Kamloops group spreading information and support during Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

KAMLOOPS — It’s been more than five years since Bob Trudeau was first told he had multiple myeloma.

“The story started for me in 2016 when I had to stop running because I had so much chest pain,” Trudeau told CFJC Today, “And January of 2017, they (doctors) analyzed and came to the conclusion that I had multiple myeloma.”

Since then he’s undergone a series of treatments, relapses — and decided to get involved in supporting others with the illness.

“Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer that’s out there,” explains Trudeau, “and yet all of us who have myeloma have never heard of it until we get diagnosed with it.”

According to Myeloma Canada, ten Canadians are diagnosed with the blood cancer every day. March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month and Trudeau and others who have been impacted are working to inform communities and reach out to people who are navigating it for the first time.

“For me, it’s knowledge. And that’s what I would say is to broaden your knowledge and reach out to others that have the experience and can give you reassurance as to your opportunities to enjoy life still.”

The local support group has about 15 members who regularly come out for meetings, though given the immune-compromised status many in the group carry, COVID-19 has impacted how often they’ve been able to meet in person.

“We do get out and do some occasional meets in parks when it’s nice and that sort of thing just to keep in contact and provide that support to each other,” says Trudeau.

“It’s that support from friends and people in the community that really makes a difference to us.”

Throughout this month and beyond, the Kamloops support group hopes others in the city will take time to learn more about multiple myeloma and just how far-reaching it is.