Martine Elias, Myeloma Canada
Executive Director
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"Last month, we introduced you to the winners of our 2021 Myeloma Canada Community Awards, recognizing 17 outstanding leaders within our community. In addition to these leaders, there are over 400 amazing, dedicated and driven volunteers in our Myeloma Canada community. Each of you contributes in your own way, whether it’s by helping with registration at an event, organizing a community fundraiser, lending your voice to one of our campaigns or programs, running a support group, or volunteering as a peer support person. Every moment of your time that you volunteer is extraordinary and contributes to improving the lives of our community members."
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I - Rave reviews for 1st annual Health eMatters Conference for online cancer advocates
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On March 31st to April 2nd, Myeloma Canada hosted the first-ever Health eMatters conference, and it was a huge success! 70 online cancer advocates participated in this event, either virtually or in person. Meaningful connections were made, fantastic presentations were given and a new movement as a Canadian collective began!
We would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of our first conference. We're so excited to build on what has started, and we applaud everyone who participated for being at the forefront in sharing our vision.
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Stay tuned for more information on the Fall Health eMatters Conference, October 27 – 29, 2022!
Health eMatters is a program for online Canadian myeloma and other cancer advocates to network, learn, be inspired, and sharpen their skill sets to become better at raising awareness on the issues that matter most to them. The conference helps individuals harness the power of the digital world to champion the issues faced by people affected by cancer.
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II - Multiple Myeloma Awareness 2022 takes Canada by storm! |
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Highlights: Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month Proclamations
As we presented in our last edition of Myeloma Matters, Myeloma Canada supported a Canada-wide, community-driven initiative to have the month of March 2022 proclaimed “Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month” in every province and territory. We also embarked on a second campaign focused on having Canadian municipalities proclaim March 31st as Multiple Awareness Day.
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Jocelyn Kervin with the Toronto Myeloma Awareness Day proclamation |
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III - Essential caregivers are more than visitors |
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The last two years of the pandemic have been marked by unprecedented loss. Many families and caregivers have been forced to leave loved ones, and those they care for, alone in hospitals and long-term care settings, unable to be by their bedside to comfort, advocate or even say a final goodbye. |
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Click here to read the letter
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Myeloma Canada is proud to stand with Healthing.ca, along with more than 30 organizations, and sign their letter published in the National Post urging our health representatives to see caregivers as an essential part of care. Now it’s time for caregivers to be allowed in hospital and long-term care settings.
Healthing.ca stands with Canada’s patient and caregiver advocacy groups in the fight to ensure that the expertise of patient, family and caregiver partners is recognized, valued and reflected in our health care system.
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What's new at Myeloma Canada |
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I - Less than 1 month left!
Join the Myeloma Canada Ride today!
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Together, let’s pedal to raise funds to support scientific advancements and impactful research initiatives that will enable Canadians with myeloma to live longer and better lives, and to help find a cure. |
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Prizes, prizes, and more prizes!
To kick-off of our exciting new event, we’re sweetening the fun with
1-time only amazing prizes for individuals* (on their own, or as part of a team), who raise $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000.
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$ 1,000 - $ 1,999: Get a super cool Myeloma Canada branded metal water bottle
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$ 2,000 - $ 4,999: Get a super cool Myeloma Canada branded metal water bottle + a $15 Starbucks gift card
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$5000+: Get a super cool Myeloma Canada branded metal water bottle + a $15 Starbucks gift card + a $25 Canadian Tire gift card
*Prizes will be awarded for individuals who raise $1,000, $2,000 and $5,000 and not for the combined efforts of a team. Prizes will be awarded in the days following the Ride.
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For all cash and cheque donations:
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Download and print the "Offline Donation" form here.
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Bring your completed forms and donations with you to your local March event, or mail your form and donations to: Myeloma Canada, 1255 TransCanada Hwy, Suite 160, Dorval, QC H9P 2V4
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II - Announcing the 14th Annual Myeloma Canada Multiple Myeloma March campaign kick-off!
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It’s that time of year again! Myeloma Canada’s 14th Annual Multiple Myeloma March is coming to a city near you this fall 2022!
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Jules Royer and family at the 2021
Kitchener-Waterloo Multiple Myeloma March
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The Multiple Myeloma March is Myeloma Canada’s only national event that exclusively supports all Canadians impacted by myeloma.
For the 14th year, communities across Canada will be coming together to participate in Myeloma Canada’s flagship fundraiser, our annual 5km Multiple Myeloma March.
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Funds raised from the 2022 March will enable us to:
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invest in advancing Canadian myeloma research the through the Aldo Del Col Research Grant, the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG), and other important initiatives;
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advocate for equitable access to new drug therapies and quality healthcare services for all Canadians regardless of where they live;
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improve the quality of life of Canadians impacted by myeloma, and of course,
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keep the needle moving forward so that a cure may be found.
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This year, we’ve set our fundraising goal at $750,000.
With your help, we have no doubt we’ll get there!
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III - Welcoming Helen Mahshie to the Myeloma Canada team! |
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We’re thrilled to welcome Helen Mahshie to Myeloma Canada as Regional Manager, Community Engagement and Development (Ontario) where she will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to support the Ontario myeloma community.
