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March 2024
Dear community...
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Martine Elias, Executive Director | |
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« Hi everyone,
Spring has indeed sprung, and not a moment too soon!
Even though we true Canadians know snow can still grace us with its presence through until April (and May depending on where you live in our great nation), it’s still Spring!
The days are getting longer and brighter, the sun a little stronger and even the names of the months, shorter and lighter. »
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What's new at Myeloma Canada | |
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I - You guys are red hot!
Update on 2024 Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
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The response to this year’s campaign, What the 😖 is myeloma? has been amazing!
As you know, March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month and we’re re so excited to see all the likes, shares, and reposts of our social media, along with the posts you’ve been creating.
By now you’ve met 4 of the 5 individuals from our community who have shared the defining moment they suspected something was seriously wrong with their health (I found out when; what the 😖 is myeloma).
You’ve interacted with 3 of our 5 “Did you know” posts (a new one is out today!), not to mention the incredible work you’ve done on getting Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day/Month proclamations, monument lightings, flag raisings, media interviews, and more!
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You’re doing an awesome job taking action to create awareness for myeloma where it’s needed most…within the general public. | | |
The month, and the campaign aren’t over yet! Keep on keeping on! Spread the word. Share your story, and send us photos and updates of your accomplishments so we can include them in the next issue of Myeloma Matters. | | |
II - Gear up for a cause: Bike to Beat Myeloma! | |
Calling all cyclist, 18 years and older! Get ready to make memories and have fun riding along a Canadian scenic route to raise funds for a great cause. A great opportunity to raise awareness for myeloma and come together as a strong and supportive community! | |
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Each city will have 2 different routes to choose from:
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a shorter and more leisurely 30 - 40 km route,
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or a longer and more challenging 60 - 90 km option.
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Myeloma Canada Ride, Vankleek Hill (ON), 2023 | |
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No Ride? No problem! You can still participate by registering for the Virtual Ride option and plan your own personal Ride challenge in your community!
Whichever route you choose, you’ll have a blast raising critical funds to help improve – and save – the lives of thousands of Canadians impacted by myeloma.
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III - It’s here! Find YOUR myeloma community with MC LOUNGE! | | |
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Our new digital space is now ready for you! The MC Lounge is a safe and private space for our myeloma community so you can connect with other Canadians living the same reality as you.
Whether you’re living with or caring for someone with myeloma, you’ll be able to join groups, find & share resources, and get the latest news on myeloma! Find your people and take control of your journey navigating this disease!
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IV - Pesticides and myeloma | |
While the cause(s) of myeloma remain(s) unknown, we are aware of some risk factors that can significantly impact the development of various types of cancer, including myeloma. | |
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As part of an awareness campaign regarding the risks associated with a prolonged exposure to certain pesticides, our partner, Victimes des pesticides du Québec, has developed a fact sheet outlining the link between myeloma and pesticides. Whether the exposure is occupational or related to the geographic location of someone’s residence, it is crucial to be informed of the measures in place to protect ourselves against the harmful effects of repeated exposure. | |
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V - Promotion of Aidan Robertson to the position of Health Policy and Advocacy Advisor! | | |
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We are delighted to announce the promotion of Aidan Robertson to the position of Health Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Myeloma Canada.
As Health Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Aidan will lead the charge in collecting valuable patient feedback and insights from our community to shape our advocacy initiatives. In this vein Aidan will manage the National Advocacy Advisory Committee, fostering collaboration with patients and caregivers and driving strategic advocacy efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by myeloma.
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You can communicate with Aidan at arobertson@myeloma.ca. | | |
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One of Aidan's key responsibilities will be to spearhead patient experience surveys related to new drugs, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis. Aidan will play a crucial role in preparing patient input reports and feedback for submission to the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), emphasizing the patient perspective in decision-making processes. Additionally, Aidan will draft patient-driven and evidence-based feedback in response to new policy proposals at various government levels, contributing to the development and implementation of informed and patient-centered policies.
As an Advisor, Aidan will also represent Myeloma Canada's advocacy interests and build networks within the healthcare community. Congratulations Aidan!
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Spotlight on Jessica Slack:
Finding myeloma by fluke
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« My name is Jessica Slack. In February 2023, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 43.
My journey to diagnosis began the previous summer.
I was feeling perfectly healthy and living a busy life as a full-time working mom to two teenagers, completely unaware of the danger lurking within. »
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I - Myeloma Canada InfoSessions
Throughout the year in cities across Canada, Myeloma Canada hosts InfoSessions for people living with myeloma, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals.
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Yellowknife (NT) InfoSession
(in-person or virtual – in English)
April 19, 2024
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Campbellton (NB) InfoSession
(in-person – in French)
May 18, 2024
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Save the following dates! | |
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Durham (ON) InfoSession
(in-person – in English)
April 24, 2024
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Rimouski (QC) InfoSession
(in-person – in French)
May 16, 2024
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II - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada Webinar | |
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How your gut health can improve your blood cancer treatment and quality of life
The community of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses and their genes) living within our digestive tracts is known as the “gut microbiome,” and it can play a role in blood cancer treatment. Join us for this 1-hour presentation to learn more about this exciting area of research with a live presentation by an international leader in the study of gut microbiome!
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
01:00 PM EST
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III - Myeloma Canada Webinars | |
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Join 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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Subscribe to our YouTube channel to view our webinars, presentations and videos.
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Among past webinars available for viewing:
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Wow! A huge congratulations to you, our incredible community, for your awesome achievements in promoting Myeloma Awareness Month!
You’ve contacted your municipalities, provinces and territories, and even members of government, to help spread the word…and it worked!
And, of course, thank you for sharing your news with us so we can, in turn, share it nation-wide! If you have any news, lightings, proclamations, flag raisings or any other awareness event related to Myeloma Awareness Month 2024, please send your information to Aidan Robertson at arobertson@myeloma.ca. Aidan is keeping track of all your amazing MAM initiatives so we include them in next month’s Myeloma Matters e-newsletter.
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Flag raising, Lethbridge AB | |
Government House Lighting,
Newfoundland and Labrador
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II - Fundraisers of every kind! | |
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Get ready for "The Classics" in London, ON
"The Classics" is a unique celebration that brings together music enthusiasts to raise funds
for Myeloma Canada!
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Introducing #WoMMen Trekking Peru!
Eight inspiring women physicians who work with myeloma patients will take on a trek of nearly 30 miles in the Andes Mountains in Peru to raise funds for myeloma research.
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Run for myeloma with us in Halifax!
Myeloma Canada is warming up to participate in the upcoming Emera Blue Nose Marathon. Join us!
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Défi Everest Challenge is back!
Join Pierre and his family and "run" to the top of Mount Everest...in New Brunswick!
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Turn your passion into a fun fundraising event.
We can show you how!
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Visit the ‘Get involved’ section of our website for ideas on how to transform your passion into a fundraiser!
For more information, contact:
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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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Myeloma Canada's promise: To improve the lives and empower all Canadians affected by myeloma, accelerate access to the best care, while supporting the pursuit of its cure and prevention. | |
Follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources: | |
Si vous préférez recevoir vos communications en français, écrivez-nous à contact@myelome.ca. | |
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To donate to Myeloma Canada
please visit myeloma.ca or call us toll-free at 1-888-798-5771.
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