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No one left behind:
Meet the needs of the Canadian myeloma community
Who we are
Myeloma Canada is the only national charitable organization created by, and for, Canadians impacted by multiple myeloma. We are driven to improve the lives of those affected by this disease by empowering our community through awareness, education, and advocacy programs, and by supporting clinicalInvolving direct observation of a patient. research to find a cure.
We are committed to making myeloma matter, and have been since our founding in 2005 by two gentlemen who were living with myeloma, Aldo Del Col and John Lemieux.
Our promise
To improve the lives of and empower all Canadians affected by myeloma and accelerate access to the best care while supporting the pursuit of its cure and prevention.
Our equity, diversity, and inclusivity pledge
We pledge to cultivate and maintain an inclusive environment for our community and our organization. This includes respecting and addressing the diverse needs of all people—First Nations, Métis, and Inuit; underrepresented and marginalized populations; the LGBTQIA2S+ community; cultural, racial, and ethnic minorities—in all that we do.
Our commitment to you
Myeloma Canada is proud to have attained Imagine Canada Level 2 Accreditation, having successfully completed a rigorous peer review of our operating and governance practices. Our accreditation lets our volunteers and donors formally know that when they support Myeloma Canada, their goodwill is in good hands, further solidifying the bond of trust and confidence you’ve already placed in us.
Find support
Myeloma touches the lives of tens of thousands of Canadians. Whether you’re living with this disease or caring for someone who is, there are many support options available to you where you can meet and exchange with people who understand the journey you’re on.
We have an ever-growing network of volunteer-run and -led local support groups across Canada, online special interest Facebook support groups, and peer-to-peer support programs. Each helps to create a sense of belonging and community for people with myeloma and their families.
Making myeloma matter
Myeloma Canada is a patient-driven, patient-focused grassroots organization that unifies and represents the voice of the Canadian myeloma community. Together, we are committed to improving the lives of those impacted by myeloma. We do this by:
Providing free educational resources to people living with myeloma, their families, and caregivers
Increasing awareness of the disease and its effects on the lives of those it touches
Facilitating access to new therapies, treatment options, and healthcare resources
Advancing clinical research and promoting access to new drug trials in Canada
Empowering Canadians impacted by myeloma through community so that no one feels as if they are going through their journey alone
What our co-founders Aldo Del Col and John Lemieux created has since evolved into a leading, internationally respected and innovative organization. In their honour, and in honour of the thousands of Canadians living with this 2nd most common form of blood cancerA term for diseases in which malignant cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body., we will continue to empower every Canadian touched by myeloma. We are focused on the future and on fulfilling our promise to our myeloma community.
Making Myeloma Matter: Strategic Plan 2023–2027 goes into more detail about Myeloma Canada’s strategic goals and our plans to achieve them.
Read our annual publications
Your gift to Myeloma Canada today helps improve the lives of thousands of Canadians living with this complicated and as of yet incurable disease. See the real impact of your donations in our 2023 Myeloma Canada science and research impact report. Learn why your donations are so vital in our Case for Support brochure.
Learn more about myeloma and how we can help in our mini pamphlet.
Order a printed copyOur five-year strategic plan
Building tomorrow, today.
Making Myeloma Matter: Myeloma Canada’s strategic plan for 2023–2027
Myeloma Canada’s five-year strategic directions plan not only addresses our vision for Myeloma Canada but for myeloma in Canada as well.
In order to create our five-year plan, we needed to understand where we were yesterday, where we are today, and, more importantly, where we want to be tomorrow. We did a full evaluation and analysis of our values and mission statement, our direction, goals, and objectives to make sure they were aligned with and representative of who and where we want to be by 2027 for our community and as an organization.
Myeloma Canada’s continued leadership and work on behalf of the broader myeloma community is focused on four strategic goals. Each of the goals has people living with myeloma at the heart of what we do.
Our strategic goals: putting the person first
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Bring out of the best in our people:
Invest in our team to better support our community
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Mobilize and empower:
Bring on meaningful change to improve treatment and care
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Invest in science and research:
Ensure the research that matters most to Canadians living with myeloma gets done
Learn more about our goals and how we’ll know we’ve succeeded in “Building tomorrow, today.”
The Myeloma Canada team
We believe in the strength of our people and in ensuring an inclusive, responsible, and transparent organization that is able to adapt to the needs of our community.
