Greg Roberts was walking his dog in 2012 when he tripped, fell and had a hard time getting back up. His shoulder was in pain, so the then-48-year-old went to the Alberta Health Services Urgent Care Centre in Airdrie to have an X-ray.
The next day, according to a Myeloma Canada press release, Roberts’ doctor diagnosed him with multiple myeloma, a little-known blood cancer of the plasma cells. By the time the disease was caught, it had already spread throughout his body, according to Myeloma Canada, and he passed away two years after his diagnosis.
Roberts, a former butcher, was in his early 40s when he started to suffer from back pain and other body aches.
“I remember him rubbing his collar bone and saying, ‘I don’t know what I did, I’m so achy,’” Pamela Keefe, Robert’s sister, said.
From an outsider’s view, according to the release, Roberts was a big, burly man who prized Harley Davidson motorcycles. In reality, the loving uncle was a gentle giant who adored cats and "would give you the shirt off his back."
“My brother’s battle was very inspiring for me,” said Keefe, who saw Roberts undergo experimental treatments in the hopes of making the disease more manageable for others.
Following his diagnosis, Roberts received a stem-cell transplant. That procedure, along with other treatments, put the disease in remission, the release stated, and Roberts was able to take a motorcycle trip with his younger brother. But his remission didn’t last long, according to the release, and Roberts was admitted to hospital, where he lived the last six months of his life.
“I volunteered for the Multiple Myeloma March because of how [Roberts] dealt with the diagnosis and treatment,” Keefe said. “He was brave, resilient and calm, and determined to see what he could do to help others fight the disease.”
In honour of her brother and his legacy, Keefe is helping raise awareness for multiple myeloma by leading the fourth annual Greg Roberts Memorial Myeloma Walk/Run. The event takes place Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at East Lake Regional Park.
The Multiple Myeloma March is Myeloma Canada’s flagship fundraiser, according to the release. In its 11th year, the five-kilometre walk/run plays a crucial role in supporting myeloma research.
“Myeloma patients have seen their treatment options increase exponentially over the past decade. Thanks to major strides in research, not only has quality of life improved, but we’re encouraged to say that life expectancies have more than doubled in the past 15 years, and this is continuing on an upward trend,” said Dr. Victor Zepeda with the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. “For the first time, we can actually say that we’re getting closer to finding a cure. Investing in research is critical, which is why raising funds is more important than ever.”
Airdrie is one of a record 28 communities across Canada participating in this year’s Multiple Myeloma March, and organizers hope to raise $40,000 through the event.
“The annual Multiple Myeloma March is not just a fun, but an essential, community-building and fundraising event,” said Martine Elias, executive director of Myeloma Canada. “Through the march, those whose lives have been touched by myeloma get to meet and connect with one another while raising funds for advancing critical clinical research,”
To register for the march or to donate, visit myeloma.ca
