Fighting to find a cure for cancer during a pandemic

By Sharon Yonan-Renold and CityNews Staff

MONTREAL (CityNews) – “Everything is possible because there is hope. I am proof of that hope and everyone is going to walk for that hope,” explained Danny Wade, who is battling multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. He and others are marching to raise awareness and funds for research amid the pandemic.

“This year because of COVID we’ve had to readjust the strategy. So we’re doing in-person marches, and virtual marches where people connect through Zoom and walk through the community,” said Martine Elias, executive manager at Myeloma Canada.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer, and commonly affects those over the age of 60.

Danny Wade, is one of the rare cases, he was diagnosed when he was 42.

“The life expectancy is about five to seven years, and I thought, ‘My gosh I’m only 42 and I’m not going to reach 50,'” Wade explained to CityNews.

“I have three kids, I’m not going to see my son drive and receive his diploma. So I said it’s not going to be like this I’m going to fight.

The march usually attracts thousands but amid the pandemic, Canadians are hosting 33 smaller walks across the country to maintain social distancing –- and also connecting via Zoom.

“There’s so much research for COVID but we cannot forget all the other diseases, especially myeloma. And we’re trying to find a cure because it’s an incurable cancer. But with research maybe 10-20 years from here it will be cured,” added Wade.

RELATED: Winnipeg man and team raise money for multiple myeloma

Those with cancer have been deemed one of the at-risk groups amid the pandemic.

Samia Djellali says she wants to remind others to care for the most vulnerable, but also follow COVID-19 safety measures.

“We have to be careful, especially us but I want everybody to do the same too, for me for each other.”

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