To help raise awareness and funds for multiple myeloma, a little-known blood cancer, Airdrie residents will be participating in the 8th annual Greg Roberts Memorial Myeloma March on September 9, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., at Airdrie East Lake Park.
Multiple myeloma, or myeloma, is the second most common form of blood cancer that is, as of yet, incurable. Myeloma may take months or years to diagnose. The disease often goes undetected because signs and symptoms are often vague and as diverse as the people who have it. Sadly, delays in diagnosis can lead to poorer prognosis and additional complications that negatively impact quality of life and survival.
This year, Airdrie is among six communities taking part in a special Multiple Myeloma March Research Fund-sharing Partnership Program, in recognition of the national event’s 15th anniversary.
Dr. Victor H. Jimenez Zepeda, hematologist and Principal Investigator at the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute at the University of Alberta, will partner with Airdrie’s Greg Robert’s Memorial Multiple Myeloma March for Myeloma Canada, and receive a research grant of up to 50% of that March’s net proceeds. Dr. Zepeda and his team will use the funds to explore the impact of sarcopenia (skeletal muscle loss) treatments and effects on the survival outcomes in recently diagnosed myeloma and AL amyloidosis patients at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
“Countless Canadians may not receive their myeloma diagnosis for months or sometimes years. This has to change,” says Martine Elias, Executive Director of Myeloma Canada. “That’s why events like the Greg Roberts Memorial Myeloma March are so crucial. The more people who know about this complicated disease, the earlier they may be diagnosed and treated, for better outcomes. The March raises awareness and vital funds to improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma and move us closer to a cure.”
Myeloma Canada’s annual Multiple Myeloma March raises critical funds to cure and prevent myeloma through investments in Canadian research, accelerate equitable access to the best healthcare and treatments, and improve lives by empowering and supporting all Canadians affected by this devastating disease.
The Greg Roberts Memorial Myeloma March is one of 40 communities across the country participating in Myeloma Canada’s 15th annual nation-wide event. For Canadians not located near a physical March or who wish to participate on their own, there is also a virtual March option. The Airdrie event has set their financial goal at $30,000. Myeloma Canada’s national Multiple Myeloma March objective is to raise $750,000. For more information, visit myelomamarch.ca.
About Myeloma
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is the second most common form of blood cancer. Myeloma affects a type of immune cell called the plasma cell, found in the bone marrow. While there is currently no cure, people with myeloma are living longer and better lives, thanks to recent breakthroughs in treatment. To find a cure, more funding and research are required.
About Myeloma Canada
Myeloma Canada is the only national charitable organization created by, and for, Canadians impacted by multiple myeloma. The organization is driven to improve the lives of those affected by myeloma by empowering the community through awareness, education, and advocacy programs, and supporting research to find a cure. Myeloma Canada has been making myeloma matter since its founding in 2005.
To learn more, or to donate, please visit www.myeloma.ca.
