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November 2023
Dear community...
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Martine Elias, Myeloma Canada's
Executive Director
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"Hi everyone,
Who ever said that November was a dull, dark month definitely never walked a mile in our shoes!
November 2023 has been an invigorating month with incredible knowledge-sharing, exchanging of ideas, networking, and growing the conversation around myeloma with Canadian and international researchers, Canadian clinicians, nurses, physicians, partners from major pharmaceutical companies, and representatives from our patient, caregiver and support group communities."
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I - Announcing our newest partnership with the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance! | |
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Both organizations are aligned in our objective and promise of fostering collaboration among organizations dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving the lives of those affected by cancer, making this relationship extremely promising.
Myeloma Canada is fully committed to advancing cancer research, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the cancer landscape in Canada. By joining the CCRA, we can better amplify the voices of our community and advocate for national research funding that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by cancer patients. Membership also provides us with invaluable opportunities for exchanging and sharing knowledge, insights, best practices, networking, and collaboration with fellow member organizations in our collective effort to combat cancer.
Together we’re stronger!
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If the CCRA sounds familiar to you, it may also be because we’ve recently celebrated David McMullen’s as the recipient of their Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research award. Learn more in the “In the community” section below.
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The CCRA is an alliance of organizations that work strategically to co-ordinate and collaborate on most of the cancer research conducted in Canada. Together we support cancer research that uncovers factors which may cause cancer, and discovers more—and better—treatments to improve patient and survivor outcomes.
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We’re so excited to share with you that
Dr Nizar Bahlis, Dr Paola Neri, and their team
of researchers at the University of Calgary
Lab, whose work we’ve supported through funding, have made a significant discovery
to advance treatment for multiple myeloma!
Read all about their research on multiple myeloma and how cells become resistant to immunotherapy.
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Members of the Bahlis lab | |
I - Congress of the "Association québécoise des coordonnateurs d'accès aux médicaments en oncologie" (AQCAMO) | |
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Myeloma Canada was delighted to take part in the 3rd AQCAMO Congress, held in Montreal last October.
Jessy Ranger, Director of Health Policy, Advocacy and Patient Services at Myeloma Canada, was on hand to explore ways of promoting the role of oncology medication access coordinators to patients in Quebec. This role is often added to the duties of one of the members of the oncology care team, and still has no official role in the province, unlike elsewhere in the country. We're delighted to have been able to contribute to the discussions during the day, and hope that the AQCAMO and its member professionals will receive the recognition they deserve in the near future.
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Sossy Meguerdij, President of AQCAMO with Jessy Ranger, Director, Health Policy, Advocacy and Patient Services at Myeloma Canada, at the Congress. | |
II – Legislative action campaign to close Blood Cancer Awareness Month in Ontario
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On October 17, Myeloma Canada, along with some members of the Ontario multiple myeloma community. took part in a legislative action campaign at Queen’s Park, in Toronto, with public officials from the Ontario government and the opposition.
We had 8 official meetings, including meetings with representatives from the Health Ministry, Agriculture, Colleges and Universities, Labour and Environment, and Conservation and Park. Community members also got the chance to attend the question period and be officially recognized, and to meet with MPPs from all over Ontario.
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Participants in Myeloma Canada's Queen's Park
Legislative Action Campaign
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During our day at Queen’s Park, we asked for a clear commitment from the Ontario government: to enable the creation of a research ecosystem that will not only help find a cure for myeloma, but also identify the many causes leading to this cancer and prolong the lives of patients suffering from it today. We are hopeful that these meetings will help integrate innovative research in the Ontario government’s future healthcare plans. | |
III – The Health eMatters conference: an inspiring 3rd edition! | |
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The Fall 2023 Health eMatters conference soared to unprecedented levels of success! The event is an initiative from Myeloma Canada, and offers cancer advocates the opportunity to enhance their skills, broaden their reach, and strengthen their voice on digital platforms.
The conference saw 90 participants from diverse cancer advocacy groups across both Canada and several American states come together, in person, in Toronto from October 26th to 28th. Advocates united to connect, gain knowledge, draw inspiration, and enhance their abilities in advocating for the causes closest to their hearts.
What an absolutely incredible and motivating weekend it was! We are eagerly anticipating the 2024 Health eMatters conference.
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Health eMatters Steering Committee panel discussion | |
Alvina Nadeem – ovarian cancer advocate | |
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Phil Harbridge – event speaker living with myeloma
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What's new at Myeloma Canada | |
I - Giving Tuesday is coming! | |
November 28th is Giving Tuesday, the global movement that promotes philanthropy and giving back every year. This important day of giving, which falls in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is dedicated to honouring and supporting charities and non-profit organizations, the communities we serve and the work we do. | |
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Giving to Myeloma Canada for Giving Tuesday has
2X IMPACT for 2X HOPE
for our myeloma community
thanks to the incredible support and generosity of Dominic Jean
whose relationship with myeloma is both familiar and very different
than those you’ve heard before.
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See the "Spotlight" section to learn more about Dominic's motivation for this important giving program. | |
II - Critical insights to help Myeloma Canada: Response required please!
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We are happy to announce the launch of the 2023 Your Voice Matters Survey: Feedback on and for Myeloma Canada.
