|
|
|
February 2024
Dear community...
| |
Martine Elias, Executive Director | |
|
" Hi everyone,
2024 is well underway and there is definitely a flurry of activity going on at Myeloma Canada!
As you’ve hopefully seen by now, we’ve kicked off the year by launching our new website (www.myeloma.ca), we’re moving full speed ahead with new educational events, programs, resources, science and research funding initiatives, fun community fundraising events, and of course, our Myeloma Awareness Month campaign starts March 1st! "
| | |
|
I - 15th annual Myeloma Canada Scientific Roundtable
October 25-26, 2024
Hyatt Place Montreal – Downtown
Meeting theme:
How to best sequence T-cell based therapies in multiple myeloma
| |
|
|
While immunotherapy, encompassing both antibody and cellular therapies, has demonstrated promising efficacy and improved survival outcomes in myeloma, clinicians face a persistent challenge in managing the inevitable relapse, particularly in later lines of therapy where treatment options are limited. This underscores the urgent need to explore optimal sequencing strategies for immunotherapy, targeting key myeloma cell antigens like BCMA, GPRC5D, and FcRH5.
Emerging findings indicate that both non-BCMA and BCMA-targeted immunotherapies can yield meaningful clinical benefits and durable responses, even in patients previously exposed to BCMA-targeted therapies. Innovative precision medicine approaches are imperative to decipher the most effective sequence for myeloma patients.
Myeloma Canada Scientific Roundtable steering committee:
| |
|
Co-chairs
Dr Paola Neri
University of Calgary
Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute
Calgary, AB
Dr Annette Hay
Queen's University
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Kingston, Ontario
| |
|
Co-chairs
Dr Vincent Rajkumar
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
Dr Hira Mian
McMaster University
Juravinski Cancer Centre
Hamilton, Ontario
| | | |
For highlights from Myeloma Canada's 2023 Scientific Roundtable, click here. | |
II - Myeloma Canada Grants: Now accepting 2024 applications! | |
|
Program applicants can qualify to partner with Myeloma Canada on their nearest MMM and be awarded a research grant of up to 50% of the net MMM proceeds. Applicants must be charitable organizations that are associated with a Canadian myeloma treatment centre or university that conducts myeloma research (i.e., hospital foundation, university foundation, etc.). Applicants must work with at least one myeloma researcher to prioritize and agree upon the project(s) or research-related initiative(s) that will be submitted within the application.
Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2024.
| |
To learn more about the 2023 winners, partners, and their corresponding projects, click here. | |
|
Dr Andrew R Belch MEET Grant for young myeloma investigators
Myeloma Canada will make six MEET grants available in 2024, each in the amount of CDN $4,000.
MEET grants are intended to support recipients’
(35 years of age or younger) conference registration/participation fees, travel costs, and per diem expenses.
| |
|
|
Aldo Del Col 2024 Research Grant
More information will be provided in the next newsletter.
For a list of the 2023 Aldo Del Col Grant winners, click here.
| |
|
III - Selinexor is now funded in Manitoba! | |
I - Reassessment of the relevance of introducing pathogen reduction technologies into the production of labile blood products (red blood cells, plasma, and platelets) in Quebec. | |
|
This is the second assessment of these technologies for INESSS, following a 2017 recommendation not to introduce the Intercept™ process.
Myeloma Canada contributed, as a patient association representative, to the consultation organized by the INESSS, in response to a mandate from the Biovigilance and Medical Biology Department of the MSSS to reassess the relevance of introducing this technology into the production of labile blood products by Héma-Québec.
The report was published on December 21, 2023. To view it, click here.
| | |
|
What's new at Myeloma Canada | |
I - Announcing our 2024 Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month campaign! | | |
|
I found out when…
What the 😖 is myeloma?
| | |
|
March 1st marks the official start of Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, also referred to as Myeloma Action Month. Whatever the name, the goal is the same, to do all we can to take action and create as much awareness for myeloma as we can within the general public.
Toward the end of 2023, a sub-committee of members from our community was formed to partner with us on developing this year’s campaign theme. Thank you to Lorelei Dalrymple, Bev Dunn, Cate Freeman, Phil Harbridge, Maureen Murray, and Jessica Slack for collaborating on the creation of this year’s impactful campaign!
| | |
|
The unanimous decision taken was to focus this year’s messaging on raising awareness for some of the common yet vague signs and symptoms of myeloma that are often overlooked or brushed aside because they can so easily be attributed to other issues.
