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Susan McLean
PAC Western Canada representative
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It is hard to believe it is autumn again! As the fall season ramps up, we at the Patient Advisory Council (PAC) are once again getting busy. Later this month, October 25-26, we will be at the Myeloma Canada Scientific Roundtable in Montreal where we will be gathering with Myeloma Canada, top doctors, researchers, and drug company representatives to learn what is new in the myeloma world. This is an opportunity to learn, allowing us to better share with support group leaders. Following that is Myeloma Canada’s Support Group Leaders’ Summit taking place in Calgary (November 8-10), where we will be presenting as well as learning about the newest developments in myeloma. In addition, we will host quarterly meetings through Zoom with support group leaders. Some of us will also be participating in an online post–Multiple Myeloma March discussion with march leaders and Myeloma Canada about the successes and challenges of our marches.
This month, our newsletter focus will be on the province of Ontario.
Susan
mclean@shaw.ca
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Speaking of marches, for myeloma patients, this time of year always represents an opportunity to participate in fundraising and awareness through the multitude (over forty) of Multiple Myeloma Marches across the country. These walks help to fund research that will improve the lives of Canadian myeloma patients.
Thanks to everyone’s generosity and support over the past sixteen years, the strides made in myeloma innovation and patient care have been remarkable.
Myeloma patients are living longer, fuller lives than ever before.
Let’s keep it going, Canada!
Glenn
helene-glenn@rogers.com
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We are Rinat Avitzur and Tanya Zigomanis, the two Patient Advisory Council (PAC) representatives for Ontario and we are both multiple myeloma patients. Rinat lives in Toronto and Tanya lives in Vaughan. Together, we represent all twenty support groups and their patient and/or caregiver leaders, in Ontario. | | |
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Rinat Avitzur
PAC Ontario representative
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Tanya Zigomanis
PAC Vice-Chair, Ontario representative
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Our role is to be the liaison between support group leaders/patients, Myeloma Canada, and its Board of Directors. We are the voice of the support group leaders as well as provide them with information and updates from Myeloma Canada. We meet with the leaders quarterly on Zoom to discuss issues, challenges, and successes. The meetings have become a great platform to provide advice on various subjects that might come up for new or existing support group leaders.
For the last two years we have worked closely with Myeloma Canada, and will be working with Chantel Wicks, Myeloma Canada’s Regional Manager for Community Engagement and Development. As is true for our Western counterparts, we are looking forward to this opportunity to collaborate, share and learn from one another.
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Ontario support groups vary greatly in size, in the way they operate, and the type of support they provide to their members. Some support groups have been operating solely virtually since Covid, some have resumed full in-person meetings, and others are providing both virtual and in-person options. Meetings also vary in style: some support groups have information sessions with guest speakers, others hold share-and-care meetings, and all provide emotional support to their members, which is greatly appreciated.
Areas in Ontario where there are currently support groups, in alphabetical order:
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Barrie, Brampton, Cornwall, Durham region, Grey-Bruce (Owen Sound), Halton-Peel, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Newmarket/York region, Niagara, Nipissing (North Bay), Northeastern Ontario (Sudbury), Ottawa, Peterborough-Kawartha Lakes, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Windsor.
As the seasons change we hope you enjoy the fall colours which are the most vibrant this month, and, as always, stay safe.
Rinat and Tanya
Rinat: rinatavitzur@hotmail.com
Tanya: tzigomanis@gmail.com
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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.
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Follow Myeloma Canada on social media for the most up-to-date information and resources: | |
To donate to Myeloma Canada
please visit myeloma.ca or call us toll-free at 1-888-798-5771.
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