Martine Elias, Executive Director

As I entered the Governor General’s residence on a dreary November morning clutching my invitation for the Presentation of Canadian Honours, I suddenly became aware of how privileged I was. I was about to witness an event that very few Canadians have the honour to witness.

I was there as a special guest to witness Her Excellency the Right and Honourable Julie Payette bestow the Meritorious Service Medal to our co-founder Aldo Del Col. The decoration was created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate Canadians who have performed exceptional deeds or activities that bring honour to Canada. It’s bestowed to recognize the remarkable contributions of individuals in different fields of endeavour including advocacy initiatives, health care services, research and humanitarian efforts. 

On that day, Aldo was being recognized and honoured for the impact he’s had on the myeloma community by creating Myeloma Canada, the only grassroots Canadian organization exclusively focused on making myeloma matter through community empowerment, education, awareness, advocacy and research. I could not have been prouder of our co-founder and my dear friend. 

Aldo Del Col, co founder of Myeloma Canada, and Her Excellency the Right and Honourable Julie Payette

I met Aldo in 2004. At that time, I had just started a new job at a pharmaceutical company helping patient organizations with their advocacy efforts. My first file - and challenge - was to bring myeloma patient group leaders from across the country together to convey the importance on decision makers responsible for listings on provincial drug formularies of the need to fund a new myeloma drug. The treatment was the first to become available in a very long time. That’s when I found a visionary and a no-holds-barred myeloma patient champion in Aldo. He sparked the beginning of what has become the preeminent patient organization in Canada. How do I know? Because over the following 14 years I had the opportunity to work with almost every patient group in the country and none of them came close to Myeloma Canada. 

When I left my job at the pharmaceutical company, I got a call from Aldo. He said, “Martine, there are four new drugs about to be approved for myeloma and we need your help with advocacy!”. I didn’t have to think long about it. I was honoured to be asked.

 

At Rideau Hall, I was thinking back on that day. I am now even more honoured to have stepped into some very big shoes as the Executive Director of Myeloma Canada. What an inspiration Aldo has been to me, his dedication and quest for excellence continue to show me that learning to be the best never ends. 

Today, when I speak at meetings and conferences, Myeloma Canada is described as an exceptional organization that does incredible work for its constituency, be it patient outreach, education, health policy, advocacy support or research. Myeloma Canada is the envy of many patient organizations. This did not happen by chance. It took a person with vision, determination, perseverance and the attitude that there is always a better way.

 

Congratulations Aldo for a well-deserved Meritorious Service Award, you have definitely earned it!

Martine Elias

Executive Director