September 18, 2025
Taking our seat at the global table: The power of collaboration in advancing myeloma research and advocacy
A message from our CEO
Hello everyone,
September has been an exhilarating month for collaboration, and I’m bursting with pride about all the incredible ways individuals from the global and local myeloma communities have come together to advance myeloma research, awareness, and advocacy.
[Photo: The Kingston Multiple Myeloma March, 2025]
September is also Blood Cancer Awareness Month, which unites organizations and individuals representing the various blood cancers, amplifying our collective voice.
Meanwhile, the 22nd International Myeloma Society’s annual meeting is happening right now (Sept 17-20) in Toronto, giving us an incredible platform to bring Canadian perspectives and innovative research to this prestigious global gathering.
Finally, our Multiple Myeloma March continues to bring together hundreds of passionate volunteers, donors, healthcare professionals, and sponsors, as well as families, neighbours, and friends.
Together these events, which are powered by so many collaborators, beautifully illustrate the impact of working together toward our shared vision of life uninterrupted by myeloma.
Bringing Canadian innovation to the world stage
The 22nd Annual Meeting of the International Myeloma Society (IMS) is one of the most important gatherings for world-renowned myeloma researchers, and this year, it is happening right here in Canada.
[Photo: 22nd Annual Meeting of the International Myeloma Society (IMS)]
Myeloma Canada, as a people-centric, grassroots organization, is in attendance. We are here to ensure that the voices of people impacted directly by myeloma are at the forefront of these crucial conversations.
This morning, Dr Lisa Leypoldt and I participated together in the panel discussion “New Horizons: Optimizing Patient Outcomes in RRMM (relapse or refractory multiple myeloma),” where we presented on “Leaving no patient behind: Patient preferences at relapse.” Patient voice is not often represented at these medical meetings but our advocacy for change is bearing fruit.
Normally at this time of year, we host the Myeloma Canada Scientific Roundtable. This year, because so many of the usual preeminent researchers who attend our Roundtable are here at the IMS meeting, Myeloma Canada, for the first time decided to host an International Patient and Caregiver Conference instead. Our conference gave Canadians unprecedented opportunity to interact directly with global healthcare professionals, breaking down barriers between researchers and patients. We’re all on the same side, and it’s international events like these that make it possible for everyone to have a seat at the table. When we come together to discuss what matters most, we can make real change.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month & the Multiple Myeloma March
As in the past we’ve teamed up with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) and the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to bring awareness to blood cancers. We share information, advocate collectively, and spread the word about learning opportunities that serve the entire blood cancer community.
[Photo: Jérôme Goulet (Leader of the Multiple Myeloma March in Quebec City) and me at this year’s March. Photo credit: Dennis Adams]
By working together, we speak to more people than any one organization could on their own, ensuring that when someone first hears “myeloma,” they know there’s a community ready to support them.
Check out the IMF’s #KnowMyeloma awareness campaign to find out how you can help spread the word.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month coincides with the buzziest time of the Multiple Myeloma March. Throughout September, communities from coast-to-coast will come together to raise awareness for myeloma in Canada, but also to raise funds for critical research, education, and community programs. I encourage you to join the March near you, connect with someone new, and work together to make life better for Canadians living with myeloma.
A shared vision for the future
What strikes me most about our international partnerships is how aligned our visions are. The IMF envisions “a world where every myeloma patient can live life to the fullest, unburdened by the disease.” Myeloma Canada’s vision is “a life uninterrupted by myeloma.” These are complementary pieces of the same transformative puzzle.
Working collaboratively within Canada and across borders is essential when striving to achieve our shared visions. Canada brings unique insights, perspectives, and community-centered advocacy. Other countries contribute their own innovations and cultural understandings. Together, we’re creating faster and better changes because we know the patient cannot wait.
I will leave you with this last thought: This global collaboration isn’t just happening in conference rooms and research laboratories. It’s happening at the local level too. Our participation in global discussions is possible because of every single donor, every volunteer who gives their time, and every person touched by myeloma who shares their story and advocates for change. You are all integral partners in this international effort to improve the lives of people with myeloma. You empower us to make this change.
With gratitude,
Martine