Tag: Announcements

Recognizing dedication and passion beyond measure

Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) recognizes and celebrates the contributions of individuals and groups who champion our mission with courage, determination, and passion through the Dr. David Green Awards Program. We are excited to announce the list of our esteemed 2021 award winners. These individuals show extraordinary commitment to raising funds, increasing awareness and advocating for the NMD community, supporting continued research, engaging other community members and building positive connections.

The type of compassion and leadership recognized by these awards is personified in Dr. Colleen O’Connell, MDC’s 2021 recipient of the Outstanding Healthcare Partner award. This award is presented to a physician or clinician for outstanding achievements in improving neuromuscular disorder clinical practice and/or who has played a major or lasting role in improving the quality of life of people affected by neuromuscular disorders and their families.

In the past year, Dr. O’Connell has supported MDC’s knowledge sharing and advocacy initiatives. Particularly, Dr. O’Connell supported MDC with gathering and sharing credible and timely information regarding COVID-19 and NMDs. She has advocated on behalf of patients with NMDs to receive prioritization for vaccination. She also presented at our #LetsTalkNMD webinars, and most recently, she is the chair of transition of care in DMD for an upcoming Duchenne conference. She has supported MDC in many ways and is exceptionally knowledgeable, available and willing to support the NMD community in Canada.

“MDC is incredibly grateful to have so many groups and individuals dedicated to supporting our mission and the NMD community as a whole,” says Stacey Lintern, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “From giving their time, contributing innovative ideas, sharing their experiences and helping to advance MDC forward in all areas of our Mission efforts, volunteers are the back-bone of our organization. Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover just how appreciative we are of each and every one of you”.

We are so lucky to have such an amazing group of supporters, including Dr. O’Connell, who continue to support our Mission, challenge us to be better and unite the neuromuscular disorder community. Click here to learn more and see a full list of this year’s award winners.

2021 Award Winners

Providing a path to practice: fellowship funding to support top-ranked Canadian clinicians

Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) together with the Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C) and the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN) are excited to announce a funding competition to award three new national clinical fellowship awards in neuromuscular medicine and electromyography.

The awards provide salary support for early-career clinicians to participate in a neuromuscular medicine and electromyography training program, with successful applicants being eligible to receive up to $76,500 in funding over a one-year period.

“Through providing fellowship opportunities for residents to pursue high-quality clinical training in the field of neuromuscular medicine and electromyography, we will create a path to practice for talented clinicians with a passion for neuromuscular disease, raising the standard of treatment and access to care for all Canadians affected by neuromuscular disease,” said Dr. Hanns Lochmüller, Lead Investigator, NMD4C.

A total of three clinical fellowships will be awarded on a competitive basis for the 2022/2023 academic year. These fellowships have been made possible by generous supporters of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and an unrestricted educational grant from Grifols Canada.

“Finding a neuromuscular specialist is an important step in a person’s healthcare journey, and we know there are few specialists across the country. Physicians can foster an environment that supports effective and informed decision-making, which is central to person-and family centred care,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, MDC. “Together with NMD4C and CSCN, we are building a pipeline of excellence, and investing in top-ranked clinicians that will provide clinical care to individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders and help raise standards of care.”

Competition details:

The competition opens on October 8, 2021 with a deadline for submissions of November 19, 2021. The fellowship is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have completed postgraduate training in adult or paediatric neurology or physiatry in a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada accredited program at the time of commencement of the fellowship (at least one Canadian citizen/permanent resident will be awarded funding). It is also open to International/Canadian applicants who have completed postgraduate training in adult or paediatric neurology or physiatry outside of Canada that have met the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada requirements, if they have the support of the proposed Canadian fellowship training director. We encourage all who are eligible to apply!

View the full fellowship guidelines here.

Please share this opportunity with any of your colleagues and within your neuromuscular networks.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Homira Osman at Homira.osman@muscle.ca.

Notice of 2021 Annual General Meeting of Members

Notice of 2021 Annual General Meeting of Members

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Members of Muscular Dystrophy Canada will be held via Zoom.

on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 2:15pm Eastern Standard Time for the following purposes:

  1. Receiving the following reports:
    • Chair of the Board and the CEO;
    • Treasurer; and
    • Independent Auditor, together with the audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2021.
  2. Electing the Board of Directors
  3. Appointing the Auditors
  4. Other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting. If you would like to attend, please contact Benjamin Dixon at benjamin.dixon@muscle.ca or 800-567-2873 to obtain the videoconference details.


