Greatest Walk helps Albany myeloma sufferers make connections and raises awareness of a little-known cancer

Patients, carers and health professionals were among those walking in Myeloma Australia’s My Greatest Walk in Albany last week to raise awareness of an incurable blood cancer.

Starting at the Boatsheds, the group of around 35 people walked the 2km to the Albany War Memorial and back, making March 30 the first time the national My Greatest Walk campaign has come to Albany.

Perth-based organiser and myeloma nurse Narelle Smith said she hoped the event would help educate the public.

“The walk was more about raising awareness than anything else, because most people have no idea what myeloma is,” she said.

“It’s different from other cancers, it’s lifelong and it’s one of the most expensive to treat.”

Walk participant Trish Travers — who has had multiple myeloma for six years — hoped the walk would publicise the Albany Myeloma Support Group.

“It is nice to find a way to connect when you live in a regional town,” she said.

“It’s a rare cancer so when you find a couple of people who also have it, they can be a great source of information and support.

“We could all be on different treatments, but it’s helpful to share the journey.”

The Albany support group is inviting people living with myeloma, their families and friends to join their next meeting at the Cancer Council WA’s Great Southern office on Grey Street East in Albany, on April 16 from 11.30am-1.30pm.

More information about Myeloma can be found on the Myeloma Australia website: myeloma.org.au.