Martine Elias
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Marcie Baron
Director, Corporate Communications & Marketing
[email protected]
Patricia Celestin
National Community Fundraising Lead
[email protected]
Gabriele Colasurdo
Director, Science & Research
[email protected]
Karine Gravel
Regional Manager, Education and Community Engagement
[email protected]
Shaneika Heslop
Senior Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Muriel Ingrassia
Director of Operations
[email protected]
Leigh Kinch-Pedrosa
Digital Engagement and Communications Specialist
[email protected]
Sophia Mendoza
Fundraising and Events Coordinator
[email protected]
Michelle Oana
Director of Development and Community Relations
[email protected]
Jessy Ranger
Director, Patient Programs, Health Policy & Advocacy
[email protected]
Aidan Robertson
Advisor, Health Policy & Advocacy
[email protected]
Chantel Wicks
Regional Manager of Community Engagement and Development
[email protected]
Myeloma Canada Board of Directors
Myeloma Canada is governed by a board of directors whose role is to provide leadership, guide the strategic direction of the organization, and ensure that it fulfills its promise. Central to this is the reinforcement and development of our five pillars: Community empowerment, Education, Awareness, Advocacy, and Science & research.
Bill Paine
Chair
Bill Paine
Chair
Bill Paine holds an MBA and has over 30 years of experience as a senior executive and board member with Canadian public companies in the energy industry, and has also held board and senior management roles within community and national charitable organizations. His expertise includes building businesses in more than 20 countries. Bill currently serves on the boards of a TSX-listed Canadian energy company, and two international energy companies. He previously focused on fundraising from corporate, community, and governmental sources for a not-for-profit in Vancouver. Bill has been actively involved with Myeloma Canada in corporate fundraising, community support groups, and the Myeloma PSP Steering Committee. He and his wife, who has myeloma, are enjoying full and productive lives in Vancouver with their new puppy, Cooper.
Lorelei Dalrymple
Vice-Chair
Lorelei Dalrymple
Vice-Chair
Lorelei works as a Team Lead for Alberta’s largest credit union. Since her 2009 diagnosis, she has been extremely active in the Canadian myeloma community, holding roles on the Myeloma Alberta Support Society Board, including President for three years, and Myeloma Canada’s Patient Advisory Council where she has been Chair since 2016. Lorelei has been instrumental in Myeloma Canada’s Support Group Leader and Advocacy Summits, the Myeloma Awareness Day at the Alberta Legislature, and the Myeloma Canada Early Diagnosis program. She is a member of the Board of the Myeloma Canada Research Network and a steering committee member of Myeloma Canada’s Myeloma Priority Setting Partnership for research in Canada. Lorelei is thrilled to join the Myeloma Canada Board and ensure the voices of myeloma patients are represented.
David Niebach
Secretary
David Niebach
Secretary
David has extensive experience in Accounting, Finance, Enterprise Risk Management, Strategy Development and Execution, and Leadership Development and Coaching. He is a Fellow of CPA Alberta, holds a BBA from SAIT, an MBA from Laurentian University, Canadian Risk Management designation with GRMI, is FMVA certified from the Canadian Finance Institute, and has passed the Exempt Market Proficiency Course with IFSE.
David has worked for industry-leading organizations during high-growth and recessionary cycles and has held leadership positions in large-scale enterprises. Currently, he is CFO for a group of privately owned companies operating in logistics, warehousing, and wholesale tire distribution.
David is passionate about and conducts post-secondary and corporate courses in Leadership Development. He sits on various boards including the Government of Alberta Internal Audit Committee, St. Albert Economic Development Advisory Board (past-chair), chair of the NAIT Accounting Advisory Committee and serves on the CPA Alberta Nomination Review committee, and volunteers with post-secondary institutions as well as CPA Alberta.
Nancy Gray
Treasurer
Nancy Gray
Treasurer
Nancy Gray is a chartered professional accountant who has worked in the fields of health and post-secondary education for over 30 years in Ontario. Nancy has extensive experience in managing financial processes, risk, policy, and governance as a staff and board member in not-for-profit and charitable organizations. In July 2021, Nancy retired from her position as Executive Director, Financial Affairs, at McMaster University. Nancy is proud of her work in leading the Hamilton Myeloma March since 2018, and especially proud that their September 2020 Zoom/in-person March raised over $53,000. Nancy’s husband has been living with myeloma since 2017.
Joyce Chehade
Director
Joyce Chehade
Director
Joyce has been in the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry for over 20 years. She brings with her a broad range of experience in medical marketing, sales management, and market access in specialty therapeutics and rare diseases.
Throughout her career, Joyce has worked for various private and global pharmaceutical companies including Bayer, Pendopharm, Ferring, and CSL Behring. She is currently working as a Senior Marketing Manager at Lundbeck Canada in Mood Disorders.
