Prince George residents are gathering together virtually to raise awareness and funding towards research into Myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer.
A virtual 5km Multiple Myeloma March is being hosted next Saturday at 9 am, and participants have already raised nearly $7,000 of the $18,000 goal.
In compliance with physical distancing measures, participants are encouraged to hold their own walk in their neighbourhood at the scheduled time.
Myeloma is the second most common form of incurable blood cancer, but according to Myeloma March participant and Myeloma patient, David Duck, awareness can save lives.
“Well, unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the people to be diagnosed after some tragic event has happened like a broken leg or rib or hip. And there are a number of red flags and symptoms of course, and I fear that the symptoms are not being caught early enough and early detection, of course, is one of the keys for a successful treatment plan.”
He adds that if someone with Myeloma suffers a broken bone due to calcium deficiency, it is likely that the disease has been in the person’s body for a while.
“Like with me, I knew there was something wrong, I had no idea it was going to be Cancer, specifically blood Cancer. But I had back pain, renal failure, and anemia and so there were all these symptoms and red flags which nobody identified. And I was unaware of what those symptoms might lead to, I mean they could point to a number of things.”
Duck says in his case he was lucky to get a diagnosis early enough, as an early diagnosis can be critical in the outcome of the treatment.
He credits his improved condition to the life-saving treatments he has access to and the speed at which new drug therapies are being developed.
To participate or donate to the event, visit the Myeloma Canada website.
Prince George is one of 32 communities across Canada to participate in the event this year.
This year will be the fifth year it has been hosted in Prince George.
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