Loving daughter Honours late father at the 13th Annual Windsor/Essex County Multiple Myeloma March
Myeloma is the 2nd most common form of blood cancer. Yet it may take months or years to get diagnosed.
In 2015, Guido Vettorello and his wife of 57 years, Kathleen, had been enjoying their travels and special moments with their two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, when life took an unexpected turn. Guido, who had been active and strong his entire life, decided to visit his family doctor when he couldn’t shake a persistent respiratory infection that he had caught on a trip.
Concerned, his doctor sent Guido for blood work and then a bone marrow biopsy. The results, which arrived a few days later, were devastating: Guido had multiple myeloma, a little-known and as of yet, incurable blood cancer that 11 Canadians are diagnosed with every day. He was 76 years old.
“We never suspected that my father had cancer, let alone a type of cancer none of us had ever heard of,” recalls Jennifer, Guido’s youngest of two daughters. “My dad was active his whole life; he walked 5 km to 10 km a day and ate a healthy Mediterranean diet. The myeloma diagnosis was a shock and very hard to process.”
Despite a sobering prognosis of having only three years to live, Guido remained hopeful that one of the treatments would curb the progression of his disease. After three years and several setbacks, Guido began his fourth myeloma treatment regimen on his 80th birthday, May 24, 2019. Thankfully, his body responded well, and Guido regained his strength. He happily resumed some of his favourite activities like eating homemade Italian cooking with his family, cheering on his grandchildren’s baseball games, and travelling to new and exciting destinations with Kathleen. Unfortunately however, the positive effects of the treatments started to wane. On June 13, 2023, tests revealed that Guido’s cancer had resurfaced and was rapidly spreading throughout his body. Sadly, on July 7, 2023, Guido lost his battle with myeloma and passed away with his family by his side.
“When my dad was initially diagnosed, he was only given a little over three years to live. My family and I feel so lucky that we got eight beautiful years with him thanks to the incredible research that Myeloma Canada is supporting,” says Jennifer. “We are forever grateful for that gift and want to give back to the community as much as we can.”
Having seen firsthand the life-changing impact advances in myeloma research are having on those living with the disease, Jennifer and her family are raising awareness and funds for myeloma, and will be honouring their father’s legacy by participating in the 13th edition of the Windsor/Essex County Multiple Myeloma March taking place on September 17, 2023, at 9 a.m., at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex Pavilion.
“My dad approached his cancer treatments with optimism,” says Jennifer. “He often said that he looked forward to going to the cancer clinic because it meant there was hope that he’d get better.” The Vettorello family remains committed to upholding their father’s inspiring view that “life is good,” and plan on raising $10,000 to help others living with myeloma. “We want to keep the hope alive for other families going through this frightening journey. We’re optimistic that a cure will be found so that others don’t experience the same pain that we did,” continues Jennifer.
“Countless Canadians may not receive their myeloma diagnosis for months or sometimes years. This has to change,” says Martine Elias, Executive Director of Myeloma Canada. “That’s why events like the Windsor/Essex County Multiple Myeloma March are so crucial. The more people who know about this complicated disease, the earlier they may be diagnosed and treated, for better outcomes. The March raises awareness and vital funds to improve the lives of Canadians impacted by myeloma and move us closer to a cure.”
The Multiple Myeloma March raises funds to cure and prevent myeloma through investments in Canadian research, accelerate equitable access to the best healthcare and treatments, and improve lives by empowering and supporting all Canadians affected by this devastating disease.
The Windsor/Essex County Multiple Myeloma March is one of 40 communities across the country participating in Myeloma Canada’s 15th annual nation-wide event. For Canadians not located near a physical March or who wish to participate on their own, there is also a virtual March option. The Windsor/Essex County event has set their financial goal at $40,000. Myeloma Canada’s national Multiple Myeloma March objective is to raise $750,000.
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is the second most common form of blood cancer. Myeloma affects a type of immune cell called the plasma cell, found in the bone marrow. While there is currently no cure, people with myeloma are living longer and better lives, thanks to recent breakthroughs in treatment. To find a cure, more funding and research are required.
Myeloma Canada is the only national charitable organization created by, and for, Canadians impacted by multiple myeloma. The organization is driven to improve the lives of those affected by myeloma by empowering the community through awareness, education, and advocacy programs, and supporting research to find a cure. Myeloma Canada has been making myeloma matter since its founding in 2005.
