‘The shock set in when doctors told me that I had just three to five years to live,’: Local woman walks to raise awareness about Multiple Myeloma

“The shock set in when doctors told me that I had just three to five years to live. I realized I wouldn’t see my kids grow up,” said Jenn. “I was devastated. I wanted to be there for my kids.”

Collins says the reason she was diagnosed in 2015 was because she had originally gone in to see her doctor for unbearable rib and shoulder pain. Tests were conducted and when they came back they showed abnormalities in her bloodwork, and kidney function—common symptoms of multiple myeloma.

Shortly after she was diagnosed Jenn underwent extensive chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant in May 2015. The procedure was successful and Jenn spent the next four years in remission. However, in November of 2019 the myeloma once again resurfaced, meaning she would have to find another treatment regimen to keep her cancer in check. Jenn underwent another round of chemotherapy and was once again scheduled for a stem cell transplant in the spring of 2020, but due to the pandemic the procedure was postponed. According to Collins, her condition is relatively stable at the moment.

“I know I’m not out of the woods yet.”—Jenn Collins

“But I feel very lucky to be alive and to know that I have access to new treatments. This gives me hope for the future, which is why I’m doing all I can to get the word out and help researchers find a cure by fundraising for myeloma,” adds Jenn.

This year Jenn and her family are more intent than ever to raise as much awareness and funds for myeloma research as they can, with a goal to raise $18,000, during Myeloma Canada’s 4th Annual Prince George Multiple Myeloma March, on September 19 at 10 a.m.

“Myeloma research has produced extremely promising results over the past two decades. In fact, for the first time, there is potential for a cure.”—Farah McKenzie, Nurse Practitioner at BC Cancer of the North

“We can’t afford to let the current situation stop the progress we’ve made and put vulnerable people living with myeloma at risk, which is why it’s more crucial than ever to invest in research and find a cure,” adds McKenzie.

Participants in this year’s walk are encouraged to host their own walks in their neighbourhood at the same time as the regularly scheduled March. According to Myeloma Canada, Multiple Myeloma affects nine new Canadians every day.

by Veronica Beltran

‘The shock set in when doctors told me that I had just three to five years to live,’: Local woman walks to raise awareness about Multiple Myeloma

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