John and Sally Crate (Image: Submitted)
The third annual Saint John Multiple Myeloma March will be held on September 12 at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Ship Terminal.
Saint John march fundraiser and participant Sally Crate was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the second most common form of blood cancer, in 2007.
“Through Myeloma Canada a big portion of the funds that are raised to go to lab research to help to find a cure, because there is no cure for multiple myeloma, and they’re looking for treatments that might prolong somebody’s life,” says Crate, whose father was also diagnosed with multiple myeloma before passing away in 1990.
Current treatments for multiple myeloma include stem cell transplants, oral medication and clinical trials.
Saint John is one of 32 communities across Canada participating in Myeloma Canada’s nationwide event. This year the organization aims to raise $600,000 nationally.
The Saint John 5k march has a goal to raise $10,000, starts at 8 AM on September 12 and will also offer refreshments, a silent auction and live music from the Saint John String Quartet.
“I think it’s important to get the word out there for people that if you’re not feeling well to make sure that you get checked out – early diagnosis is key,” said Crate. “It’s been difficult through COVID, but I guess we’re all trying to keep our hope alive.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Saint John Multiple Myeloma March can visit the Myeloma Canada website.
