Myeloma Canada’s Multiple Myeloma Walk is back nationally and Kelowna is participating for the seventh time.
In Kelowna, the five-kilometre walk to help raise funds for myeloma research. The event hits home for Joyce Hannett and her daughter, Susan Schmalz, who attend the event every year.
Hannett was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in August 2009.
“It was nerve-wracking and scary,” Schmalz said. “I have to say my mum started to realize that something was wrong with the kinds of tests her doctor was having her do, but we were all still in denial. And, to make matters worse, myeloma was a cancer that none of us had ever heard of or knew anything regarding.
Myeloma is the second most common type of blood cancer in Canada. While Hannett, who is now 82, has never reached remission, she hopes events like this will help raise awareness and move closer to a cure.
“I’m one of the lucky ones,” Hannett said. “I am grateful to be alive and to be a part of the lives of my children, Susan and Kevin, and my two grandchildren, Christopher and Josie.”
While helping her mother through her journey, Schmalz became the leader of the Kelowna Myeloma Support Group and the Kelowna Multiple Myeloma March.
“When you have a loved one who has an incurable cancer like myeloma, you will do anything to help them,” Schmalz said. “You hope that there will be treatment options available if needed and that researchers will find a cure. I am so proud of the work we do with the Support Group and the Walk. We have built momentum over the years as a community and are grateful for Myeloma Canada’s unwavering support.
This year, the Kelowna Walk is just one of 34 marches held nationwide on Sunday, September 17. Myeloma Canada has set a goal of raising $750,000 across the country, including $20,000 from the Kelowna event. As of September 1, over $225,000 has been raised.
Throughout the province, the march also takes place in Kamloops, Prince George, Vancouver, Vancouver Island (unspecified) and White Rock.
“Each year we get closer to finding a cure,” says Martine Elias, Executive Director of Myeloma Canada. “That’s why the funds raised during the Kelowna Multiple Myeloma Walk are so important. They will help advance myeloma research and improve the lives of Canadians affected by this devastating disease.
The Kelowna event will begin at 10 a.m. at Kerry Park.
To register, donate or get general information, visit Myeloma Canada.
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