This survey, created by Myeloma Canada and the Patient Advocacy Council, asks people living with myeloma and caregivers key questions about their experiences, needs and opinions on a variety of subjects relevant to our community and our organization.
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A community as complex and diverse as ours has ever changing priorities, needs and struggles, and the information we gather from this survey can help Myeloma Canada to design and direct our programs and resources to create the greatest possible impact. | |
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If you are someone with myeloma, a current or past caregiver, a healthcare professional, or an industry representative, we ask you to please take the time to fill out this survey.
- It consists of 60 questions and should take between 14 and 27 minutes to complete.
- The survey is completely anonymous and confidential; your answers will not be attributable to you.
As a thank you for participating and sharing your perspectives, you can choose to enter a draw to win 1 of 10 gift cards for $50 at the end of the survey.
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III - Myeloma Canada's 17th Annual Support Group Leaders' Summit in 2023 truly took off to new heights! | |
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Once again, Myeloma Canada's annual Support Group Leaders Summit was a remarkable success!
Over 75 leaders participated, either in person or virtually, to this weekend filled with enlightening, thought-provoking, and motivational presentations and discussions covering various aspects of myeloma, research advancements, insurance, immunotherapy, and much more. This 17th edition of our Summit took place from November 10 to 12 at Niagara Falls in Ontario.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional presenters and our dedicated volunteer support group leaders. Your dedication is a true source of inspiration for both us and the entire Canadian myeloma community.
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Myeloma Canada's 2023 Annual
Support Group Leaders Summit.
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The future is looking bright and hopeful indeed! | |
IV - The holidays are coming…send the gift of hope! | |
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Send Myeloma Canada’s beautiful greeting cards to your family and friends this holiday season. It’s the gift that has the power to change lives, says ‘I care’, and holds hope for the future.
How do I send my greeting card?
With a minimum donation of $25 to Myeloma Canada, we’ll send the beautiful greeting cards you’ve selected to your loved ones, on your behalf. Give the gift of hope. Send Myeloma Canada cards today!
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We're always here to answer any questions you may have.
Contact us at contact@myeloma.ca or toll-free at 1-888-798-5771.
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V - A Casino Night where you and your favourite cause are the winners!
7th Annual Sam’s Monte Carlo Casino Night – A tribute to Richard Oana
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On behalf of the Oana family and the entire team at Myeloma Canada, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended for your invaluable contributions to the success of this Casino Night.
We are thrilled to announce that, once again, this event exceeded our expectations and was an incredible triumph.
Your unwavering generosity led to a remarkable fundraising achievement, with a grand total of $40,000 raised for Myeloma Canada. This remarkable sum has brought our cumulative contributions over the years to a staggering $300,000!
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VI - Exciting news for the Myeloma Canada team | |
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Karine moves on to the next level!
Myeloma Canada is fortunate to be able to count on a team of dynamic and committed professionals who, through their passion and convictions, contribute every day to our mission and support the Canadian myeloma community.
In this regard, we are pleased to announce that Karine Gravel, our Project Coordinator for Patient Education and Services, has been promoted to Regional Manager of Education and Community Involvement (Quebec).
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Based in Montreal, you can reach Karine
by e-mail at kgravel@myeloma.ca.
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For those of you who know her, you already know how much she enjoys getting involved in the community. In addition to her dedication to education, Karine will now be more involved with support groups and hospitals across Quebec, with the aim of raising awareness of Myeloma Canada's services and building relationships with healthcare professionals in the region.
Please join us in congratulating Karine. We wish her every success in her new fonctions with Myeloma Canada!
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Spotlight on Dominic Jean:
Honouring Aldo’s legacy
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" My name is Dominic Jean and my experience with multiple myeloma is a bit different than most of the other experiences you may have read about in previous Spotlight stories.
My life was turned upside down 21 years ago, back in 2002, by this unforgiving blood cancer. The impact myeloma had on me as a life partner and caregiver was profound, emotionally and physically. The toll it took on my loved one was beyond compare. "
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II - On the agenda: InfoWebinars | |
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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 and past InfoWebinars is available by clicking here.
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Palliative and end-of-life care
(in French)
Guest speaker: Karine Gingras
La Maison Victor-Gadbois
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (EST)
Demystify palliative care. Learn more about the concept and myths surrounding palliative care. Find out about the different care and services offered at La Maison Victor-Gadbois and what is generally available at a care center.
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Among past webinars available for viewing:
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I - Congratulations to David McMullen!
Recognizing and celebrating David's outstanding contributions to the Canadian cancer research community
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The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) Awards, initiated in 2011, recognize and celebrate, on a biennial basis, the outstanding contributions of individuals who have had a remarkable impact on cancer research and the cancer research community.
This year, one of our cherished community members received recognition for his contribution. Give a round of applause for David McMullen, the recipient of the Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research award! Thank you David for the outstanding advocacy work you do!
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Click on the thumbnail to watch David's video | |
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Turn your passion into a fun fundraising event.
We can show you how!
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For more information, contact Patricia Célestin or Sophia Mendoza
at Myeloma Canada.
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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: | |
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. | | | | |
