Martine Elias, Executive Director |
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"I, along with many other cancer patient groups, foresee 2022 as being a very busy year for drug advocacy; Myeloma Canada will be more resolute in our advocacy efforts than ever. With recommendations being made to not fund treatments – such as the case with CAR T-cell immunotherapy and other cancer drugs – we vow to continue doing all we can to advocate on behalf of our community. For the past 16 years, we have not wavered in our commitment that all Canadians living with myeloma have access to the best possible treatments for the best possible outcomes. "
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The Ken Anderson Young Investigator Award goes to… Dr Paola Neri! |
Congratulations to our Canadian myeloma expert, Dr Paola Neri, from the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in Calgary. Dr Neri has recently been recognized - on an international scale - for her work as a clinical researcher, and has been awarded the Ken Anderson Young Investigator Award at the 2021 International Myeloma Workshop, hosted by the International Myeloma Society.
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Make healthcare a priority: Campaign results |
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During the 44th federal election campaign that ended on voting day, September 20 2021, Myeloma Canada, the members of CONECTed and several other Canadian patient organizations came together to ask for
a) a clear commitment for significant funding for healthcare and services; b) equal access to primary healthcare professionals and to the best available medications.
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Together, we set up an advocacy campaign for this year's election candidates, asking for real change in access to healthcare in Canada. Many of you answered the call; we sent 246 letters to 509 federal candidates from all parties, from coast-to-coast!
Thank you for adding your voice and helping us make healthcare a priority!
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What's new at Myeloma Canada |
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RECORD-BREAKING NEWS!!!
The 2021 Multiple Myeloma March raises $683,00 for myeloma research!
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The Multiple Myeloma March campaign officially ended last Sunday, October 17. We're beyond proud to announce that, once again, we achieved the unthinkable. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and among so much uncertainty, we've remained focused on the future, and against all odds, we've had our best year yet!
Thanks to your incredible support, your creativity and your commitment, together, we've managed to raise more than $ 683,00 for the 2021 edition of the Multiple Myeloma March! And don't forget, even though the last March has already taken place, donations can be made up until the end of 2021.
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We are privileged to have such a dedicated and united community. We can never thank you enough for supporting us and helping us reach new goals every day. |
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Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for placing your trust in us and for making the Multiple Myeloma March 2021 a record edition. You had the power to make it 'your March your way', one marked by strength and courage every step of the way.
Thanks to you, we are stronger!
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Some 2021 March highlights |
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Do you still have cash and/or cheque donations?
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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
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Wondering how far we travelled during the 2021 Multiple Myeloma March? |
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Drum roll please! Together, we succeeded in travelling a total distance of 1,917 km!
By tallying up all of the kilometres entered into your Personal Distance Trackers, we managed to virtually travel across our beautiful country. Starting in Beaver Creek, Yukon, the most western point of Canada, we went as far as St John's, NL. Our journey allowed us to virtually travel across the country, raising funds and awareness for myeloma.
Thank you for being part of this fun initiative!
Here are just some of the cities we visited:
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Looking for an Atlantic PAC representative: submit your letter before October 31! |
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Are you from Atlantic Canada and want to join Myeloma Canada’s Patient Advisory Council (PAC)? If this volunteer position interests you, please send us your letter of intent, outlining:
- why you'd like to join the Council;
- your interest in the cause, i.e.,: people impacted by myeloma;
- a brief description of your skills and background.
The deadline to submit your letter of intent is October 31, 2021.
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New InfoVideo is now online! |
Click on the thumbnail to view this month’s InfoVideo.
InfoVideo Series #27
With new myeloma treatments available and in development, is there still a role for autologous stem cell transplant?
Find out the answer from Canadian myeloma expert, Dr Stephen Parkin, Clinical Hematologist, Vancouver General Hospital; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Myeloma Canada welcomes Aidan Robertson and Connor Mellegers |
We're thrilled to introduce you to two new team members who joined the Myeloma Canada family this fall! Please welcome Aidan Robertson and Connor Mellegers. Our organization is quickly increasing the number of activities and programs we offer. Now wIth our newest team members, we'll be able to do even more for our community.
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Located in Ottawa, Ontario, Aidan is completing her Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management degree at Carleton University with a Specialization in Human Rights (Class of 2022). Studies in social policy, human rights and previous experience as a Pedorthic Clinic Assistant developed her interest in health policy issues, as well as a desire to see the principles of equality and anti-discrimination upheld throughout the Canadian healthcare system. In her role at Myeloma Canada as Communications and Health Policy Assistant, Aidan contributes to a variety of projects, including the development of new resources for the myeloma community and our advocacy efforts across the country.
