October 2022
Dear community...
Martine Elias, Myeloma Canada's
Executive Director
"Too often we throw around terms with the expectation that everyone understands what they mean. I’d like to take a minute and explain what we mean by advocacy and our advocacy initiatives.

 
While there are many types of advocacy, at Myeloma Canada, we pretty much focus on 2: government (policy) and personal (individual) advocacy. The initiatives that follow primarily showcase our government (policy) advocacy efforts on behalf of Canadians living with myeloma."
Access & research
Latest news



Please note: This is a highly scientific article but finding a new target for myeloma and designing a therapy to exploit that target is very impressive work. If you have any questions, please reach out to Gabriele Colasurdo, Myeloma Canada's Director, Science and Research at gcolasurdo@myeloma.ca

Update on Myeloma Canada’s Dr Andrew R Belch MEET Grant for young myeloma investigators
The Dr Andrew R Belch Myeloma Education and Enriched Training (MEET) Grant was created to foster the development and participation of qualified young Canadian myeloma investigators at medical/scientific meetings or conferences.

Get to know the 5 recipients of this year’s MEET grants by clicking here.
Taking Action
Congratulations to Jessy Ranger for her appointment to the Quebec Cancer Coalition's Board of Directors
On October 13th, Jessy Ranger, Myeloma Canada's Director, Patient Programs, Health Policy & Advocacy was appointed to the Board of Directors for The Quebec Cancer Coalition (la Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec).

The Quebec Cancer Coalition is a group of more than 60 non-profit organizations representing all cancer types and all regions of Quebec, which aims to improve the health care system in Quebec for the good of those affected by cancer. In particular, they defend the rights and interests of patients, survivors and caregivers.

Congratulations Jessy!
Jessy Ranger
What's new at Myeloma Canada
I - IT’S A WRAP!
The 2022 Multiple Myeloma March raises over $680,000 (and we’re still counting!)

The last of the 14th annual Multiple Myeloma Marches took place on October 23rd in Vancouver BC! The weather and turn-out were fantastic; it was an absolutely perfect way to wrap-up an amazing event season.

A huge congratulations goes out to each and every one of you who made this year’s March season a wonderful one. Whether you were a March leader, an organizer, a committee member, a fundraiser, a spokesperson, a participant, a moral supporter, and/or you contributed financially, you are our success.
2022 Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March
Thanks to you, your incredible unwavering support, passion, and creativity, you raised more than $680,000 for the 14th edition of our flagship national event…that’s the 2nd highest amount ever raised in the history of our Marches!
You are our inspiration. Thank you for your continued belief in us and our cause. Through the funds raised, we’re able to invest in important research that helps improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma, advocate for access to new drug therapies, and keep the needle moving forward toward finding a cure.
The Marches are not only our most important national fundraising event, they’re also a heart-warming, inspiring and exciting way to connect and build relationships and a strong local, and national, myeloma community.

We hope that you enjoyed being a part of it all.
Just because the Marches are officially over, donations can still be made until the end of 2022. And, there’s even still time to get in a Virtual event if you weren’t able to participate earlier.

While we’re thrilled with our results so far, let’s see if we can make it all the way and reach our initial goal of $750,000!
Do you still have cash and/or cheque donations? 
 
  • Download and print the "Offline Donation" form here.

  • Mail your completed forms and donations to: Myeloma Canada
1255 TransCanada, Suite 160
Dorval, QC H9P 2V4
 
Questions? Call us, toll-free, at 1-888-798-5771
Thank you again for your strength, determination and energy in
making myeloma matter.
II - New recipe available in our “Wellness” section
A new recipe card has arrived!
Gill Compton, Certified Naturopathic Nutrition / Natural Chef, has created a delicious and nutritious Thai Red Curry and Butternut Squash recipe for you. Download it now from our website!

This yummy autumn-spiced dessert contains healthy fats, antioxidants and is simple to make. If you'd like to experiment with different flavours, you’ll find what it takes to prepare orange or raspberry versions too!
Spotlight on Paul Elder:
Determined to never stop!
Paul Elder
"Paul and I have been married for 57 years, and we’ve been living in Wasaga Beach, Ontario since 2004. In May of 2021, while playing with our ‘Covid puppy’ at a local dog park, Paul took an awkward fall when he stepped into a hidden hole.

He hit his head on the ground and immediately knew that something terrible had occurred. He was surely correct.
 
Paul had broken his neck. Enter the world of a 24/7 Aspen cervical spine collar and opioids for pain."
Educational events
Myeloma Canada InfoSessions
Each year Myeloma Canada hosts InfoSessions for people living with myeloma, their families, and healthcare professionals, featuring guest speakers from the medical community in cities across Canada. InfoSessions are generally half-day events covering many aspects of living with, and managing myeloma.
Moncton (NB) InfoSession, September 2022
Myeloma Canada Meet & Greets
Our Meet & Greet events are the perfect opportunity to meet and exchange with others in your local community who are living with, or caring for someone with myeloma. You'll also learn the latest developments in myeloma research and symptom management from local experts.

Living in an area that doesn’t yet have a local support group? Meet & Greets are a great starting point! Very often, they're the springboard from which a support group will be formed, and friendships created.
Meet & Greet in Lévis (QC), September 2022
Webinars
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.
Save the date!
 Patients Redefining the Future of Healthcare in Canada Summit: Webinar Series :
Jurisdictional Roles in Canadian Healthcare & Determinants of Health Systems:
Systemic Inequities in Canada
November 2, 2022
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
COVID-19 Vaccination in Myeloma:
What Patients & Caregivers Should Know
November 21, 2022
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Exciting new workshop webinars in collaboration with Connected Canadians
This new series provides advice on using social media and digital platforms like Zoom, managing digital documents, and online privacy.
Phishing Scams
November 24, 2022
11:00 - 12:00 pm EST
In French with English translation
Recognizing Fake News
December 14, 2022
11:00 - 12:00 pm EST
In English with French translation
This new series provides advice on using social media and digital platforms like Zoom, managing digital documents, and online privacy.
In the community
Resources
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: 
We're here for you
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.
Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources:
Si vous préférez recevoir cette Infolettre en français, écrivez-nous à contact@myelome.ca.
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.