This Spring, the Myeloma Canada Board of Directors elected Lorelei Dalrymple as Chair of the Board. Lorelei is a Team Lead with Alberta’s largest credit union and a passionate advocate for Canadians affected by myeloma. Since her diagnosis in 2009, she has held numerous leadership roles within the myeloma community, including President of the Myeloma Alberta Support Society and Chair of Myeloma Canada’s Patient Advisory Council. A member of the Myeloma Canada Board since 2019, Lorelei has served as Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and now Chair of the Board. She remains committed to ensuring the patient voice is at the forefront of Myeloma Canada’s work in advocacy, research, education, and support. 

Lorelei is taking over for the outgoing Chair Bill Paine, whose term was completed early this year. We are immensely grateful for his commitment to the Myeloma Canada vision of a life uninterrupted by myeloma.  

A message from Lorelei Dalrymple, Myeloma Canada Board of Directors, Chair 

“I am deeply honoured to serve as Chair of the Board of Myeloma Canada. This appointment is particularly meaningful to me because I am the first patient to hold this role since our co-founder, Aldo Del Col, whose legacy continues to inspire all of us. Aldo was a tireless champion of the patient voice and often reminded us that, ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.’ Having the opportunity to help lead this organization as a patient representative carries tremendous significance and responsibility. 

As we look to the future, I hope to see continued engagement from diverse voices and disciplines across our board and community. Our strength has always come from our collaborative, grassroots foundation, and it will be important to preserve that spirit as we continue to raise Myeloma Canada’s national and international impact. 

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Bill Paine for his outstanding leadership during his two years as Chair. His dedication and commitment have helped guide the organization through an important period of growth, and I am grateful that he remains a Director on the Board and will continue to contribute his expertise as a member of our Fundraising Advisory Council. 

As Myeloma Canada continues to grow and evolve, it is more important than ever that the voices of patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates remain at the forefront of everything we do. We have achieved an extraordinary amount as a relatively young organization, often punching well above our weight. Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunity to expand our reach and impact while strengthening our reputation as one of the leading patient organizations in the world.” 

Other changes to the Board of Directors 

Along with the appointment of Lorelei, the following changes were made to the Board as part of the regular position cycle.  

• Darlene Thibault is now vice-chair 

• Sandor Sajnovics is the new secretary