[Photo: Maryse Bouchard, Sylvie-Chantale Duquette, and Francine Ducas at the Multiple Myeloma March in Montreal, QC, in 2013]

“After the announcement of my diagnosis, the idea of starting a walk began to take shape when I participated in a breast cancer walk. In 2009, at the very first Multiple Myeloma March, I never imagined that this event would grow into what we see today. I wanted to contribute to the cause while encouraging community participation in order to share hope. Together, we are a force to overcome this cancer,” says Maryse Bouchard. Learn more about Maryse.

Just two years later, the March grew to involve six communities, raising $400,000. Fast forward to 2024, and over 40 communities across Canada raised more than $945,000. This year, we’re proud to see over 45 communities participating, all community-driven and volunteer-powered. Let’s see how much we raise this year!

[Photo: Michelle Oana, Chief Mission Officer at Myeloma Canada, and her husband Mike at the Multiple Myeloma March on Vancouver Island, BC, in 2025]

Michelle Oana and Shaneika Heslop, both part of the Myeloma Canada team, have been attending the Multiple Myeloma March for years. By the end of 2025, they will have participated in over 90 Marches combined, making them uniquely qualified to reflect on how the event has evolved.

Michelle’s first March was in 2013, before she joined Myeloma Canada. At the Montreal March, Michelle walked in honour of her father, Richard Oana, who was living with myeloma at the time. She recalls the day as hopeful and uplifting, especially because her father had trained for months to complete the full 5 km walk. “We all celebrated by going out for lunch afterwards to a local pub,” she says. “I have very fond memories of that day.” 

While Michelle and Shaneika both work for Myeloma Canada, their participation is a family affair. Michelle’s family and close childhood friends of her parents have joined her every year since that first walk — now in their 11th year.

[Photo: Claudia Trost, Leader of the Kingston March and Shaneika Heslop, Senior Administrative Assistant at Myeloma Canada, at the Multiple Myeloma March in Kingston, ON, in 2023]

Michelle says, “For a day that represents tremendous support, community and most importantly, hope, my wish is to reach as many communities as possible and extend this event with as many people as possible. The remarkable growth of the event over the years is not just about numbers, it’s directly connected to our impact on research advancements. The more awareness and support we generate, the more we can contribute to critical research that changes lives. You can see just how powerful this collective impact is in our latest Impact Report.”  

Michelle and Shaneika are part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness for what is still a little-known cancer, to make sure that no one faces myeloma alone, and to help Canadians get access to the best care. They are joined by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, donors, and marchers who work together to make the Multiple Myeloma March a success year after year.  

[Photo: Tracy Isaac and her brother Tom at the Multiple Myeloma March in Saint John, NB, in 2024]

“The Multiple Myeloma March means a lot to me. Since being diagnosed in 2023, it’s been a way to raise awareness, help others and to push forward, one step at a time — with hope, grit, and the support of my community.”

– Tracy Isaac, Saint John, NB. 

“Participating in this March allows me to share with those around me the daily reality we face in dealing with this cancer. It is also a valuable opportunity to contribute to fundraising for research, which is advancing rapidly to provide us with more effective treatments.”

– Lyne Roy, Rouyn-Noranda, QC.