He didn't even know what it was.
Three years ago, Anthony Everett received a diagnosis that changed his life.
"I was gobsmacked when I was diagnosed," Everett said.
"I had never heard of multiple myeloma."
Multiple myeloma, commonly referred to as myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells found in the bone marrow. A plasma (blood) cell is a type of immune cell which produces antibodies to fight infection.
The cause or causes of myeloma remain unknown.
Today, Everett is feeling great and is ready to lead the Multiple Myeloma March which will be held on Sept. 9 at the Otway Nordic Centre.
The five-kilometre walk/run is aimed at raising funds and awareness about multiple myeloma.
"I'm a patient representative on the national board of directors with Myeloma Canada. These marches have not been around a long time," Everett said.
"I got involved with the march because I wanted to raise awareness about the disease."
Everett was diagnosed with the disease in 2014, just in time to avoid becoming a paraplegic.
Tests revealed that two years of chronic back pain was not due to an active lifestyle but from disintegration of his vertebrae.
Today, the 47-year-old is in remission thanks to a stem cell transplant and aggressive chemotherapy.
"I was able to return to an active lifestyle," Everett said.
"With this march, I want to help others and spread the word about this disease that snuck up on me."
In 2011, Everett was chosen by the community of Prince George to be the board chair for the Prince George 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society after 20 years of tourism industry experience.
He led the formation of the host society as it transitioned from a successful bid to a staff-driven organization making the 2015 Canada Winter Games a huge success.
"I was diagnosed in the middle of all of that," Everett said.
"Today, I feel great. In some ways, I think this was meant to happen to me. It changed my perspective in so many ways. I just live for today."
Earlier in the year, Everett was told he might only make it another five years.
"It's a complicated disease," he said.
"I know someone who lived 10 years with it. You just don't know. It's the other complications along the way but since I was diagnosed, I have become so passionate about the subject."
Everett turned to Myeloma Canada after his diagnosis, a non-profit charitable organization for people living with multiple myeloma.
Since last year, Myeloma Canada has dedicated funds raised through the march to the Myeloma Canada Research Network, a platform which brings together world-class myeloma researchers in 24 centres across nine provinces.
"Every day, seven Canadians are diagnosed with multiple myeloma with an average diagnosis in the mid-sixties," said Aldo Del Col, co-founder and chairman with Myeloma Canada.
"This is why there is even a greater need for early awareness programs to promote early diagnosis."
For Everett, it all starts from home.
"I've had tremendous support in bringing this to Prince George," Everett said.
"It's going to be a fun day with great door prizes. We live in such a wonderful community. These marches normally happen in bigger city centres. And having it at the Otway Nordic ski trails means a lot too because both me and my wife love skiing. I will be fascinated to see who we get here and hopefully it will grow and we can keep the march going here."
Everett encourages community members to join him for the march and donate online at myeloma.ca.
The first Prince George Multiple Myeloma March will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 a.m. at the Otway Nordic Centre, 8141 Otway Rd.
The fundraising goal is $20,000.
