The first ever myeloma patients meet and greet will be happening this Saturday in Grande Prairie.  Myeloma is a is a blood cancer that is associated with the abnormal behavior and uncontrolled growth of a type of white blood cell – the plasma cell. Plasma cells are made in the bone marrow – the spongy tissue found inside bones – and are an important component of the body’s immune system because they produce antibodies.  In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (also known as myeloma cells) interfere with the production of normal healthy blood cells in the bone marrow and overproduce inactive clones of abnormal antibodies that can negatively affect different parts of the body such as the bones and kidneys. The cause or causes of myeloma remain unknown. 

Martin Reed, a representative for the Grande Prairie event, says the day will be packed with speakers and great information about the condition. "We'll have a couple of speakers including a nurse practitioner from the Cross Cancer Institute and other patients living with myeloma. Sometimes getting it face to face from somebody that's been through it is nice too."

The event takes place this Saturday, February 29th from 10am to 1:15pm at the Lion's Learning Center on Prairie Road. You can register on line at the myeloma website.