Helen brings with 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry where she combined her love for science and her entrepreneurial spirit to work on various teams, bringing new innovative treatments to Canadian patients.
Helen has an intimate connection with myeloma; she was her mom’s caregiver for many years. This, together with her professional background and passion for patient advocacy and education, provides her with a unique perspective and skillset that will be of great value to our community.
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Helen holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Windsor. She lives in Stoney Creek, Ontario and loves spending time with her 3 boys and squeezing in a game of tennis. Helen is honoured to be joining our team and supporting our mission of improving the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma. |
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IV - New recipe available in our “Wellness” section
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A new recipe card has arrived! Gill Compton, Certified Naturopathic Nutrition / Natural Chef, has created for us a Walnut Pesto Salmon and Cauliflower Mash recipe, Check it out in our wellness section on our website.
This colourful dish is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, full of protein and medicinal herbs.
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V - April 5th was Canadian Oncology Nursing Day
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Even though we’re at the end of the month, it’s never too late to show your appreciation! Our oncology nurses do so much for us and we want them to know just how much they are valued. So, if you haven’t for a while, let them know the difference they make in your journey!
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Here’s to all the wonderful oncology nurses who are our front-line contacts in diagnosis, care and treatment. Who give of themselves selflessly, hold our hands when we’re scared, raise our spirits when we’re down, assure us when we’re unsure, answer our questions with patience and compassion, and so much more.
Thank you!
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Spotlight on Jocelyn Kervin:
At 46, giving back and staying colourful with myeloma
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“I am extremely lucky to live in Toronto and have access to all these services. I am also lucky that a young physician connected the dots and the team at MCI The Doctor’s Office took everything very seriously. But, we should not have to rely on “luck” when it comes to diagnosing multiple myeloma.
...I am in an unusual age bracket for this disease which is difficult. Many folks with MM are older, some are retired or did not return to work. Their caregivers are their partners or children, not their parents with their own health concerns. There are support groups for “40 and under” but I was 43 at diagnosis.”
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To mark Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, Binding Site has created 8 mini information videos to raise awareness about myeloma and its symptoms. These are a great way to educate the public and health professionals on the signs that can lead to the diagnosis of myeloma and the ways to treat it. Watch and share!
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To watch the mini videos, simply click on the title: |
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Join us online from the comfort of your own home!
All you need is a computer, tablet or smart phone and an internet connection.
Full information on upcoming webinars is available in our 'News & Events' section, or by clicking here.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2022
8:00 - 9:00 pm EST
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Wednesday, June 1, 2022
8:00 - 9:00 pm EST
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All webinars are available for free viewing on Myeloma Canada's YouTube channel.
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Click on the image to access Myeloma Canada's
YouTube channel.
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Past webinars
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Our website includes a section dedicated to COVID-19 and its impact on our community. Please visit it often for regular updates and resources you can trust.
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Evusheld approved by Health Canada on April 14 |
An item on our radar is AstraZeneca’s new Evusheld vaccination. Evusheld is currently being recommended by Dr Durie of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) for myeloma patients who do not elicit a good antibody response from the current COVID-19 vaccines.
Since December, Evusheld has had ‘Emergency Use Authorization’ by the Food and Drug Administration in the US and was recently approved by the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the UK. Evusheld was approved by Health Canada on April 14. The Government of Canada has an agreement to purchase 100k doses.
Learn more here:
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More COVID-19 related articles:
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COVID-19 related webinars |
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All webinars are available for
free viewing on Myeloma Canada's YouTube channel.
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Click on the image to access Myeloma Canada's
YouTube channel.
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Past COVID-19 webinars:
Click on the title to view the recording:
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The animals are planning an intervention
…a live dance performance benefit for Myeloma Canada
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“It was like watching liquid on stage. I didn’t want it to end.” (Mooney on Theatre)
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The animals are planning an intervention is a contemporary dance work created and performed by Lucy Rupert of Blue Ceiling dance. Lucy has long wanted to do a special performance in honour of her mother and in support of Myeloma Canada. A further inspiration to make this project happen now is the passing of the inimitable Helen Donnelly to multiple myeloma in January 2022.
Tickets are by donation.
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Click on the thumbnail to watch the trailer |
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Myeloma Canada is here to support you along every phase
of your myeloma journey.
Please consult our website at myeloma.ca for up-to-date news and information,
as well as the following helpful links:
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In these difficult times, you, our community, remain our number one priority.
Now more than ever, we appreciate your support. Your donation enables us to continue
providing you with the best information, resources, programs and services - across as many
technology platforms as possible - to stay empowered, informed and connected, while funding
research to help find a cure for this disease.
Thank you for your generosity and for helping us help you.
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Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources: |
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Si vous préférez recevoir cette Infolettre en français, écrivez-nous à contact@myelome.ca.
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Myeloma Canada's mission: To improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma through awareness-building, educational efforts, advocacy, fostering an empowered myeloma community and support of clinical research so that a cure may be found.
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