It started with pain in her shoulder and ribs so severe it sent her to the doctor.
Jenn Collins, a mother of three, was 37 when she was diagnosed five years ago with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of cancer of plasma cells.
Initial test results showed abnormalities in her blood work and kidney function, which are common symptoms of the disease.
She was given three to five years to live.
When she first heard the news, Collins said she was in shock.
"I realized I wouldn’t see my kids grow up,” Collins said. “I was devastated. I wanted to be there for my kids.”
She's still here because she's beaten the odds. Through aggressive treatment Collins went into remission but unfortunately, the cancer has returned.
To raise awareness and funds, Collins and her family will participate in the fourth annual Prince George Multiple Myeloma March on Sept. 19 at 10 a.m.
Since the pandemic has changed things, people are encouraged to walk in their own neighbourhood and join in the event via Zoom.
Currently, Collins is managing her condition and her quality of life has improved as she returns to activities she loves like playing softball and skiing.
Collins knows her progress is because of research developments that have been made towards combatting this rare form of cancer. Her fundraising goal for the Prince George event is $18,000.
Prince George is one of a record 33 communities in Canada to participate in this year’s Multiple Myeloma March. The national fundraising goal is set at $650,000.
Myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer. Every day, nine Canadians are diagnosed with myeloma. Despite its growing prevalence, this cancer remains largely unknown.
For more information about the march visit
