Category: 2022 Summer

TEN DOWN, THREE TO GO

Manitoba and Quebec latest provinces to embark on newborn screening for SMA

It’s been one year since we started working on making newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) a reality for all Canadian babies. Thanks to a partnership with Novartis Canada and your unwavering support – there are only two provinces and a territory left to commit to this life-changing test. This spring, Quebec started planning for newborn screening for SMA, and Manitoba announced it moved from the planning phase to officially screening all babies.

Learn more “TEN DOWN, THREE TO GO”

RESEARCH FUNDING IS CHANGING NEUROMUSCULAR LANDSCAPE IN CANADA

Because of generous supporters, like you, nine new clinical and translational science research projects received funding this year. These projects are excellent examples of the high quality, exciting research taking place right here in Canada! We wouldn’t be able to support research like this without YOU.

2021-2022
RECIPIENTS:

Building a screenable human 3D neuromuscular junction model for neuromuscular disorders
Dr. Thomas Durcan
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University

Mitochondrial-targeted therapies to improve Duchenne muscular dystrophy outcomes
Dr. Christopher Perry
York University

Genome-wide DNA methylation profile in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Dr. Craig Campbell
London Health Sciences Centre
(Lawson Health Research Institute)

Measuring balance in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Dr. Michael Berger
University of British Columbia

Endurance training as a novel therapeutic strategy for myotonic dystrophy type 1
Dr. Bernard Jasmin
University of Ottawa

QP-OPMD: Quantitative MRI imaging to assess progression in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Dr. Jodi Warman Chardon
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Exploring the impact of spinal bulbar muscular atrophy on persons self-identifying as Indigenous
Dr. Kerri Schellenberg
The University of Saskatchewan

The transition of TEENagers with spinal muscular atrophy to a multi-disciplinary adult program
Dr. Reshma Amin
The Hospital for Sick Children

Motor network connectivity in spinal muscular atrophy: new pathways for intervention
Dr. Maryam Oskoui
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

Learn more “RESEARCH FUNDING IS CHANGING NEUROMUSCULAR LANDSCAPE IN CANADA”

YOU’RE HELPING MAKE CLASSROOMS A SAFE AND ACCEPTING PLACE FOR ALL

Imagine being the only child in your class who has a neuromuscular disorder. Imagine being the only one who even knows what a neuromuscular disorder (NMD) is.

During a time when being understood, included and involved is critical, classroom environments can be a daunting place for anyone affected by an NMD. Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s AccessAbility program, graciously funded by donors like you, and the Canada Post Community Foundation, is working to change that for students.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s (MDC)Service Specialists work with students to develop an accessibility presentation focusing on their unique needs and abilities. This empowers the student to share their abilities with classmates and teachers, provide information to educators so they can expand their knowledge on enhancing accessibility and inclusion in schools, and decrease the negative stigma associated with disabilities.

Learn more “YOU’RE HELPING MAKE CLASSROOMS A SAFE AND ACCEPTING PLACE FOR ALL”

Additions to the Equipment Program Funding!

Additions to the Equipment Program Funding!

Because of donors, like you, MDC has added a substantial list of Assistive Technology to its Equipment funding list.

Assistive technology helps people affected by neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) to improve their health, safety, independence, and t increase their participation in education, the workforce and their community. These devices include; smart watch or wearables for fall detection and medical alert, communication devices, Robotic arm or eating device, Smart door locks and medication dispensers to name a few!

Learn more “Additions to the Equipment Program Funding!”

THE BOOTS ARE BACK AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

No one has missed seeing Fire Fighters out in the community supporting individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders more than Fire Fighters themselves.

“We are so happy to be in a position where we can bring the boots back out into the community to raise funds and awareness.”

Dan Hamel, Chair of the National Fire Fighter Relations Committee

Learn more “THE BOOTS ARE BACK AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!”

Shad’s R&R annual golf tournament

In 1973, the late Fred Shaddick and several of his associates, mostly from the automotive aftermarket sector, decided to get together for a fun day where competitors put business aside to focus on the larger cause of raising funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Since the first tee off 47 years ago, the Shad’s R&R annual golf tournament has raised over $5.2 million for life-changing neuromuscular research.

Learn more “Shad’s R&R annual golf tournament”