring app where patients will be able to input and keep track of information about their disease, treatments and other important quality of life markers. We will also be working with our support group leaders on a program that allows patients and caregivers to connect with someone living a similar experience in their region and to access information that is relevant to them. 

We will also continue to support our existing myeloma education programs, research and clinical trials, and advocate for access to new treatments across the country. Finally, we will be gearing up for our 15 ^th anniversary programs in 2020 which will propel Myeloma Canada to even greater heights.

 

As you can see, we are already busy planning the year ahead and beyond with the goal of improving and increasing the services we offer you. 

As for myself, I have been in my new position as Executive Director for 3 months now, and even if I was part of the team for two years prior to that as Director of Access, Advocacy and Community Relations, there’s still a lot for me to learn. Thankfully I am surrounded by a group of dedicated people who have made the transition so much smoother. I cannot thank them enough. 

 

Finally, as someone who cares deeply and passionately about the patient voice and making sure patients are empowered, you have my commitment that I will stay focused on making myeloma matter and ensuring, for many years to come, that Myeloma Canada is the best patient organization in Canada.

 

Warmest regards to all. 

Martine Elias