Myeloma Matters

Norwood

Winnipeg

Jackey LaBossiere was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016. The retired teacher had just been witness to the same news when her brother developed the cancer one year earlier, and so when the doctor gave her the call, she already knew.

Today, the southeast Winnipegger is the leader of Winnipeg’s Myeloma support group and an organizer of the annual, Winnipeg edition of the Make Myeloma Matter Walk, in support of Myeloma Canada, which is set to take place Sept. 7 at Norwood Community Centre (87 Walmer St.). Check-in is at noon and the walk is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Since 2016, the walk has raised $375,386, while $40,541 of those funds were raised just last year.

The money goes towards research, advocacy, and education, but the largest amount of funds is allocated to research, Labossiere said. It’s one of several that take place across Canada, but never on the same day. It’s the only walk of its kind to raise funds solely for the Myeloma Canada, which is not-for-profit, and advances in research have been on a steady rise over the last decade. In the last few years, the walk has had about 300 participants, often split into different teams sporting matching colours and accessories.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in plasma cells, specifically those found in bone marrow, and can affect everything from your spine to your kidneys. Early diagnosis is very rare, as the disease can manifest in many different ways that are often attributed to over-exertion or common bone breakages from everyday life.

Once something can be identified as myeloma, the patient is oftentimes already being taken to emergency “in agony,” LaBossiere said. Bone lesions, soft tumours, anemia… and by that point, although it’s treatable, it’s terminal.

“I know every cancer is horrible, but this one’s insidious,” LaBossiere said. “There’s a lot of emotional pain … and sometimes it’s a lot harder than the physical pain, so it’s nice to have that support.”

Alongside the walk itself, the public is invited back to the centre for snacks — many of which are donated from organizations such as Red River Co-op and Old Dutch chips — face painting, and a chance to participate in an ‘I am walking for’ wall, which allows participants to share their own stories, as well as the stories of their loved ones.

“It’s so humbling,” LaBossiere said. “To see the support. I’ve met the most courageous people, many of which aren’t here anymore. It just kills you when you lose a support group member.”

“The most important thing about the walk for me, is that it gives me a reason to keep fighting,” she said, adding that although she’s been through 28 weeks of chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and several treatments thereafter, everybody is different, and she’s been fortunate to continue fighting for a decade — although not without her fair share of ups and downs.

LaBossiere had support in the form of her husband, who’s been by her side — at appointments, support group meetings, and in daily life — since her diagnosis. His impact was part of the inspiration for the support group, which LaBossiere now receives referrals for every few weeks.

“The core group is amazing,” she said, adding that it’s open to patients, caregivers and families. They meet once a month in a very informal setting, and participants are encouraged to make it their own.

Another large inspiration for the group was the connect LaBossiere had with her brother, Ron, as they fought through the same disease. Ron was an advanced case and died in 2022. Jackey’s walk team, named ‘Jackey’s Cheerleaders,’ also walk in tribute of him.

“They’re not alone,” LaBossiere said, of people with the disease. “Whether they’re open to contacting a support group or not … It’s (also) important for the newly diagnosed to be their own advocate and to live as positively as they can.”

For more information or to register, visit support.myeloma.ca or visit the Make Myeloma Matter Manitoba page on Facebook.