Dear community...

Martine Elias, Executive Director

Happy 2020 everyone! I want to, once again, wish all of you and your loved ones, a wonderful new year filled with health and happiness. As we start this new year, new decade and new chapter, let’s all strive to embrace 2020 with 20/20 clarity on what’s really important, on our priorities, goals and personal objectives…on what really matters.

January 18 ^th is a very important date for Myeloma Canada – the day that we were officially founded as an organization. It’s unbelievable – and very exciting – that this year marks our 15 ^th anniversary. 15 years of working toward improving the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma. 15 years of advocating for access to new drug regimens. 15 years where we’ve seen the most incredible breakthroughs in myeloma research and treatment. 15 years of people living longer, with a better quality of life, than we ever had thought possible! 15 years ago what was once inconceivable, is now a reality – the possibility of a cure for myeloma is closer than ever. We’ve seen the number of available treatments rise from 1 to over 7 with more combinations and options than we could have dreamed of, and even more are on the horizon.

It’s a new era for all of us involved in myeloma, one that we feel encouraged and energized by. This evolution is manifesting itself within our organization as well. We’re kicking off our important birthday year with new vigour, new programs and initiatives.

Our MYELOMA S*CKS awareness campaign is definitely a bold departure from where we’ve been before and we can’t wait to see the results. (For more information, check out the article in the "What's new at Myeloma Canada" section.)

At this junction, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Aldo Del Col, our late co-founder, visionary, colleague and friend. Before his passing in August, Aldo saw our new direction and felt hopeful that the campaign would help elevate awareness for our cause. As Myeloma Canada enters this new year and decade, Aldo’s spirit, tenacity and drive are with us. We’ll continue to do everything in our power to honour the man who passionately dedicated 14 years of his life to building an organization that strives to improve the lives of all Canadians impacted by this disease. We will make Aldo proud.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we’ve made a few changes within the organization. Please join me in congratulating Jessy Ranger, formerly Communications Coordinator, on being promoted to Manager, Public Affairs & Communications (Francophone Community) . Anyone who has met Jessy knows her experience, commitment and drive are such an asset to our team. I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to Muriel Ingrassia who joined us at the beginning of the month as our new Manager of Operations . Her financial background in non-profits, her dedication and openness have already started to have an impact. I’m thrilled to be wishing both ladies the very best of success!

It’s such an honour to be the Executive Director of this amazing organization and to be working for you, our Canadian myeloma community. If ever there is anything I can help you with, if you have a question or concern, please know that I am here for you. I invite you to call me at 514-421-2242 or email me at melias@myeloma.ca . I will do my utmost to help in any way I can.

In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” Together, let’s use and learn from the past as we head toward a bright tomorrow, one where the cure for myeloma will be found.

Best,

Martine

I’d also would also like to take a minute to congratulate our international colleagues at the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) on their 30 ^th anniversary. Let this milestone year for us both be one of remarkable advances and breakthroughs for our mutual myeloma communities!