Awareness Day at the Quebec National Assembly
On April 12, 2017, Myeloma Canada was pleased to join the organizers from the “Défi Cyclo-Myélome”, along with several myeloma patients, as well as Dr Richard Leblanc, the Myeloma Canada Research Network Chair at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal, for an Awareness Day at the Quebec National Assembly in Québec City. Over half a dozen MNA’s from across the province were in attendance, as well as a representative from the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS), to learn more about multiple myeloma and the importance of funding programs for advancing scientific research in myeloma.  

We would like to thank organizers Maryse Bouchard and Francine Ducas for piloting this very successful event, as well as Dr Leblanc and patient representatives Leonard Miller and Mélanie St-Jacques, for their collaboration and for speaking on behalf of the Canadian myeloma community to our provincial leaders.

Above from left to right: Mrs Michelle Oana (Associate Director of Development and Communications, Myeloma Canada), Mr. Benoit Charrette (Elected Member for Deux-Montagnes), Mr. Sylvain Pagé (Elected Member for Labelle), Mr. Leonard Miller (participant, Défi Cyclo-myélome), Mrs Maryse Bouchard (cofounder, Défi Cyclo-myélome), Mrs Francine Ducas (cofounder, Défi Cyclo-myélome), Dr Richard LeBlanc (Myeloma Canada Chairholder at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital), Mrs Diane Lamarre (Elected Member for Taillon), Mrs Marie Montpetit (Elected Member for Crémazie), Mr. Sébastien Schneeberger (Elected Member for Drummond-Bois-Francs), Mrs Sylvie Bouchard (Director, Direction du médicament, INESSS), Mrs. Mélanie St-Jacques (participant, Défi Cyclo-myélome), Mr. Geoffrey Kelley (Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs).

Left: Mrs Michelle Oana (Associate Director of Development and Communications, Myeloma Canada) and Mr. Benoit Charrette (Elected Member for Deux-Montagnes)

pERC Initial Recommendation Issued for: Ixazomib (Ninlaro) for Multiple Myeloma
On May 4, 2017, the pCODR Expert Review Committee (pERC) issued their Initial Recommendation for ixazomib (Ninlaro) for multiple myeloma.  

pERC does not recommend reimbursement of ixazomib (Ninlaro) in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (ILd) for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior treatment and have high-risk cytogenetics, or who have received at least two prior therapies. To view the full report, click here  

Although we are disappointed with this initial recommendation, Myeloma Canada is committed to working with diligently with patient groups to continue to ensure that the patient voice is heard, as well as work with the drug manufacturers to ensure treatment options are available to Canadian patients.
Nominations Now Open for  Marion State Memorial
Myeloma Canada Nursing Award

Nurses are among the most dedicated professionals in the healthcare field, providing comfort, respite and necessary care to those who are sick.
 
These caring professionals have one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs out there. Myeloma Canada wants to thank all those incredible men and women who have dedicated their lives to compassion, caring and healing.

Nominations are now open for the annual Marion State Memorial Myeloma Canada Nursing Award. The award recognizes excellence in myeloma nursing care and is presented annually to a Canadian nurse who has demonstrated distinction and leadership in the care of multiple myeloma patients.
Public Relations Award in Recognition of the
MCRN Canadian Multiple Myeloma Database Launch

Myeloma Canada is pleased to share some exciting news. The communication results surrounding the launch of the MCRN Canadian Multiple Myeloma Database on September 1, 2016 has been recognized by the Canadian Public Relations Society of Canada  (CPRS) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).  

The launch of the MCRN Canadian Multiple Myeloma Database received the Award of Merit in Media Relations and the award for Best Use of Media Relations from the CPRS and IABC, respectively.  

Congratulations to the team at Argyle Public Relations for this significant achievement and for helping to put myeloma on the map.  
For more information on the MCRN Canadian Multiple Myeloma Database, click here.
The 2017 Multiple Myeloma March Welcomes Four New March Communities
New Multiple Myeloma Marches in 2017

So far, a record number of Multiple Myeloma Marches are on the roster this year, and more are on the way!

We’re pleased to officially open registration for the following communities:  
Have you registered your team yet?

Join one of the 15 communities across Canada in September for a 5km walk or run to help raise funds for clinical research and to support advocacy for accelerated access to game-changing therapies.  

The time is now! Register your team or donate today!
The Myeloma Canada Patient Advisory Council is Pleased to Announce New Members

  Myeloma Canada is please to introduce you to the newest members of the Patient Advisory Council (PAC) for Atlantic and Western Canada and Ontario. 
Register now for
STEPS TO A CURE!
The Ottawa-Gatineau Walk for Myeloma

Join Myeloma Canada and The Ottawa Hospital Foundation on September 24th for a 5km walk to help increase awareness and raise funds for myeloma research! Whether you’re looking for a corporate team building experience, a group outing or just an opportunity to get outside and have fun, this event is for you.

Whether an individual or part of a team, register today and join us as we walk to raise money for the cure, register now!

Become an iGive Member and Support Myeloma Canada!

Great news Canada! You can now shop at your favourite stores online AND support Myeloma Canada at no extra cost! All you have to do is become an iGive.com member and start shopping!

Take a few minutes to sign up, it's free of charge. Happy shopping!

Register Now for Myeloma Canada’s Educational Online Webinar
  Managing Side Effects

Featuring, Cindy Manchulenko
Clinical Trials Project Manager Clinical & Systems Transformation
and Myeloma Canada Board member

For patients and caregivers, learn more on how to better manage myeloma symptoms and the side-effects of treatments and medications.  

Saturday, June 17, 1:00pm EST

2017 Sherbrooke InfoSession
In the Community
It’s been a busy few months! Find out what’s happening in the Canadian myeloma community. From the Economic Club of Canada luncheon in Ottawa, to Golf Tournaments, InfoSessions and more!