Cyndi Logan, a mother of three, enjoyed running marathons and teaching music at her daughter’s elementary school. In 2015, after months of experiencing persistent back pain, she realized something was wrong when she broke a vertebra while rolling over in bed. After months of medical testing, Cyndi was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the plasma cells. She was 39.
“I lost four inches in height because of the damage caused by myeloma,” says Cyndi. “I may be restricted in my abilities, but I feel fine. I have learned to live with it.”
Cyndi, now 43, underwent stem cell treatment and has been in remission for the past three years. Now that the disease is stable, Cyndi felt compelled to help other patients by raising awareness about myeloma. Her resolve prompted her to participate in the second edition of the Prince George Multiple Myeloma March, being held on Saturday, September 1, at 9 a.m., at Otway Nordic Ski Centre.
The Multiple Myeloma March increases awareness and raises funds for clinical research and supports advocacy for accelerated access to new therapies for Canadians living with myeloma.
The five-kilometre walk/run has helped support Canadian clinical trial research that has the potential to be practice-changing and shape the Canadian treatment landscape. Over the last decade, the average life expectancy of a myeloma patient has doubled, with many now living 10 years or longer thanks to unprecedented advances in research and the development of new treatment options.
“The Multiple Myeloma March is critical for raising funds for clinical research that give myeloma patients access to new treatments that have been proven to make a difference in patient outcomes,” says Dr. Heather Sutherland, Principal Investigator and member of the Myeloma Canada Research Network, Vancouver General Hospital.
Cyndi hopes this year’s Multiple Myeloma March will contribute to further improving patient outcomes.
“Many look at myeloma as a death sentence, but there is hope. If we continue to support initiatives like the Multiple Myeloma March, I am convinced the quality of life of members of the myeloma community will keep on improving.”
Prince George is one of 23 communities across the country that will be participating in the Multiple Myeloma March. The financial goal this year for Prince George is $15,000.
About the Multiple Myeloma March
The Multiple Myeloma March is the signature fundraiser of Myeloma Canada. The 2018 edition will mark the 10th anniversary of its inception and will include a record 23 communities participating in the walk. The national fundraising goal has been set at $550,000.
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma, commonly referred to as myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a type of immune cell that produce antibodies to fight infection. Although myeloma is generally referred to as a blood cancer, it is more specifically a cancer affecting the immune system. The cause or causes of myeloma remain unknown.
Every day, eight Canadians are diagnosed with myeloma, with the average age of diagnosis in the mid-sixties. Despite a growing prevalence, it remains relatively unknown. With the aging population and new and better treatments, the number of patients living with the disease will continue to increase.
About Myeloma Canada
Myeloma Canada is a non-profit, charitable organization created by, and for people impacted by multiple myeloma, a relatively unknown cancer of the plasma cells. Exclusively devoted to the Canadian myeloma community, Myeloma Canada has been making myeloma matter since 2005.
As a patient-driven, patient-focused grassroots organization, Myeloma Canada drives collaborative efforts to unify the voice of the community to effectively shape the Canadian treatment landscape with a committed focus on the improvement of patient outcomes.
For more information about Myeloma Canada, visit, myeloma.ca
