Phase 0 is a shining example of what can happen when we bring people together from different professional backgrounds and personal experiences to tackle critical issues. Pictured here are patients, healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, researchers, as well as representatives from patient advocacy organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and governments discussing the best ways to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in clinical trials.

Maryse Bouchard (in yellow), one of the two original organizers of the Multiple Myeloma March and co-founder of the the Défi Cyclo-Myélome, cheering on her fellow riders in the pouring rain in Ste-Ignace-de-Stanbridge.

Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN) Summit is an inspiring gathering of international myeloma advocates. I love this photo because it shows our closeness. We come together yearly and have formed bonds that have allowed us to collaborate across borders towards our shared goals. 

Bob McCaw (left), winner of this year’s Myeloma Canada CEO Award for his outstanding contribution to the community, shared his story at the High North Charity Golf tournament, helping to raise $22,420 for myeloma research, resources, and educational programs. He is pictured here with Rick Moriarity, CIO / COO and Co-Founder at High North Laboratories, Inc, and Chantel Wicks, Myeloma Canada’s National Manager of Community Outreach and Resources.

The International Myeloma Society (IMS)’s Annual Meeting was held in Toronto this year, and I am so proud that the voices of Canadians with myeloma shone on such a global stage. Pictured here are volunteers and Myeloma Canada staff at our information table on the exhibitor floor. 

This year, we were proud to host an International Myeloma Canada Patient and Caregiver Conference in conjunction with the IMS’s Annual Meeting. Here is Tanya Zigomanis (in red, support group leader, member of the Myeloma Canada Patient Advisory Council, and a Myeloma Canada Ambassador) on a panel with international representatives to discuss the needs of patients across the world.

One of the things I’m most proud to see is volunteers return year after year to the Multiple Myeloma March. Pictured here is Chief Mission Officer Michelle Oana with long-time volunteers Mike Brennan, Betty Boudreau, and Loretta McLaughlin at this year’s White Rock March. 

Pictured here is our youngest Multiple Myeloma March Leader, Jasmine Way, who runs the March in Corner Brook, NL, in honour of her father. Jasmine is a brilliant hope for the future of charitable work, and we are lucky to have her. 

It was a pleasure to get to know incredible fundraisers like Bonnie Hall, the top fundraiser at this year’s Scarborough Multiple Myeloma March. Here’s Bonnie with Chantel Wicks. 

When Dylan Buskermolen of the Canadian Cancer Society called the 5th annual Health eMatters conference, “summer camp for cancer advocates,” he was bang on. I love seeing familiar faces come together to create an encouraging and productive space for advocates.

Advocates representing 23 different types of cancer attended Health eMatters. Here are the advocates for multiple myeloma alongside Myeloma Canada staff. 

Shawn Crossman, member of the Patient Advisory Council and a support group leader, organized a Myeloma Canada flag raising at the Moncton city hall. Thank you, Shawn! 

Volunteers who staff InfoTables in hospitals are incredibly helpful at a vulnerable point in a person’s life. By being a friendly face in cancer centers, these volunteers provide a lifeline for people who might feel confused or alone. Here are two dedicated support group leaders at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre in November. 

This year our Giving Tuesday campaign raised an astonishing $95,000 to boost our advocacy efforts for Canadians who need access to Carvykti®, a form of CAR T-cell therapy. Pictured here is Andrew Gray (centre) and his family. Andrew shared his story as part of this very successful campaign, and for that I am extremely grateful.  

This is Susanne Carrillo, the face of the 2025 Hope Campaign. Susanne is a member of our community that I’ve been lucky to get to know as she advocates for her right to the treatments she needs. It’s these kinds of interactions that remind me why our advocacy work is so important.