About Us
Support. Connection. Hope.
Our volunteer-led support group brings together people living with multiple myeloma—and their caregivers—to share knowledge, offer support, and advocate for better care. Since 2002, we've been helping people connect, learn, and find hope in community.
Our Mission
Helping patients and caregivers live better lives through education, support, advocacy, and fundraising.
Who We Are
The London & District Myeloma Support Group is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that brings together multiple myeloma patients and caregivers to share knowledge, offer support, and advocate for improved care.
Founded in November 2002 by the late Carolyn Henry, Ev McDowell, and a group of dedicated patients, our support group continues to grow. Ev, diagnosed in 2000, is among several members who are now long-term survivors of 15 years or more—a testament to continued advances in treatment.
What We Do
We aim to empower those affected by myeloma with:
Information to better understand the disease and treatment options
Shared experiences to help patients and caregivers cope
Ongoing support through education, peer connection, and discussion
Advocacy for access to treatment and specialized care
Fundraising to support research and awareness
Our Steering Committee meets regularly to organize group meetings, advocate for access to new treatments and specialized clinics, and coordinate key events—like our annual Walk of Champions.
Myeloma patients visiting London West MPP Peggy Sattler to ask her to advocate for funding of Pomalyst by the Province of Ontario.
Meetings
We host five meetings each year, held on Saturdays in January, March, May, July, and November from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at:
The Church of St. Jude
1537 Adelaide Street North
London, Ontario
Light refreshments are provided.
Each meeting features expert presentations and group discussions focused on various aspects of multiple myeloma.
Recognition
In 2013, our group received the Carolyn Henry Memorial TEAM (The Excellence in Advocacy Medal) Award at the Myeloma Canada Patient, Family and Healthcare Professionals Conference in Ottawa. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to advocacy and awareness of multiple myeloma in Canada.
The award was originally named the Celgene TEAM Award and was renamed in honour of Carolyn Henry, a founding member and tireless advocate who passed away in 2011. Carolyn played a critical role in gaining Ontario funding for two key myeloma drugs, and she and her colleagues were among the first recipients of the award in 2009.
Steering Committee
Our volunteer Steering Committee is made up of dedicated patients and caregivers who guide the direction of the London and District Myeloma Support Group. They help coordinate meetings, organize events, and advocate on behalf of the myeloma community.
Group Co-Leaders
Ev McDowell
Heather Appleton
Members-at-Large
Lisa Bowden
Dan Childerhose
Janis Kirby
Ted Medzon
Jeff Parton
Claire Vickery
Dan Vickery
Rick Szoldos
Administrative Assistant
Nancy McIntosh