Martine Elias, Executive Director |
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"The more we talk about myeloma, educate our fellow Canadians, the more people will come to understand the disease, recognize the myriad of symptoms that are too often brushed under the guise of something innocuous or benign. The more awareness that’s created for myeloma, the quicker people will be diagnosed, and treated. The quicker people are treated, the better their outcomes. And until a cure is found, that is the goal: to live as long and full a life as possible."
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Key take-aways from the 18th International Myeloma Workshop (IMW)
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Every 2 years, the IMW brings together healthcare professionals to present programming focused on the fundamental, preclinical and clinical data of myeloma. Some of the topics presented and discussed at the 2021 workshop included: |
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- Treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
- Treatment of relapsed/refractory myeloma
- CAR T-cell therapy
- Bispecific antibodies
- Measurement of minimal residual disease (MRD)
- Smouldering multiple myeloma
- COVID-19
- Ongoing debates on the management of myeloma
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For a patient-focused summary of some of the important topics presented at this year's IMW, please watch the following videos: |
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Identifying best practices in the diagnosis and management of myeloma for hematologists and healthcare professionals |
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Our Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is finally here! This CME program, intended for community hematologists, was created in collaboration with McGill University and overseen by a Scientific Planning Committee which includes Dr Kevin Song (Chair, University of British Columbia), Dr Rayan Kaedbey (McGill University), Dr Richard LeBlanc (Université de Montréal), and Dr Darrell White (Dalhousie University). This important program has been made possible by an education grant and support from Myeloma Canada, Janssen Canada, and Takeda Canada.
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There are three modules in the CME program:
- Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma
- Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
- Treatment for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Each module is approved for up to 1 credit each by the Office for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Are you a hematologist and interesting in knowing more? Click here for details.
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What's new at Myeloma Canada |
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Myeloma Canada's 13th annual Multiple Myeloma March campaign is in full swing!
Our collective Personal Distance Tracker challenge for the 2021 Multiple Myeloma March is tallying up a total of 8,770 km walked together so far! We started from the most western point of Canada, Beaver Creek in the Yukon, and have already made our way to Regina, Saskatchewan, and up to Edmunston, in New Brunswick!
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Here are just some of the cities we’ve visited since we started: |
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Travel with us (virtually of course) across our beautiful country! And, don’t forget to keep recording the kilometres you cover in your Personal Distance Tracker calculator until the end of the campaign so we can continue to add them to our virtual journey across Canada. Need help? Check out our video here.
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Sign up for the March today!
It's as easy as clicking on one of the city links below:
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No planned March in your community? Did you miss your local March?
No problem! You can still participate by registering for the Virtual March option and and plan your own personal challenge in your community, just like Jean Guy and his wife Erin did!
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With an objective of walking 100km to raise $2,000 for their March, Jean Guy Belzile and his wife Erin not only met, but surpassed their original goal! Their entourage all came together to support Jean Guy and Erin in their cause, and with hopes of changing our healthcare system.
Click here to read how Jean Guy and Erin turned their Virtual March into a campaign of hope.
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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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The Multiple Myeloma March...in the media! |
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Once again, our Marches are getting amazing coverage by local media. A huge thank you to all March spokespersons for doing an awesome job and helping to spread awareness for myeloma in your communities! Here are just a few of the articles and interviews your enthusiasm helped spark:
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Myeloma Canada's Patient Advisory Council: Call for applications for an Atlantic representative |
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Are you from Atlantic Canada and want to join Myeloma Canada’s Patient Advisory Council (PAC)? If this volunteer position interests you, please send us your letter of intent, outlining why you'd like to join the council, your interest in the cause of people impacted by myeloma, along with a brief description of your skills and background.
The deadline to submit your letter of intent is October 31, 2021.
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Last chance to take advantage of our early bird promotion for the Sam’s Monte Carlo Casino Night! |
The 5th annual Sam’s Monte Carlo Casino Night, presented this year by L.A. Leasing, is set for November 6, 2021 at Auberge des Gallant.
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Only 1 week left for our early bird promotion! |
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Early bird rate:
Fundraising Monte Carlo Casino Package:
$160 per person*
(reg. $175 per person)
Partial tax receipts will be issued for the Fundraising Monte Carlo Package only
*Early bird rate is valid until September 30
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Sorry, the Auberge des Gallant's hotel package is sold out and the hotel is fully booked. But, you can still book our free shuttle service when you purchase your ticket! Click here for more information.
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The Casino Night will respect all necessary COVID-19 health and safety measures; we'll do everything in our power to ensure that we can come together safely for a wonderful evening. Rest assured that the safety measures put in place by the Quebec government will be fully respected so that we can all enjoy a safe and fun evening together.
In the event that rules or restrictions regarding social gatherings change and prevent us from getting together don't worry… the event will be rescheduled. If you prefer, we can issue a refund on your ticket purchase.
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On Sept 1, 2021 generic versions of Revlimid (lenalidomide) – commonly used for the treatment of multiple myeloma – were approved. Your healthcare provider may have recently recommended, or might be recommending, that you switch to a generic version of Revlimid (lenalidomide).
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We've put together an InfoSheet that addresses some of the questions you may have regarding generic drugs. As always, if you have any questions that pertain to your specific situation, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare team.
For general information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Gabriele Colasurdo, Myeloma Canada’s Manager, Education & Patient Services at gcolasurdo@myeloma.ca or call, toll-free:1-888-798-5771.
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Spotlight on Ryan Matches:
Becoming a myeloma advocate
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When North Vancouver’s Ryan Matches was met with a myeloma diagnosis in 2015 at the age of 49, he was left with the feeling that “it’s always supposed to happen to someone else”, a sentiment all too familiar that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Digesting the blow, he started to refocus his creative energy and began advocating through his blog called MultipleMyelomaMan: Mortal of the Story, where he has been documenting and sharing his story publicly ever since.
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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.
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Don't forget - full information on upcoming webinars is also available in our 'News & Events' section, or by clicking here.
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Thursday, October 21, 2021
7:00 - 8:00 pm EST
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Friday, November 12, 2021
1:00 – 2:00 pm EST
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Past webinars:
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Oncology Drug Access Navigators - View recording
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About MGUS and Smouldering Multiple Myeloma - View recording
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Myeloma 101: Diagnosis & Treatment - View recording
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Myeloma Canada presents: A sit down interview with Dr Hira Mian - View recording
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Medical Cannabis in Clinical Oncology: Present & Future - View recording
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Latest Myeloma Research Updates from the ASH 2020 Meeting - View recording
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Update on COVID-19 and Myeloma in Canada - View recording
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Drugs Commonly Used for Multiple Myeloma Patients and Side Effects - View recording
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Myeloma Monitor: Learn How to Organize, Track & Manage Your Myeloma - View recording
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Oncology Rehabilitation Program Kinatex Sports Physio - View recording
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Jim's Story of Self Advocacy, Living With Myeloma for 28 Years - View 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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- Update: How well do COVID-19 vaccines work in people with myeloma?
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COVID-19 related webinars*
*See the "Upcoming Events" section below for non-COVID-19 related webinars
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All webinars are free, recorded and are available for viewing on our Myeloma Canada YouTube channel.
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For more information on all upcoming webinars, click here.
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Past webinars:
Click on the title to view the recording:
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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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