August 19, 2025
Marching together for change
A message from our CEO
As we approach the end of summer, I’m filled with anticipation for the incredible opportunities ahead of us! This time of year – back-to-school season for many or simply return to post-summer activities – always fills me with refreshed energy and excitement over the projects we are working on here at Myeloma Canada, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share them with you.
This month, I’ll touch briefly on the new look for our newsletter, and reflect on how the Canadian myeloma community comes together to drive change at the annual Multiple Myeloma March.
A fresh look for Myeloma Matters
Regular readers of the Myeloma Matters e-newsletter may notice some changes to it this month. We’ve reimagined the format with a sleek, modern design, undertaking this transformation for two main reasons:
- We want to make the newsletter easier to skim so you can find the articles that matter the most to you. We know your time is precious, and whether you’re looking for the latest research updates, personal stories, or upcoming events, we want you to find what you need quickly and effortlessly.
- We want to make our articles more discoverable for people who don’t subscribe to our newsletter. By changing the format of the articles, we’re ensuring that when someone searches for myeloma information online, they’ll be more likely to find our trusted resources. This means we can reach and support even more people across Canada who are affected by myeloma.
The importance of fundraising to drive change
While on the subject of change, I want to talk about the importance of fundraising in driving meaningful change for our entire community. Change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when passionate people come together with a shared vision and the determination to make it reality.
[Photo: The Multiple Myeloma March in Winnipeg, MB, 2024]
We’re entering our major fundraising season, anchored by our largest nation-wide event: the Multiple Myeloma March. This isn’t just a march. It’s a powerful demonstration of hope and unity, where you meet and reconnect with old friends. It is a reinforcement of our collective commitment to transforming the myeloma landscape in Canada.
When you participate in the March and help us raise funds, you’re fueling our advocacy efforts leading to better access to drugs and treatments, and supporting groundbreaking research that’s extending and improving lives. The impact is both real and far-reaching. We’re seeing people with myeloma who once faced survival timelines of 1-3 years now living 10+ years with quality of life that seemed impossible just a decade ago. This remarkable progress didn’t happen by accident. It happened because communities like ours refused to accept the status quo. You stood up, took to the streets, and made myeloma matter.
But there’s still so much more to accomplish together.
Here’s how you can be part of this transformative movement:
Find the Multiple Myeloma March near you. There are 45+ Marches happening coast to coast, and each one is a celebration of our community’s resilience and hope. Go to myelomamarch.ca to discover the March closest to you.
Sign up to march. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with myeloma, or you’re a caregiver, family member, or friend, your presence matters. Every single person that shows up sends a powerful message of solidarity and determination. Whether you only do a few steps or you walk the full 5km, every step brings us further – together
Tell a friend. The strength of our movement lies in our numbers. Share the March with your network, post on social media, and invite others to join us. You never know who might be touched by myeloma or who has been waiting for an opportunity to make a difference.
Fundraise! Every bit counts. Whether you raise $50 or $5,000, your contribution matters immensely. Small donations add up to create big impact.
Consider our virtual option. Can’t make it to an in-person March? Our virtual option means you can be part of the movement from anywhere in Canada.
A milestone worth celebrating
As we gear up for another incredible Multiple Myeloma March season, I’m particularly moved to share that 2025 marks the 20th year of Myeloma Canada’s existence and our 17th Multiple Myeloma March. What began as a small but mighty organization has grown into a national force for change, and the March has become a beloved tradition that brings thousands of Canadians together each year.
This milestone reminds us of how far we’ve come and energizes us for the journey ahead. Together, we’re not just walking for a cure. We’re marching toward a future where no one faces myeloma alone, and where every person diagnosed has access to the treatments, support, and hope they deserve. We’re marching for a life uninterrupted by myeloma.
Thank you for being there for this extraordinary community. Here’s to embracing change, celebrating progress, and marching forward together!
With gratitude and excitement,
Martine