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Aidan is excited to be working alongside the dedicated Myeloma Canada team and hopes to continue serving the myeloma community in whatever capacity she can, while learning as much as possible along the way! |
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Connor has joined Myeloma Canada as our Governance, Policy and Administration Officer. In this role, he will support the operation of the Board of Directors and work on the development and renewal of the organization’s governance and internal policies. Connor has significant experience working to develop and improve the operation of non-profit boards. He has worked for several charities and NGOs that support a network of community organizations, helping these groups with their organizational development in areas such as governance, fundraising and community development. |
Connor has previously served on and supported several non-profit boards in Toronto and currently volunteers with multiple community development organizations. He holds a Master’s of Public Policy from the University of Toronto with a focus on health and children’s policies. Connor is excited to become further involved in the myeloma community and to support Myeloma Canada in our critical work. |
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There's still time to register for Sam’s Monte Carlo Casino Night! |
Only 2 weeks left until the
5th annual Sam’s Monte Carlo Casino Night, presented this year by L.A. Leasing.
Join us November 6, 2021
Auberge des Gallant (Sainte-Marthe, QC)
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Regular rate:
Fundraising Monte Carlo Casino Package:
$175 per person
Partial tax receipts will be issued for the Fundraising Monte Carlo Package only
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The hotel packages are unfortunately no longer available. The Auberge des Gallant is now fully booked. You can still book our free shuttle service when you purchase your ticket! Click here for more information.
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The Casino Night will respect all necessary COVID-19 health and safety measures; we'll do everything in our power to ensure that we can come together safely for a wonderful evening. Rest assured that the safety measures put in place by the Quebec government will be fully respected so that we can all enjoy a safe and fun evening together.
In the event that rules or restrictions regarding social gatherings change and prevent us from getting together don't worry… the event will be rescheduled. If you prefer, we can issue a refund on your ticket purchase.
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Spotlight on Frances DelSol:
My road now travelled
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"I went through the first chemotherapy session alone and I remembered my late father who did the same when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I remember railing on him for being so inconsiderate, not letting his kids know, so we could be there to support him, and I cried silently as I was now doing the same thing.
I struggled internally on how to share the information, and I managed to do so shortly after with my daughter, sister, brother, and his wife around the kitchen table. They didn’t know what multiple myeloma was, and as I explained, they all became very distraught. I wanted them to express their fears, but I also had to find the strength to ask them to be brave as I was going through the biggest fight of my life, and I didn’t want them crumbling around me. "
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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.
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Don't forget - full information on upcoming webinars is also available in our 'News & Events' section, or by clicking here.
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Thursday, October 21, 2021
7:00 - 8:00 pm EST
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Friday, November 12, 2021
1:00 – 2:00 pm EST
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Past webinars:
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Key Research Updates from the 2021 International Myeloma Workshop (IMW) - View recording
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CAR T-cell Therapy in Multiple Myeloma - View recording
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Oncology Drug Access Navigators - View recording
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About MGUS and Smouldering Multiple Myeloma - View recording
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Myeloma 101: Diagnosis & Treatment - View recording
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Myeloma Canada presents: A sit down interview with Dr Hira Mian - View recording
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Medical Cannabis in Clinical Oncology: Present & Future - View recording
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Latest Myeloma Research Updates from the ASH 2020 Meeting - View recording
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Update on COVID-19 and Myeloma in Canada - View recording
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Drugs Commonly Used for Multiple Myeloma Patients and Side Effects - View recording
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Myeloma Monitor: Learn How to Organize, Track & Manage Your Myeloma - View recording
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Oncology Rehabilitation Program Kinatex Sports Physio - View recording
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Jim's Story of Self Advocacy, Living With Myeloma for 28 Years - View recording
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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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COVID-19 related webinars*
*See the "Upcoming Events" section below for non-COVID-19 related webinars
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All webinars are free, recorded and are available for viewing on our Myeloma Canada YouTube channel.
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For more information on all upcoming webinars, click here.
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Past webinars:
Click on the title to view the recording:
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Amal Asfour’s awesome bracelets |
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Amal Asfour has been a long-time supporter of the Montreal Multiple Myeloma March, and she took part once again this year. For the 2021 edition, Amal graciously decided to create and sell her handmade bracelets to raise money as part of her March fundraising campaign; she also sold some of her bracelets at the Montreal March!
All the funds Amal collected were applied to her team's total and helped the Montreal March reach their goal!
Thank you, Amal for your support and this brilliant idea.
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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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