Joyce is a big proponent of amplifying the patient voice in her strategies and has partnered extensively with patient organizations effecting policy changes and promoting access to therapies. She is an active and contributing member of the diversity committee of Women Leaders in Pharma and serves as a board member of the Annie Parker Foundation.
De’Shanel Childs
Director
De’Shanel Childs
Director
De’Shanel Childs is a seasoned healthcare leader with extensive experience in benefit administration, operations management, and customer experience. De’Shanel is currently the State Operations Director of operations for Consumer Direct Care Network where she is accountable for the successful delivery of the state’s operational performance, ensuring state’s contractual requirements were consistently met. She graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in health care leadership and from Western Governors University with an MBA in health care administration and management.
John Dirks
MD, Director
Phillip Eappen
Director
Phillip Eappen
Director
Dr. Eappen is an experienced Health Care Executive with over a decade of healthcare management and operations experience. Dr. Eappen is an Assistant Professor at Cape Breton University and an Assistant Director of Clinical Services at the Breton Ability Center. Before teaching at Cape Breton University, Dr. Eappen taught at the University of Toronto, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Fanshawe College. Before moving to Canada, Dr. Eappen also worked as the Director of Health Services and Chief Administrator of the Health Center and taught as an adjunct faculty at the American University and various other universities. Dr. Eappen is also on various director boards, including Myeloma Canada, Aplastic Anemia, and Myelodysplasia Association of Canada.
Lisa Elser
Director
Lisa Elser
Director
Lisa is a retired IT professional who began her career at Bell Labs before leaving research to run international consulting practices for Sun Microsystems in Europe and the US. She spent 25 years in IT and was consulted by some of the largest banks, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies in the world. After a successful career, she retired early at 45. She and her husband then started their own business cutting fine gemstones, which combined their love of travel with her love of gemstones. Through the business, she’s been able to support educational and health initiatives in Tanzania, Madagascar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Her husband was diagnosed with myeloma in 2014 and died of the disease in early 2021.
Lisa’s experiences learning about the disease, drug research, and navigating the healthcare system for her husband led her to seek out opportunities to improve care for other Canadians with myeloma. In addition to Myeloma Canada, Lisa serves on the Clinical Trials BC Advisory Council where she continues to advocate for patients and their families.
Hira Mian
MD, Director
Hira Mian
MD, Director
Hira is a hematologist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and an assistant professor within the department of oncology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where she specializes in multiple myeloma. Hira completed her clinical training at the University of Toronto and furthered her research training at McMaster University where she obtained her Masters in Health Research Methodology as well as completed the Royal College Accredited Clinician Investigator Program.
Hira’s research interests centre around health services and outcomes, with a specific focus on disparities in access to care/outcomes and quality of life among patients with myeloma. She is also very involved in research activities with the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG), the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Group as well as the International Society of Geriatric Oncology.
Vijay Ramakrishnan
Director
Vijay Ramakrishnan
Director
Dr. Ramakrishnan is currently an Associate Director for Oncology Biomarkers at Labcorp. Prior to that he was an Assistant Professor at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN where he worked on basic and translational multiple myeloma research. He has published several papers and secured funding from extramural and intramural sources to support his research while at the Mayo Clinic. He is delighted to be a part of the board of directors and is very much looking forward to serving in this role to support MM Canada’s mission and help patients and families impacted by multiple myeloma.
Anthony Reiman
MD, Director
Anthony Reiman
MD, Director
Anthony Reiman is a medical oncologist with a special interest in the study and treatment of myeloma. He is based at the Saint John Regional Hospital in New Brunswick and is a member of the board of directors of the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation and of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. He is the Canadian Cancer Society Research Chair at the University of New Brunswick and the Assistant Dean, Research, at Dalhousie Medicine, New Brunswick.
Anthony is currently a Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University and is an active researcher with over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Anthony is also the co-chair of the myeloma committee at the Canadian Cancer Trials Group and a member of both the US National Cancer Institute Myeloma Steering Committee and the International Myeloma Working Group. He sits on several committees with the Myeloma Canada Research Network.
Sandor Sajnovics
Director
Sandor Sajnovics
Director
Sandor is an experienced regulatory lawyer and accountant. He has worked as a lawyer in the resource development sector, provincial government, and non-profit health sector in both Alberta and British Columbia.
Additionally, Sandor has experience as a board member for the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta and as a committee member for the Law Society of Alberta’s Audit and Finance Committee. Sandor has extensive experience in advising clients on business decisions and regulatory matters.
