The Ottawa Gatineau Myeloma Community Network had an active 2023 with several significant events including the following:
We held 9 virtual Network Zoom meetings. The last one in December was attended by ~ 45 people. A record! David McMullen, a patient currently on Car-T therapy, was the presenter. (David just provided us with a copy of his slides – please reply if you would like to receive them; he also mentioned there should be a video of a similar presentation he gave, posted on the Myeloma Canada web site in the near future.)
We had an in-person social meeting in June at Andrew Haydon Park.
March was Myeloma Awareness Month and a number of us attended a declaration ceremony hosted by Mayor Sutcliffe at City Hall dedicating March as Myeloma Month in Ottawa.
Steps to a Cure Myeloma Walk in cooperation with the Ottawa Hospital Foundation
Our Network also participated in several advocacy events in support of myeloma and Myeloma Canada activities including:
The Ontario Advocacy Committee
The Patient Advisory Committee which brings the patient voice to the Myeloma Canada Board;
The Scientific Round Table
In October we participated in a Legislative Action Day at Queens Park involving a number of meetings with Ontario MPPs and their assistants; our message was a request for more investment in research to benefit Myeloma (and other) cancer patients.
Next year promises to be equally exciting!
Details of upcoming meetings and some of the other events are given below. We look forward to you joining us.
2023 Ottawa-Gatineau Steps to a Cure Walk.
This was a very successful event with more people feeling comfortable enough to come out to the event in person. Dr. Cipra gave an opening address as well as representatives from Myeloma Canada and the Ottawa Hospital. We raised $56,000 which helps funds research towards new treatments and is split between the Ottawa Hospital and Myeloma Canada. A huge thank you to all who participated in this important event. Some photos from the walk are attached.
We have already booked the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Center for our 2024 walk, which will take place on September 22nd. So mark it on your calendar! Frank and Glenn are looking for volunteers to help promote and organize the walk, so let us know if you are interested.
2024 Spring Meeting Schedule
For those who are new, the Ottawa-Gatineau Multiple Myeloma Community Network invites Myeloma patients, family, caregivers and friends to our 2024 spring monthly information and sharing meetings. The mission of the Community Network is to provide hope and to empower Myeloma patients, family, caregivers and friends through education, advocacy, patient care and support and sharing experiences. The meetings will start at 7:00PM and last an hour and a half. Zoom details to join the meetings will be provided prior to each session. We look forward to “seeing” you!
Wednesday February 7th We will be joined by Chantel Wicks (Ontario Regional Community Engagement and Development Manager from Myeloma Canada) will present on patients participation in their care.
Wednesday March 6th Wellspring will present on How mindfullness can help patients and care-partners
Myeloma Ottawa Gatineau 