Introducing Paul Workman
Veteran Broadcaster Paul Workman Joins Canadian MPN Research Foundation as Board Member and National Spokesperson
Award-winning journalist brings his trusted voice and personal experience to advance awareness, research and hope for Canadians living with rare blood cancers.
Toronto, ON — Paul Workman, one of Canada's most respected broadcast journalists and former CTV London Bureau Chief, has joined the Canadian MPN Research Foundation (CMPNRF) as a member of its Board of Directors and its National Spokesperson.
For more than four decades, Workman earned the trust of Canadians through thoughtful, insightful reporting on some of the world's most significant events. Today, he is bringing that same credibility, compassion and commitment to a cause that has become deeply personal.
As someone living with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)—one of a group of rare chronic blood cancers affecting an estimated 35,000-to 40,000 Canadians—Workman understands firsthand the uncertainty that accompanies diagnosis and treatment. While his own journey has inspired his involvement, his focus is on helping shine a light on the broader MPN community by increasing awareness, supporting research, and advocating for better outcomes for patients and families across Canada.
“For most of my career, I had the privilege of traveling the world, telling stories that mattered to Canadians. I now have a more personal story to tell, one that affects thousands of people living with blood cancers. I am one of them. It is my honour to join the Canadian MPN Research Foundation in support of its mission—our mission—to advance research, raise awareness, and bring hope to patients and families facing these rare and deadly diseases."
— Paul Workman
The Canadian MPN Research Foundation is Canada's only national charitable organization dedicated exclusively to funding research into myeloproliferative neoplasms while advancing education, awareness and collaboration among researchers, physicians, patients and caregivers. Through strategic investments in Canadian research and partnerships with leading organizations across North America, the Foundation is helping accelerate discoveries that will lead to better treatments—and ultimately, cures.
"Paul's decision to lend both his voice and his leadership to our Foundation is truly extraordinary," said Merrill Pierce, Chair of the Canadian MPN Research Foundation. "Canadians have trusted Paul throughout his remarkable career. His ability to communicate with authenticity, empathy and credibility will help us reach new audiences, increase understanding of these rare blood cancers, and inspire greater support for the research patients urgently need. We are honoured to welcome him to our Board and to our mission."
Dr. Vikas Gupta, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Leukemia Site Lead and Director of the Elizabeth and Tony Comper MPN Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, welcomed Workman's appointment.
"Awareness and research go hand in hand," said Dr. Gupta. "Although an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 Canadians are living with an MPN, these diseases remain largely unknown outside the medical community. Paul's credibility, integrity and willingness to share his experience will help educate Canadians, encourage earlier diagnosis, strengthen support for research, and ultimately improve the lives of patients and families affected by these rare blood cancers."
As National Spokesperson, Workman will represent the Foundation through media interviews, public awareness campaigns, educational webinars, fundraising initiatives and community events, helping Canadians better understand MPNs and the critical importance of investing in research.
His appointment also strengthens the Foundation's Board of Directors by bringing decades of communications expertise, public engagement experience and strategic leadership to the organization.
While Workman's own experience with an MPN has inspired his commitment, he hopes the conversation remains focused on the broader community of patients, caregivers, clinicians and researchers working together toward better treatments—and one day, cures.
The Foundation plans to work closely with Workman on a series of national awareness initiatives, educational webinars, media appearances and fundraising campaigns designed to increase public understanding of MPNs and accelerate support for Canadian research.
Canadians interested in learning more about Paul Workman's story, myeloproliferative neoplasms, or supporting research are encouraged to visit www.cmpnrf.ca