Sandor holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bachelor of Law all from the University of Manitoba. He also holds a CPA-CGA designation.
Julie Stakiw
Director
Julie Stakiw
Director
Dr. Stakiw is a malignant hematologist and stem cell transplant physician with a special interest in myeloma. She is based at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and is an associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan. An active member of the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG), she also sits on the CMRG Database steering committee. Her research interests include health equity, with a specific focus on First Nations and Metis patients with myeloma. Julie recently finished her term as the Medical Director of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and was previously the Provincial Head of Hematology for Saskatchewan.
Keith Taylor
Director
Keith Taylor
Director
Keith studied at the University of British Columbia, Cambridge University, and Sheffield University. He has worked as a police officer in London, UK, and with the Vancouver Police Department, as well as in research, planning, and management with the Calgary Police Service, the Justice Institute of BC, and Canada Post. He has served on several boards and committees and is currently Partner in a consulting firm specializing in police, justice, governance, and community issues.
An accomplished photographer, he enjoys short-course triathlons, hiking, and biking. Diagnosed with myeloma in 2012, Keith has been in remission since 2014. As a Director on Myeloma Canada’s Board, he is grateful to give back to the myeloma community for what he describes as the superb care he receives as a patient.
Get involved
Volunteers are the foundation of Myeloma Canada, and we are always looking for people in communities across Canada who wish to give their time and energy to make myeloma matter.
Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Council (MDAC)
The Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Council (MDAC) advises Myeloma Canada’s Board of Directors on broad policy and program considerations.
The MDAC:
has a strategic focus, highlighting multi-disciplinary trends in the global multiple myeloma community
advises on emerging issues, threats, and opportunities pertaining to the five strategic pillars of the Corporation, and provides invaluable input to the Board of Directors in responding to the challenges faced by Canadians impacted by myeloma.
Myeloma Canada Patient Advisory Council (PAC)
In 2014, Myeloma Canada’s Board of Directors created the Patient Advisory Council (PAC). The Council’s primary objective was, and continues to be, to advise the Board of Directors on important issues for patients, caregivers, and support groups, while providing the patient perspective on national and regional issues. The PAC also works closely with the Myeloma Canada professional team to provide patient-focused advice and feedback on the organization’s many activities.
The PAC is committed to the well-being of the Canadian myeloma community. We will continue to focus on embedding the patient perspective in all Myeloma Canada activities.
Meet the PAC members
Glenn Hussey
Chair
[email protected]
Glenn Hussey
Chair
Glenn, a Newfoundlander, studied at Memorial University before moving to Ottawa, where he completed his studies at Carleton University.
He worked for the federal public service for 40 years, focusing on policy, strategic planning, and client service. Following Glenn’s retirement in 2015, he acted as a caregiver for his wife who was in complex, continuing care until her passing in 2017. Glenn discovered that he had the markers for multiple myeloma in 2008, but didn’t require treatment until 2017.
Following back-to-back stem cell transplants in 2018, Glenn is currently medically stable. He is a writer, a fitness lover, and has been an active community volunteer for youth sports (soccer and figure skating).
Glenn continues to share his passion for soccer, especially Manchester United, with family and friends. He was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada for his contribution to his community.
Tanya Zigomanis
Vice-chair, Ontario Representative
[email protected]
Tanya Zigomanis
Vice-chair, Ontario Representative
Tanya Zigomanis was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at 37 years old. She is a mom of two young girls and has been married for 11 years to her long-time best friend, Adam Koroneos. They live in Vaughan, Ontario, and have enjoyed travelling down south and exploring Ontario’s cottage country in the recent years.
Tanya is currently on leave but is an insurance defence litigation lawyer at a boutique firm in Toronto, with a specialty in WSIB law. She attended Osgoode Hall Law School and worked in government before heading to private practice.
Tanya was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in May 2019 and had a stem cell transplant in Toronto in September 2019. She achieved a very good partial remission and is hoping her maintenance therapy will help her reach a complete remission.
From June 2019 to September 2020, Tanya has raised over $40,000 for Multiple Myeloma research, mostly through the Multiple Myeloma March in Newmarket. She is determined to spread awareness and raise funds to further myeloma research in Canada.
Phil Harbridge
Western Canada Representative
[email protected]
Phil Harbridge
Western Canada Representative
Phil Harbridge is husband to Kay, father to Charissa and Nicolette, father-in-law to Austin, and grandfather to Teal (born February 11, 2020). He has worked extensively (39 years) with youth and young adults as a pastor, teacher, writer, and professor. Currently Phil enjoys serving with Christian Journeys (helping schools, churches, and community groups experience Lands of the Bible), Capernwray Bible School Thetis Island (teaching), and The Chapels Group (officiating weddings).
