The Walk of Champions has reached a major milestone, raising over $1 million to support groundbreaking research and treatment advancements for multiple myeloma at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)’s Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (VFCC). This achievement marks an important step in the fight against myeloma, with funds directed toward research and clinical trials aimed at improving treatment options and patient outcomes.

Founded by the late Keith Fleming and Dan Childerhose, the Walk of Champions has grown from a small community initiative into a key driver of change in myeloma research.  

"At our first walk in 2009, we raised just $12,000. We never imagined then that the Walk of Champions would have this level of impact,” said Lisa Bowden, on behalf of the Walk of Champions Planning Committee. “Raising money for myeloma research is crucial; it directly supports clinical trials that benefit patients here in London and across the country.”

The funds raised are essential for advancing our understanding of myeloma, a type of blood cancer beginning in the bone marrow when abnormal plasma cells—immune cells that produce antibodies—grow uncontrollably. Though there is no cure, treatments can slow its spread and sometimes alleviate symptoms, especially in cases of multiple myeloma, where the cancer affects multiple areas of the body.

Dr. Martha Louzada, Medical Lead of Hematology Research and Chair of the Multiple Myeloma Working Group at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, highlighted the importance of community support.  

“Funding from the Walk of Champions is vital to advancing myeloma research,” said Dr. Louzada. “It enables us to explore new therapeutic strategies tailored to our patients, improving outcomes and quality of life for those living with this challenging disease.”

Thanks to years of support from the Walk of Champions, innovative research is advancing our understanding of myeloma and its treatment options. These contributions offer new possibilities for patients in London and could potentially pave the way for broader improvements in care across Canada.

John MacFarlane, President and CEO of London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) credited the community's involvement being a key factor in making this achievement possible.  

“Raising $1 million is a testament to the incredible generosity and dedication of our community,” said MacFarlane. “This achievement is not just about numbers—it’s about giving hope to myeloma patients and their families, and advancing a future where cancer is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter.”