Calgary Tower Turns Maroon and Gold for Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
The Calgary Tower will turn Maroon and Gold on the evening of March 1st, from sunset to 3:00 AM, in support of Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month. The City of Calgary has also issued a proclamation recognizing March as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month in the City.
Multiple Myeloma is a rare blood cancer that is newly diagnosed in eleven Canadians every day. The cancer develops in the plasma cells within the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a specialized white blood cell that produce antibodies, critical to the immune system. Multiple Myeloma transforms healthy plasma cells into malignant myeloma cells. These crowd out the healthy cells and can cause bone damage and kidney issues. Currently, there is no cure and ongoing, continuing treatment is the only way to manage the disease. The disease was brought to the attention of Canadians recently with the passing of Winnipeg MP, Jim Carr.
The Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society (SAMPS), a volunteer-run registered charity providing support to Multiple Myeloma patients, their caregivers, families and friends are the sponsors and driving force behind both the proclamation and the Tower recognition.
SAMPS supports local Myeloma-specific research at the University of Calgary in the development of ongoing and groundbreaking Myeloma treatment. This is achieved through regular fundraising activities and local advocacy. SAMPS maintains relationships with other regional and national Myeloma support groups and organizations along with pharmaceutical companies to stay current on existing and developing drug treatments and the effects on patient members.
SAMPS also provides information through various methods including provision of New Patient Packages at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, providing printed Myeloma Canada materials to the Tom Baker library, webinars, conferences and social events throughout the year as well as a monthly newsletter and social media accounts.
SAMPS members will be gathering at the Tower for the lighting, and invite all Calgarians to enjoy the display and learn more about Multiple Myeloma.
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Contact: Bev Dunn, SAMPS President at president@samps.ca or (Click for phone number)
Bev Dunn and other SAMPS speakers are available for interviews and appearances. Please contact Ms. Dunn to arrange.