Phil was diagnosed in February 2019 and had his stem cell transplant in July. Phil’s response to treatment has been significant and he’s continuing to see positive results from the maintenance therapy.
He enjoys listening to peoples’ stories, running, cycling, swimming, tennis, sunshine, coffee, and the Edmonton Oilers. Phil has been involved in several Myeloma Canada events (1st Place Team at 2019 Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March), conferences, and webinars, and he’s an active member of the Surrey Support Group.
Manon Veilleux
Quebec Representative
[email protected]
Manon Veilleux
Quebec Representative
Born in Montreal and also living on Orleans Island near Quebec City, Manon started her studies in Business Administration at HEC in Montreal and ended them in the Quebec region at Laval University, with a major in Finance. She then chose to become a financial planner because she likes numbers, meeting people and accompanying them through their financial health.
Now retired, she finds it important to be engaged in the numerous activities of Myeloma Canada to help the people touched by multiple myeloma live better. This includes creating the Quebec Support Group, with the precious help of Julie Martel. It is also a sign of appreciation towards the engagement of the Myeloma Canada team for this cause.
She loves to learn new languages, because it allows her to discover a new world every time. Already bilingual since kindergarten, she added Spanish and Italian through the years. She loves reading, travelling with her husband Albert, and both are good walkers, accomplishing approximately twenty kilometres weekly.
Susan McLean
Western Canada Representative
[email protected]
Susan McLean
Western Canada Representative
Susan is a retired high school English teacher who has studied at many universities: UBC, University of Ottawa, University of Saskatchewan, and McGill. She was also the president of the BC Teachers of English Language Arts and worked with the BC Ministry of Education to help write the new English curriculum. Living in Nanaimo, BC, she enjoys an active outdoor life, yoga, swimming, gym workouts, and playing in an ensemble at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, travelling, and have lived in five different Canadian provinces!
Susan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016 and has been in remission for nearly two years. She is the co-support group leader for the Nanaimo Support Group, helped start the first Vancouver Island Multiple Myeloma March, as well as the first Cinco de Mayo fundraising dinner.
Shawn Crossman
Atlantic Canada Representative
[email protected]
Shawn Crossman
Atlantic Canada Representative
Shawn Crossman is husband to Bev Dawson and proud father to Isabelle Crossman. Shawn stated his own sales and marketing company in 1999 and continues today to enjoy working with so many businesses across Atlantic Canada. Shawn continues to keep in close contact with the community by volunteering with Minor Hockey, Crossman Community Centre, local church, local youth groups, and business development. He loves playing golf, riding his bike, and walking, however is no longer able to play adult hockey due to Multiple Myeloma.
Shawn was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on July 1, 2018, after being admitted to hospital due to back pain. It was then discovered that Shawn had a crushed vertebrae and was showing signs of kidney failure. After back surgery he started a 16-week chemo treatment schedule. After a successful treatment schedule, he was prepared for a stem cell transplant in January 2019. Since his stem cell transplant, Shawn has continued to enjoy remission while experiencing a new quality of life.
Shawn hosted the first Moncton Myeloma March in 2019, 2020, and 2021 and has been honoured with the 2019 and 2020 Nathalie Allard Memorial Award. Shawn also started the Moncton Myeloma Support Group, which continues to be a very active group: listening, supporting each other, and offering a new quality of life during our personal Multiple Myeloma journeys while continuing to learn about Multiple Myeloma.
Rinat Avitzur
Ontario Representative
[email protected]
Rinat Avitzur
Ontario Representative
Rinat was born in Israel and moved to Toronto in 2009 with her husband and three daughters.
Rinat studied accounting and economics at Tel-Aviv University and has a CPA (Isr) designation. She worked for over 30 years in the financial industry in finance and risk management, focusing on adopting new regulations, developing and implementing policies, and supporting management and front-line employees to manage business and operational risks.
Rinat was diagnosed in February 2020 and underwent tandem stem cell transplants in July and October. Rinat is currently in remission, keeping an active and healthy lifestyle. Since learning about multiple myeloma Rinat has been increasing awareness through fundraising and is an active member of Myeloma Toronto Support Group.
Learn more about the Patient Advisory Council and what they do in the 2022 Year in Review.
Get involved
Volunteers are the foundation of Myeloma Canada, and we are always looking for people in communities across Canada who wish to give their time and energy to make myeloma matter.