Given that the goal of the campaign is to reach those unaware of myeloma, we wanted a campaign that would intrigue and educate those not looking for information on the disease.
| | |
|
We’re thrilled to reveal this year’s campaign, based on 2 sets of core messaging:
1) “I found out when…” coupled with the cheeky, “What the 😖 is myeloma?” which captures the essence of how many of you disclosed feeling upon receiving your diagnosis; and
2) “Did you know…“ which reveals basic information on myeloma and guides you to myeloma.ca to learn more.
| | |
|
Over the course of March, you will meet 5 different individuals from our community, each of whom will share the defining moment when they suspected something was seriously wrong with their health. A tremendous thank you to Peter Chiu, Lorelei Dalrymple, Miles Ferguson, Phil Harbridge, and Sylvia Jagpal for lending their voices to this year’s campaign.
As always, the multi-tiered campaign will be run across all of our digital platforms – Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn – as well as our website and Myeloma Matters e-newsletter.
Stay tuned for more on how you can help spread the word
and share your story!
#MyelomaCanadaMAM2024
| | |
|
II - Get your pedal on: Bike to beat myeloma!
The 3rd Myeloma Canada Ride is just around the corner!
Starting May 11, the Myeloma Canada Ride will take you to 6 picturesque locations across Canada!
A unique opportunity to push your limits and meet other members of our community as you work towards the same goal: making myeloma matter.
| |
Halifax Myeloma Canada Ride, 2023 | |
|
III - Introducing the latest addition to our educational
resources: Managing Myeloma in Rural and Remote Areas InfoGuide
| | |
|
Navigating myeloma in rural and remote areas comes with unique challenges. This comprehensive InfoGuide addresses these issues head-on, providing valuable insights and practical strategies tailored to the needs and experience of people with myeloma.
From accessing specialized care to fostering a support network within your community, this guide aims to empower patients and caregivers alike to take charge of their myeloma journey.
| | | |
|
|
Developed with individuals living with myeloma in rural areas and their caregivers, this resource is a collaborative effort with our community. It has been specifically created to help people more confidently manage myeloma at home, regardless of their geographic location.
Visit our website to explore the Managing Myeloma in Rural and Remote Areas InfoGuide and take a step towards better understanding and managing myeloma in your unique situation.
| | |
IV - NEW! Za’atar Turmeric Chicken recipe | |
|
This is a perfect warming winter dish with seasonal vegetables that can be varied with whatever greens you have available.
Za’atar Turmeric Chicken with Wild and Brown Rice is a simple recipe that’s high in protein, powerful whole grains, nutritious vegetables, and the added healing benefits of chicken stock for more vitamins and minerals.
Food that fuels the body and the soul!
| |
| |
|
|
Spotlight on Lilowtie Ramdass:
Through the eyes a daughter and caregiver with personal and professional experience with multiple myeloma
| | |
|
|
" When immigrating to Canada in December 2007, my mother Lilowtie Ramdass’s arm suddenly broke while packing the suitcases.
We managed to get her arm casted so that she could get on the flight with some degree of comfort.
We hail from Guyana, South America and at this point, mom had spent her entire lifetime working on the immigration application to Canada for a better life and long-term conditions of her 6 daughters. "
| | |
I - The next Myeloma Canada Patient and Caregiver Conference will be held in Toronto on March 22, 2024! | |
|
Where:
In-person at Hotel Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown,
249 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2N5
When:
Friday, March 22, 2024
8:30 am to 5 pm
Registration fees: $40
Breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks included
| |
What’s on the agenda:
- Myeloma 101: Understanding the disease and its treatments
- A nursing perspective of side effect management for patients participating in clinical trials
- What is a PSP? How can this simplify patient care?
- Exercise as a vital component to physical and mental wellness
-
Diet and lifestyle decisions for cancer patients.
For those needing accommodations, we have secured a group rate for conference participants. For more information, contact Sophia Mendoza by email at smendoza@myeloma.ca.
| | | |
II - Myeloma Canada Webinars | |
|
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.
| |
|
|
Among past webinars available for viewing:
| |
I - Announcing "The Classics": A Musical celebration for myeloma in London, ON | |
|
"The Classics" is a unique celebration that brings together music enthusiasts and fans alike to pay homage to a legendary artist's musical legacy. Stay tuned for more information!
In the meantime, mark your calendars for April 27, 2024
Where: Marconi Club, London, ON
Let's come together to make this inaugural event a resounding success and a testament to the power of music and community.
| |
|
Turn your passion into a fun fundraising event.
We can show you how!
Visit the ‘Get involved’ section of our website for ideas on how to transform your passion into a fundraiser!
| |
| |
|
For more information, contact:
| | |
|
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:
| |
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. | |
|
To donate to Myeloma Canada
please visit myeloma.ca or call us toll-free at 1-888-798-5771.
| | | | |
