Myeloma Canada Announces Appointment of Executive Director

MONTREAL, May 3, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - John Lemieux, President of Myeloma Canada, has announced the appointment of Francine Gendron, MBA, Adm. A, to the position of Executive Director of Myeloma Canada.  In this role, Ms. Gendron will assume management of a dynamic patient organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the multiple myeloma patient and caregiver community in Canada. As well, she will be responsible for building on the accomplishments of Myeloma Canada's first decade and ensuring that the calls to action of local patient-support groups are coordinated across the country.

Ms. Gendron and an expanded team of associates will be tasked with increasing funding to meet Myeloma Canada's goals in education, advocacy and research and with elevating public awareness of multiple myeloma, a still-incurable disease.

"The appointment of Francine Gendron as Executive Director will help ensure that Myeloma Canada remains at the forefront of a changing healthcare model which recognizes the importance of patient engagement", said John Lemieux.

"With the emergence of personalized medicine, guaranteeing the integration of patient interests in the design and delivery of healthcare services has become one of the most important roles Myeloma Canada can play in improving healthcare outcomes", added Mr. Lemieux.

Prior to joining Myeloma Canada, Ms. Gendron held progressively more responsible positions in association management.  Most recently, she led a national foundation dedicated to the development and support of at-risk youth.  Prior to that, she managed an important life sciences organization, the Pharmaceutical Industry Sector Council in Quebec.

Mr. Lemieux also announced the appointment of Myeloma Canada fellow Co-Founder, Aldo Del Col, to the newly created position of Chief Science Advisor.  Mr. Del Col, who leaves the position of Executive Director, will bring his experience, expertise and concern for the myeloma community to bear on an increased focus by Myeloma Canada on its science and research portfolio, including the development of Myeloma Canada's Research Network.

ABOUT MYELOMA CANADA

Myeloma Canada is the only national organization exclusively devoted to the Canadian myeloma community. As a patient-driven, patient-focused organization, Myeloma Canada has made myeloma matter by working with leading myeloma researchers and clinicians, as well as other cancer organizations and local support groups across Canada. Myeloma Canada seeks to strengthen the voice of the Canadian myeloma community and to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients, their caregivers and families through education, awareness, advocacy and research.

Myeloma Canada is making myeloma matter for the over 7,000 Canadians affected by this incurable, yet increasingly treatable cancer by:

• Providing educational resources and support to patients, their families and caregivers
• Increasing awareness of the disease and its effects on the lives of patients and families
• Advancing research and promoting access to new drug trials in Canada
• Facilitating access to new therapies, treatment options and health care resources

SOURCE: Myeloma Canada

Francine Gendron, Executive Director
[email protected]
Telephone:  [phone]
Cell:  [phone]