Home / Health / Myeloma Survivor Learns to Walk Again, Champions Research
Myeloma Survivor Learns to Walk Again, Champions Research
14 Sep
Summary
- Annual walk raised $150,000 for multiple myeloma research.
- Survivor Richard Zsoldos regained mobility after spinal damage.
- Clinical trials offer hope with increased survival rates.
The annual Walk of Champions saw over 30 patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) gather, raising around $150,000 for research at London Health Sciences Centre. This brings the event's total contribution to nearly $1.5 million since its inception. Richard Zsoldos, diagnosed in 2018, shared his struggle with severe back pain and spinal fractures caused by the cancer, detailing his arduous journey to relearn walking.
Dr. Martha Louzada, a Hemotologist at London Health Sciences Centre, stated that MM affects approximately 7,000 Canadians annually. While a cure is not yet available, advancements in research and clinical trials have substantially improved patient survival, increasing it from two to three years to an average of 15-20 years. Zsoldos is currently participating in his second clinical trial, highlighting their importance in accessing novel treatments.
Louzada emphasized that clinical trials are not experimental in the sense of 'guinea pigs' but offer access to state-of-the-art medications that could be life-saving. Zsoldos's own experience, being in remission for three and a half years on a drug not yet available in Canada, underscores the critical role these trials play in advancing treatments and paying forward the progress made by previous participants.
