Calgary Connect & Learn in-person event: Community, stories & hope
Last night, more than 80 individuals—people living with blood cancers, loved ones, caregivers, and healthcare professionals—gathered for a heartfelt in-person evening of connection and learning. Hosted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, the event offered an open, welcoming space filled with compassion, insight, and hope. This moment was especially meaningful as it marked the first time in six years that the LLSC has been able to gather in-person.
Innovation + impact together
Dr. Mona Shafey, Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, and Medical Director of the Alberta Blood & Marrow Transplant Program, and Marsha Levy - a lymphoma survivor with CAR-T therapy experience - kicked us off with an engaging presentation on the latest advances in targeted therapies, including CAR-T cell therapy. Dr Shafey’s knowledge helped attendees better understand the science and future of this treatment, and Marsha’s personal story brought it to life in the most inspiring way. The integrated presentation reminded us that behind every breakthrough is a person!
Paying it forward
Lindsay Thompson, a survivor of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia, brought a voice that represents so many in our community—someone who has lived through the challenges of a blood cancer diagnosis and emerged with insight, strength, and a deep desire to help others. Lindsay shared how she has fulfilled her promise to her transplant donor “to pay forward the gift he gave me by using my experience as both a patient and health care worker/educator.
Quality of life matters
Baljit Randhawa, Nurse Practitioner, Malignant Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at the Arthur Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, brought her compassion and expertise as she shared practical information on managing treatment side effects, symptoms and discomfort.
A panel discussion featuring Baljit as well as Hematology/Bone Marrow Transplant Pharmacist Roy Tram, and Cancer Care Registered Dietician Jing Zeng, explored the topic of traveling with a blood cancer, followed by a very engaging Q&A. The panel included such shared information as:
- Adjusting medications across time zones
- Planning for travel ahead with your healthcare team
- Supportive documents: medical clearance, travel insurance
- Giving your pharmacist extra time to fulfill your medical supplies and work with your insurance
- The importance of nutrition to help manage side effects, infections, and fatigue
- Being immunocompromised and steps you can take while traveling.
Community partners
A community resource fair gave attendees face-to-face access to support services and information resources. We were
also happy to host our friends and collaborators from Canadian Blood Services, Look Good, Feel Better, Wellspring Alberta, Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society (SAMPS), and the Southern Alberta MPN support group, who are an integral part of our extended community, offering support and services to those navigating the challenges of blood cancer in the Calgary area.
Voices from the room
“This event was fantastic and provided a lot of hope for the future, and emphasized how quickly research is progressing.”
“OUTSTANDING question and answer session for the panel session. VERY WELL organized event by the LLSC - very knowledgeable presenters & very inspirational experiences told.”
“All sessions were great- but the panel session had amazing information. I am so happy I attended.”
“Having survivors share their personal stories was inspirational and interesting. Thank you so much for hosting this event. There was a good turn out and an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.”
“I learned so much about the different types of blood cancers and things to help manage symptoms. And these things I can share with friends who have other types of cancer who I believe this information will help.”
