Local support group 'a comfort' for blood cancer patients and their families

A support group for multiple myeloma patients, their families and caregivers in southwestern Ontario, says their fundraising efforts have allowed for greater research and more people to access treatment closer to home, rather than having to travel to other cities.

The London and District Myeloma Support Group has also become a network for families to navigate the illness and medical system, said Ev McDowell, the group's co-founder. 

"It's made a difference for some people who now know others that are living with the same disease. It can affect people differently, but just knowing another person with the disease can really provide a lot of comfort," she said.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer and approximately eleven Canadians are diagnosed with it every day, according to Myeloma Canada. Although there is no known cure, research advancements have allowed people with myeloma to live longer. 

The patient-led group formed in 2002 as a way to educate families about the illness and has now grown into a community of more than 300 members and volunteers from the London area, said McDowell, who was diagnosed with myeloma twenty-four years ago.

Since 2009, the group has raised more than $1 million for myeloma research, clinical trials and equipment at Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre through an annual Walk for Champions in Dorchester, McDowell said. Hundreds attended this year's walk on Sunday which raised more than $115,700.

Dorchester's walk was started by myeloma patients, Dan Childerhouse and Keith Fleming, who wanted a local event for others in the region. Before this, many would attend Toronto's fundraiser for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.  

"Initially, we wanted it to be a get together for families to spread awareness because not too many people knew about myeloma and the first walk had maybe 120 people but every year it's gotten bigger," said Childerhouse. 

"The group is very good for all the new patients, they get to feel more relaxed because as soon as you hear that big scary C-word, you don't know what to do and you have lots of questions so it really helps them out."

Childerhouse was diagnosed in 2008 at age 58 and at the time, doctors told him he had between six months and two years to live. A year later, he underwent a stem cell transplant and said new medication helps him manage the illness and its effects. 

Fleming died in 2013, but received a 10-year life extension with advanced treatments and medicine, said his wife Shelley, wearing a T-shirt that read 'Fleming's Flock' with his photo on it.

"He lived 10 really good years so I just want to carry on and offer hope to other families that have been going through the same cancer treatments as my husband went through and be supportive of this walk," said Shelley Fleming.

It was an emotional event for Sarah Corman and her family as they walked in memory of her dad Craig, who died in February following a 15-year battle with myeloma.

Her son Grayson, 15, has attended the group's events since he was a baby and is now one of their youngest volunteers. Corman said it feels good to give back to a community which has helped her family and others.

"My dad was lucky to get quite a few medical trials that really prolonged his life," she said. "This group also really helped my mom because being a caregiver can be really hard, but she had a strong network that she can lean on and get lots of helpful information."