Untitled-4-[Recovered]

It is hard to believe fall is just around the corner. For us at MNC, it means the calendar is ramping up for a busy season ahead. With meetings planned across the country, we are hoping to have a chance to meet up with you at one of our upcoming patient information sessions in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Kingston and Hamilton. We also have many upcoming meetings to deal with drug access and coverage issues, which is of huge concern to us, our medical community and most importantly, the patient community. Health care in Canada is in a period of great change and challenge – affordability of cancer drugs and timely access for new therapies is a signiffcant hurdle which we are working closely with all levels of government to resolve. MNC is also stepping up efforts on prevention and early detection of skin cancer and melanoma. So, I know you are wondering how you can help. Read on.

Make it happen ~ Walk

On September 24th, we will be up early and out the door to participate in the annual Strides for Melanoma – Walk for Awareness. This is a truly inspiring day for all that attend. It is a rare opportunity for patients and families to come together to not only raise awareness of the disease and funds in support of MNC, but it is also a chance to connect, honour loved ones who are no longer with us and support those who are living with cancer and hoping for a brighter future. The walk is our major fundraiser that contributes to our national efforts on behalf of patients for support programs, publications and information, prevention initiatives and improved access to treatment. Our organization supports patients Canada-wide. All initiatives and programs are developed with every province in mind. While we physically can’t be everywhere, we are a phone call or email away and we work with patients and families from Newfoundland to Victoria. If you have a need, we make strides to help. I will be leading the charge at the Mississauga walk – you can join in on a walk in your area or join me virtually! I would be thrilled to have you and we will make this the best year yet!

Make it happen ~ Get Involved

Our new Patient Advisory Council needs you. The council is being set up to receive input and advice on a regular basis about programs, patient and family needs, challenges in their region and to help promote prevention and awareness of the melanoma. We are looking for 1 -2 representatives from each region (B.C.; Prairies; Ontario; Quebec and the Maritimes), of the country who are willing to put in approximately one day a month to help make a difference and improve the quality of life for patients with this disease.

We have opportunities for both patient volunteers and family members to participate in our Within Reach – Peer Support Program. We currently have opportunities for peer support volunteers and also for caregivers who have been through the challenges of a supporting a loved one through a cancer diagnosis. It isn’t a huge time commitment and we do provide training. This support program is so valuable for patients newly diagnosed or in treatment and can make a lasting impact in someone’s life.

Volunteers are always needed for a variety of events, meetings, distribution of materials. Contact Cheryl Pereira cpereira@melanomanetwork.ca or 1-877-560-8035 x 105 for more information.

As always, connect with us, call us or email if you have comments, needs, questions or concerns. Help us make it happen in your community!

Read the latest Edition of the MNC Newletter Click Here