Windsor’s Multiple Myeloma march

By Caleb Workman

Myeloma March

Sept. 28, 2014

 

Windsor’s Multiple Myeloma March

Families and friends of myeloma patients along with community supporters came out to the annual “Windsor Multiple Myeloma Walk” on Sept. 28.

The sunny day in Dieppe Park made for a fun event with plenty of participants and volunteers who together raised a total of $15,000.

Brooke Skinner and Simran Patel, two of the volunteers, said they were happy with the event.

“I think it’s a really great cause because it’s not really something that’s really known of among a lot of people,” said Skinner.

Patel was impressed with the level of participation from the runners. “People make t-shirts of their own supporting a family member and people just come to support others, even if it’s just a stranger. It’s really nice to see everyone coming together,” she said.

Many people attended because they had personal ties to someone with myeloma, but others were also there to support the families who have been affected by this disease.

Erma Roung, co-ordinator of the march, said there are only 11 cities across Canada that hold this event. “Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer of the blood. It causes fractures, renal failure, a lot of pain and there is no known cure for it at this stage,” said Roung. She said that while it is an unusual form of cancer it still effects many people.

BJ Laub, a member of the band Those Guys, has been with the Windsor Myeloma March for the four years it has been running. “The turnout is getting better and better each year… but with anything like this, it takes time to grow,” said Laub. His friend’s mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and died a few years ago, so he offered for his band up to play every year since.

The Windsor Multiple Myeloma March is held on the last Sunday of September and will continue to try and make a difference for those suffering from multiple myeloma.