An Information Bulletin for our Myeloma Community:

2020 Myeloma Canada National Conference Cancelled Due to COVID-19
As a preventative measure for the well-being of our community
Martine Elias - Executive Director
Dear community,

As you are all aware, there is an international preoccupation with COVID-19 - which has recently been announced by the WHO as a pandemic - and the important measures to take to help curtail its spread. Which brings us to why you are receiving today's bulletin: first and foremost, the health of our community is our primordial priority.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising people in general to avoid large gatherings and to encourage those who are ill or who have high-risk medical conditions, to not attend such events.
We have been carefully considering the current COVID-19 situation here in Canada. In keeping with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s advice on avoiding mass gatherings during the outbreak as an important preventative measure against spreading the virus, I have made, with the support of the team, the difficult decision to cancel our in-person 2020 Myeloma National Conference, scheduled to be held in Montreal, April 25 and 26, 2020. Again, your well-being is our highest concern.
The decision to cancel the in-person 2020 Myeloma Canada National Conference was not an easy one, but given these recommendations and the potential impact on our patient and our medical community – they are also very much at risk – it is the responsible thing for us to do.
Of course, we are disappointed; the National Conference is an important annual event for our community and we all benefit by gathering once a year to learn, share, and network.

Alternatives already being explored
As an alternative to our in-person event, we are exploring opportunities to present some of the great sessions we have planned via live stream and webinar. As soon as we have more information, we will let you know. 
Registration fees will be refunded
For those of you who have already registered, rest assured that 100% of your registration fee will be refunded to you. If you don’t receive your refund by March 25 th , please contact us at contact@myeloma.ca or call toll-free: 1-888-798-5771.
In so far as airline travel, please check with your travel insurance provider as well as the airline you were booked on for their particular policies. Many are offering no-fee change bookings. For your convenience, we’ve provided you with direct links to some of the airlines below.
Early & preventive measures you can take against COVID-19
Please remember to wash your hands frequently and follow the logical steps to staying healthy as outlined in our Myeloma & Coronavirus COVID-19 message sent out on March 2 nd (and available here: https://conta.cc/2VBCOwm.)

Of course, always remember to call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your health.
Stay safe & healthy,

Martine
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