The 7th Annual Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March-Vancouver Husband with incurable blood Cancer Marches for his Life

On Sunday, October 15, 2023, David Reeve will be participating in the 7th annual Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March, taking place at Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion. The Vancouver event has set their financial goal at $60,000. In 2022, David was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, a little-known and as of yet incurable blood cancer that 11 new Canadians are diagnosed with every day. Grateful for the medical treatments that have given him a new lease on life, David is gearing up to participate in the 7th annual Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March. He is determined to do what he can to help raise awareness about this deadly blood cancer, which is the second most common form of blood cancer. “Countless Canadians may not receive their myeloma diagnosis for months or sometimes years. This has to change,” says Martine Elias, Executive Director of Myeloma Canada. “That’s why events like the Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March are so crucial. The more people who know about this complicated disease, the earlier they may be diagnosed and treated, for better outcomes. The March raises awareness and vital funds to improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma, and move us closer to a cure.” The Multiple Myeloma March raises funds to cure and prevent myeloma through investments in Canadian research, accelerate equitable access to the best healthcare and treatments, and improve lives by empowering and supporting all Canadians affected by this devastating disease. This year, Vancouver is among six communities taking part in a special Multiple Myeloma March Research Fund-sharing Partnership Program, launched in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the national event. Dr. Peter C. Stirling, PhD; Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, in Vancouver will partner with Myeloma Canada’s Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March and receive a research grant of up to 50% of that March’s net proceeds. Dr. Stirling and his team will use the funds towards developing new chemical inhibitors of Mus81 (a protein that functions as an important treatment resistance mechanism in multiple myeloma) to help create a novel therapeutic for multiple myeloma, as well as expand myeloma research activity in British Columbia. The Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March is one of 40 communities across the country participating in Myeloma Canada’s nation-wide event. This year, the flagship fundraiser aims to raise $750,000 on a national scale. For more information, visit http://www.myelomamarch.ca. Below is a news release with David’s story, photos, and details about the Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March. ____________________________________________________ Vancouver Husband with incurable blood Cancer Marches for his Life at the 7th Annual Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March Myeloma is the 2nd most common form of blood cancer. Yet it may take months or years to get diagnosed. (Vancouver, British Columbia) September 28, 2023— David Reeve’s philanthropic spirit has always driven him to give back to the community. In 2022, David was thriving as a Chief Strategy Officer at AlgaeCal, a company specializing in bone-density supplements while finding joy in volunteering during his spare time. In September of that same year, his life took an unexpected turn when he felt an unusual pain in his chest while driving. Accompanied by a persistent feeling of being rundown, he sensed something wasn’t right and consulted his family doctor. After undergoing a battery of tests, David received his devastating diagnosis: he had multiple myeloma, or myeloma, a little-known and as of yet, incurable blood cancer that 11 Canadians are diagnosed with every day. David was 61 years old. The news was extremely difficult for David to process. “The absolute last thing I was expecting to hear was ‘you have cancer’,” David, like many people, had never heard of myeloma, despite it being the second most common form of blood cancer. “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I love working out, and I eat healthy. I kept wondering how this was possible. It was surreal,” he recalls. By the time David’s myeloma was detected, the cancer had progressed significantly and was deemed aggressive. A few weeks after being diagnosed, David went through a difficult high-dose chemotherapy regimen to prepare him for an autologous stem cell transplant (one which uses your own stem cells), a procedure that is often effective in controlling myeloma. David underwent a successful procedure on July 25, 2023, and he is now receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments to help keep the disease at post stem cell transplant levels. David feels lucky enough to have been able to return to work full-time and he is now focusing on regaining his strength so that he can resume some of his favourite activities, including working out at the gym and spending quality time with friends and family. “I’m so grateful to have my family, especially my amazing wife, Michelle, by my side. I could not survive the treatments and daily challenges without her,” David says. “When you’re diagnosed with an incurable cancer, you need to be incredibly focused and mentally strong. I’m very lucky to have such a supportive ‘tribe’ of co-workers, friends, and family. They help me get through the tough days,” he says. “The Vancouver Myeloma Support Group have been incredible in providing me everything I need to navigate this journey, and I cannot thank them enough,” David adds. David also emphasizes that myeloma knows no barriers and does not discriminate based on background, ethnicity, or age. “I’ve seen patients from all different walks of life. Myeloma can affect anyone, which is why it’s so important to generate awareness,” David says. Driven by his passion of helping others, David hopes to inspire other patients and set an example. “I’m very motivated to give back to the community that has been so incredible to me over the last year. It’s my small way of saying thank you,” he says. Eager to do his part in helping to find a cure for myeloma, David, along with family and friends, is gearing up to raise awareness and funds at the 7th edition of the Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March, taking place on October 15, 2023, at 11 a.m., beginning at Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion. “Countless Canadians may not receive their myeloma diagnosis for months or sometimes years. This has to change,” says Martine Elias, Executive Director of Myeloma Canada. “That’s why events like the Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March are so crucial. The more people who know about this complicated disease, the earlier they may be diagnosed and treated, for better outcomes. The March raises awareness and vital funds to improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma, and move us closer to a cure.” The Multiple Myeloma March raises funds to cure and prevent myeloma through investments in Canadian research, accelerate equitable access to the best healthcare and treatments, and improve lives by empowering and supporting all Canadians affected by this devastating disease. This year, Vancouver is among six communities taking part in a special Multiple Myeloma March Research Fund-sharing Partnership Program, launched in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the national event. Dr. Peter C. Stirling, PhD; Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, in Vancouver will partner with Myeloma Canada’s Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March and receive a research grant of up to 50% of that March’s net proceeds. Dr. Stirling and his team will use the funds towards developing new chemical inhibitors of Mus81 (a protein that functions as an important treatment resistance mechanism in multiple myeloma) to help create a novel therapeutic for multiple myeloma, as well as expand myeloma research activity in British Columbia. The Vancouver Multiple Myeloma March is one of 40 communities across the country participating in Myeloma Canada’s 15th annual nation-wide event. For Canadians not located near a physical March or who wish to participate on their own, there is also a virtual March option. The Vancouver event has set their financial goal at $60,000. Myeloma Canada’s national Multiple Myeloma March objective is to raise $750,000. For more information, visit myelomamarch.ca. About Myeloma Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is the second most common form of blood cancer. Myeloma affects a type of immune cell called the plasma cell, found in the bone marrow. While there is currently no cure, people with myeloma are living longer and better lives, thanks to recent breakthroughs in treatment. To find a cure, more funding and research are required. About Myeloma Canada Myeloma Canada is the only national charitable organization created by, and for, Canadians impacted by multiple myeloma. The organization is driven to improve the lives of those affected by myeloma by empowering the community through awareness, education, and advocacy programs, and supporting research to find a cure. Myeloma Canada has been making myeloma matter since its founding in 2005. To learn more, or to donate, please visit http://www.myeloma.ca. -30-