Martine Elias, Myeloma Canada
Executive Director
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"As I write these words, it is exactly two years ago that I was about to leave for a meeting in Madrid to learn and share about myeloma with my European patient advocacy colleagues. The COVID-19 situation in Europe was flaring up, and the meeting was quickly cancelled. I knew then that changes were on their way for us; the virus was moving West.
Never would I have thought that those changes were going to affect us still 24 months later.
...As the leader of this amazing organization, I went into 'emergency mode'."
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Announcing the Aldo Del Col Research Grant: Funding patient-prioritized research initiatives |
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Aldo Del Col, co-founder of
Myeloma Canada
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As part of Myeloma Canada’s larger Research Strategy for 2022, we are delighted to announce the creation of the Aldo Del Col Research Grant program, honouring the legacy and memory of Myeloma Canada’s co-founder, Aldo Del Col.
Myeloma Canada’s Aldo Del Col Research Grant will fund patient-prioritized Canadian research projects that help address knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of myeloma and/or related plasma cells disorders as identified by the Myeloma Priority Setting Partnership (PSP).
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Premier Scott Moe (left to right), Trevor Ives (Myeloma Canada community member), MLA for Prince Albert Northcote Alana Ross, and Minister of Health Paul Merriman at the Regina provincial Legislative Assembly March 9, 2022 |
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Myeloma Awareness Month proclaimed across Canada! |
Congratulations to so many of our community members who, through their determination, successfully managed to have March proclaimed as Myeloma Awareness Month in their province or territory.
With your help, and the help of all those who participated in our online advocacy campaign, official proclamations have been issued in a record number of provinces and territories: British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island!
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Media coverage, illuminated buildings and invitations for our community members to meet with elected officials to discuss the devastating consequences of myeloma...March 2022 will be, without a doubt, heralded as a huge success in raising awareness for this disease. And it's all because of you! |
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II - Recommendations submitted for the 2022 Ontario budget |
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Along with CONECTed (a network of national cancer organizations), Myeloma Canada has collaborated in preparing a set of 17 recommendations submitted to the provincial government of Ontario for their consideration in the 2022 budget.
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The recommendations aim to address the issues most significantly impacting cancer patients in Ontario, especially in the context of COVID-19. Among issued addressed: the growing backlog of COVID-delayed procedures and tests, health system inequities, gathering of better health system data, more prompt and proactive delivery of services — mental health included — while placing equal emphasis on prevention of disease and care.
The proposal also advises the Ontario government to provide financial support to enable people living with cancer to receive their treatment at home and mobilize resources towards the delivery of “companion diagnostic tests” allowing healthcare professionals to individualize their treatment accordingly.
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What's new at Myeloma Canada |
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I - JUST LAUNCHED! Myeloma Canada Giving Campaign
This Myeloma Awareness Month you’ve been amazing in spreading the word and creating awareness for myeloma.
Now’s the time to go one step further. Please give whatever you can to help improve the lives of all Canadians living with myeloma. Your gift enables us to address the disparities in care and advocate for positive change on national, provincial and local levels.
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Last month, Cyndi Logan shared her story and described the emotional and financial stresses of having to travel hundreds of kilometres for the treatment she needs (click here if you missed it). This month we’ve introduced you to Erin & Jean Guy who because of where they live, encountered an endless barrage of obstacles in getting Jean Guy proper care, drugs and therapies.
Cyndi and Jean Guy are not alone. Not receiving the best available treatment or care because of where you live is unacceptable.
Please donate today to help us improve the lives of all Canadians
living with myeloma.
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Each city will have 2 different routes to choose from, a shorter and more leisurely 30 - 40 km route, or a longer and more challenging 70 - 80 km option. Whichever route you choose, you’ll have a heart-healthy blast raising critical funds to support scientific advancements and impactful research initiatives that enable Canadians with myeloma to live longer and better lives, and to help find a cure.
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For all cash and cheque donations:
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Download and print the "Offline Donation" form here.
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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III - NEW! Myeloma Canada's online glossary on myeloma.ca
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Searching for specialized terms that are frequently used throughout your or your loved one's journey with myeloma is now quick and easy with our brand new, web-based online glossary!
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An alphabetized list of important terms relating to myeloma, its treatment and symptoms is now live on our website. These terms, already defined in our InfoGuides, are listed in alphabetical order and are now easily accessible from myeloma.ca through your search bar. The glossary will be updated regularly with new content so check it often!
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IV - Exciting changes in Myeloma Canada’s Patient Advisory Council (PAC)! |
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Shawn Crossman
Atlantic Canada PAC representative
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Please join us in congratulating Shawn Crossman as the new Atlantic Canada Representative for the PAC! While he may be the newest member of Myeloma Canada’s PAC, Shawn is far from new to Myeloma Canada. Since his myeloma diagnosis, Shawn has been an incredibly active member of the Moncton New Brunswick myeloma community. He hosted the first Moncton Myeloma March, which he then repeated in 2020 and 2021 and was honoured with Myeloma Canada’s Nathalie Allard Memorial Award in 2019 and 2020! Shawn also started the Moncton Myeloma Support Group.
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Phil Harbridge
Vice Chair and Western Canada representative
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Warm congratulations are also in order for Phil Harbridge for being named Vice Chair in addition to his position of Western Canada PAC Representative!
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Spotlight on Erin and Jean Guy Belzile: Our journey: A rural perspective
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“Living in a small community makes you feel isolated, as if you don’t have choices, a right to a second opinion or the best care possible. When my husband was diagnosed, one blunder after another nearly cost him his life. Difficulties with appointments for essential procedures and approvals for the drug we wanted led us to travel hundreds of kilometres and change treatment centres. The trips are difficult and expensive but what choice do we have?”
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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, March 30, 2022
3:00 - 4:00 pm EST
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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
Click on the title to view the 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 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 webinars:
Click on the title to view the recording:
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I - Meet the winners of Myeloma Canada’s 2021 Community Awards!
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2021 was truly a remarkable year for our organization. We raised more funds, invested in more research, and initiated more programs than ever before. This banner year was fuelled and made possible by the tireless, unwavering passion and dedication of our incredible volunteer community.
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II - Climbing Everest in Edmonton for myeloma
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Congratulations to Mark Pavelich and Shonn Oborowsky on the ‘coolest’ fundraiser, Everest in Edmonton!
Long-time friends Mark and Shonn created a 44.5km, 58,750 hike through River Valley, Hawelak Park and downtown Edmonton to raise funds and awareness for myeloma.The event took place on February 26th and was completed in 6 hours and 44 minutes! To date, the event has raised $17,210!
Congratulations Mark and Shonn for this amazing event and for your generous support of Myeloma Canada!
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III - The Man in the Arena: Surviving Multiple Myeloma since 1992
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Back in November of 2020, we produced a webinar entitled “Jim’s Story of Self-Advocacy: Living with Myeloma for 28 Years”. (You can access the webinar on Myeloma Canada’s YouTube channel, by clicking here.)
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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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