October 2026

A Peek at the PAC

A message from Rinat Avitzur, Chair of the Patient Advisory Council

Earlier this year, the Patient Advisory Council (PAC) welcomed two new members, Alison Trenholm from British Columbia and Barb Beaton from the Northwest Territories. In this issue of “A Peek at the PAC,” they will showcase their participation in the Multiple Myeloma March and the Myeloma Canada Ride. Their stories reflect the strength, resilience, and community spirit that make the March and Ride so meaningful across Canada. We are grateful for their commitment to giving back and for the unique perspectives they bring to the PAC. 

A message from Alison Trenholm, British Columbia Representative

My name is Alison Trenholm. I am a new member of the PAC. I was diagnosed in September 2024, and Myeloma Canada continues to be a big resource for me to understand myeloma, to learn about treatment options, and to learn about the research and clinical trials that are supporting incredible advances for care and treatment. The Patient and Caregivers Support Page on Facebook and MC Lounge have helped me make connections and find support during my treatment and now it helps me understand some of the challenges being faced by patients and caregivers.  

I joined the PAC as a way of giving back, and on September 5, 2026, I participated in my first Multiple Myeloma March fundraiser, in Nanaimo, BC. It was rewarding to raise funds that support research and patient resources, but the March is so much more! I got to walk with my daughter and granddaughter, and we all got to meet members of the Vancouver Island North Support Group and make some new connections.

Multiple Myeloma March, Vancouver Island (Nanaimo)

It felt so uplifting for me to see other Myeloma Warriors and supporters turn out to raise awareness, to gather in support of one another and in celebration that we are still here! We are living longer, we are living better, and we are warriors! 

A message from Barb Beaton, Representative for the Great North

My name is Barb Beaton, and I am a new member of the PAC. I am originally from Ontario and have called Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, home for the past thirty-three years. Yellowknife is Chief Drygeese Territory and the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation which respects all Indigenous Peoples in the community.  

I was diagnosed with myeloma in June 2020. Myeloma Canada was recommended to me by my hematologist as a trustworthy resource for information and updates on advancements in myeloma.  The resources continue to be an invaluable support to me on my journey. I am honoured to be part of the PAC and hope to be able to give back to Myeloma Canada and fellow peers with myeloma.

I am also honoured to be a co-leader of the newly established Northern Support Group. Though small in numbers, our group is an energetic supporter of our northern peers and advocate for our health service delivery. We joined Myeloma Action Month Global Landmark Lighting campaign in March 2026 and with family and friends, and stood before the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories that was lit in red. 

Myeloma Action Month in the Northwest Territories, 2026

Myeloma Canada Ride, 2026

In June 2026, the Northern Support Group hosted its first annual Myeloma Canada Bikeathon, part of the Myeloma Canada Ride. With the support and love of our families and friends we rode together in hope, courage and in memory of a dear group member. It is a privilege for me to represent this group and other northerners on the PAC. 

Myeloma Canada's mission: 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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Myeloma Canada charitable number: 862533296RR0001