An interview with John Stultz Jr of the Hamilton-Niagara March 

The 2025 Multiple Myeloma March is off to a great start. Folks are coming together in 45+ communities across Canada to raise awareness and funds for multiple myeloma research and resources. We’re on track to make this the biggest March season ever, but how do we amplify our efforts even more? Why social media, of course! Social media allows us to reach so many more people who can be supported by Myeloma Canada’s programs and resources. Importantly, it also helps us reach those who may be interested in helping the Canadian myeloma community by donating to or participating in the March.  

To learn more about how to promote your March with social media, check out what John Stultz Jr has done for the Hamilton-Niagara March. We asked him a few questions to get you the inside scoop.  

MC: What is your advice for social media beginners?  

JS: My most valuable advice is to: 

• post only when it is meaningful; 

• post often, but only if the content somehow educates the viewers or has some perceived value; 

• use different formats: posts, reels, stories and notes. Each format has its own unique purpose and advantage over the other formats, so it’s a good general rule to experiment and don’t be afraid of trying new formats; 

• acknowledge those who engage with your content with a ‘like’ or reply when possible to drive more awareness.                   

MC: What do you think social media can do for the Multiple Myeloma March?  

JS: At a national level, social media can help bridge the gap between small clusters of communities which are separated by geographical distances across Canada. By converting this physical distance to virtual distance, the local groups can not only reach more myeloma patients, caregivers, and communities, but also engage with communities situated beyond the group’s physical location, thereby increasing awareness. This awareness enables more opportunities for donations, leads to empowerment and better care, and ultimately moves us closer to finding a cure for myeloma.    

MC: What do you think social media can do for the Multiple Myeloma March?  

JS: At a national level, social media can help bridge the gap between small clusters of communities which are separated by geographical distances across Canada. By converting this physical distance to virtual distance, the local groups can not only reach more myeloma patients, caregivers, and communities, but also engage with communities situated beyond the group’s physical location, thereby increasing awareness. This awareness enables more opportunities for donations, leads to empowerment and better care, and ultimately moves us closer to finding a cure for myeloma.    

MC: What advice do you have for March leaders who want to use social media to promote their events? 

JS: I believe social media is an excellent opportunity to reach potential volunteers, sponsors, donors, and marchers. With many different social media platforms to choose from, it’s best to pick one to start with (unless you’re familiar with many; in that case pick two).

Make sure to consider the age group and the target audience of your content when choosing the social media platforms. (Myeloma Canada’s Digital Engagement and Communications Specialist Leigh Kinch-Pedrosa recommends using Facebook and Instagram because the age demographic of folks impacted by myeloma is most present on these platforms.) 

MC: Leading up to the March in Hamilton, how have you used social media?  

JS: My short-term strategy is to use the new Myeloma Hamilton social media platforms to reflect our community spirit and to promote team-building for this year’s March.  

My long-term strategy is to give future followers insight into past Marches and events, showcasing our commitment to community outreach and awareness. Ultimately, my goal is to promote the up-and-coming local March, while giving our community a space to share their own multiple myeloma experiences, whether they are patients, caregivers, volunteers, donors, or sponsors. 

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Five takeaways from our chat with John Stultz Jr 

1. Social media can connect dispersed communities across Canada, turning physical distance into virtual proximity. This connection fosters broader awareness, encourages donations, and connects groups and people who otherwise may not have had the opportunity. 

2. Promoting community spirit can drive engagement on social media, but also be the groundwork for more real-world participation. If you see something fun, you want to be part of it. 

3. Make sure your posts are meaningful. Give people a story or information that will encourage them to dive deeper, learn more, and engage further. 

4. Engage with followers to boost visibility and connection. Show them you appreciate their comments and shares, by liking and replying.  

5. Try new things! There are so many platforms and formats to experiment with, so get creative and try new things.