A Multiple Myeloma flag ceremony will be raised at North Bay city hall on March 1st, at 1p.m. in recognition of Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month.
The public is invited to attend to support this cause.
Every day, 11 Canadians are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a little-known and, as of yet, incurable blood cancer, and this number is rising steadily. Diagnosis is often long and difficult, and for countless Canadians, may take months, even years, cutting short too many precious lives says a news release.
"Myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer. Being diagnosed with any cancer is frightening; being diagnosed with one that is incurable and, that few have ever heard of, can be terrifying. That’s why individuals all over Canada affected by myeloma are working hard to raise as much awareness for myeloma as possible," says the release.
Nation-wide, communities, provinces, and territories are being asked to recognize the month of March as Multiple Myeloma Month. Recognition can take many forms, including the proclamation of a Myeloma Awareness Day or Month; illuminating a building, site, or monument in red, the symbolic colour of myeloma; or holding a flag-raising in honour of Myeloma Canada, the only national charitable organization created by, and for, Canadians impacted by myeloma.
On March 1, North Bay will be participating in this important awareness initiative by declaring March as Myeloma Awareness Month raising the Myeloma Canada flag at City Hall to draw attention to this devastating disease.
"Canadians need to be made aware of this complicated cancer, so that the increasing number of new myeloma cases can be more easily detected and addressed for better prognosis and quality of life. The more people know about myeloma, its signs, and symptoms, risk factors, stigmas, and myths, the earlier they can be diagnosed for better outcomes and brighter futures," explains the release.
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 learn more, or to donate, click here.