Dave Ferguson
Secretary of the Board of Directors
Cowichan Bay, BC

Researchers from across Canada join The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD to raise awareness and funding for neuromuscular disorder community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2021

Toronto, Ontario – For the second year in a row, Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is bringing the neuromuscular disorder (NMD) community together virtually for its annual Walk4MD, which raises much needed funds to support Canadians affected – and this year researchers are joining the Walk4MD family.

On June 19 at 3 p.m. EST, thousands of Canadians including six prominent NMD researchers across the country will come together, virtually, to participate in The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk for Muscular Dystrophy (Walk4MD).

Dr. Reshma Amin from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is excited to be one of the Walk4MD Research Champions. “I look after so many amazing children with neuromuscular disease and their families. They deserve to be celebrated and what better way to do so than in partnership with MDC through the Walk4MD.”

“Important advancements are taking place in research right now, and we want to ensure that these advancements continue, and result in better treatments and ultimately a cure for neuromuscular disorders. We feel very fortunate to have the support of Dr. Reshma Amin, MD; Dr. Bernard Brais, MD, PhD; Dr. Nicolas Chrestian, MD; Dr. Robin Parks PhD; Dr. Gerald Pfeffer, MD, PhD; and Dr. Martine Tetreault, PhD and look forward to our NMD community getting to know these incredible individuals better,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

She added, “I’m also pleased to share that The Tenaquip Foundation is joining us again as title sponsor, and Global has returned as media sponsor for the second year in a row. Like us, they are committed to raising awareness and funds for the Canadian NMD community.”

The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD is a signature fundraising event for MDC that raises critical funds to support Canadians impacted by neuromuscular disorders. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the funds raised are more important than ever.

“There is still urgency to raise funds to meet the increased needs of our clients during this time,” says Lintern. “Like last year, we’ve had to cancel the majority of our fundraising events for the safety and well-being of our team and the NMD community. That unfortunately, has resulted in a 60 per cent decrease in revenue in our first quarter last year.”

The goal of The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD this year is to raise $870,000. These funds will be invested in services and programs, like equipment, and ensure MDC can meet the unique needs of the neuromuscular community while continuing to invest in research for better health outcomes for individuals impacted by neuromuscular disorders.

To learn more about The Tenaquip Foundation’s Walk4MD or to register for this exciting event, please visit walk4MD.ca

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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit muscle.ca or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.

MEDIA CONTACT

Heather Rice
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714

Fire Fighters Fill the Boot Campaign Goes Virtual

For Immediate Release. May 5, 2020

Toronto, Ontario – For an incredible 65 years Fire Fighters across Canada have helped Fill the Boot. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, Fire Fighters had to cancel their fundraising efforts this Spring, but the needs of people impacted by neuromuscular disorders can’t be cancelled. MDC still needs to provide critical services and programs to our clients.

Fire Fighters and MDC want to keep the tradition of helping to Fill the Boot going and since Fire Fighters can’t physically be out in their communities asking people to help, we have created a virtual Fill the Boot campaign.

With the help of many supporters, including Owen McGonigal who kicked off the campaign with the first #filltheboot video, we are able to keep Fill the Boot efforts going this year.

“I look forward to seeing our local Fire Fighters out in the community every year. They are an incredible support and inspiration to the neuromuscular community,” says Owen. “I challenge all of you to join me and post your own video, make a donation and challenge your friends. Together, we can support Fire Fighters and all Canadians impacted by neuromuscular disorders.”

Supporters can post their #filltheboot video on social media, donate at filltheboot.ca and challenge three friends to do the same! Visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see the #filltheboot campaign in action!

“We’re so excited about this campaign and the opportunity to move our fundraising efforts to the virtual world. During such an unprecedented and uncertain time, one thing we know we can always count on is unwavering support from Fire Fighters,” says Stacey Lintern, Interim CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “Fire Fighters have supported MDC since its inception in 1954, we are incredibly grateful for their continued dedication to our cause and our clients”.

Find out more by visiting filltheboot.ca.

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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit  www.muscle.ca  or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.

MEDIA CONTACT

Heather Rice
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714

Stacey Lintern appointed Interim CEO at Muscular Dystrophy Canada

For immediate release. April 27, 2020

Toronto, Ontario – The Board of Muscular Dystrophy Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Stacey Lintern as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective April 22, 2020.

Stacey has been with Muscular Dystrophy Canada since 2012, and has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years. She has worked as a senior manager in large health organizations and in the government, where she managed organizational development, strategic planning, stakeholder relations, partnerships, and mission delivery. She has held a range of senior positions at Muscular Dystrophy Canada, most recently as Chief Operating Officer.

Stacey is highly regarded by colleagues, clients and stakeholders and her skills and talent will be particularly helpful as the organization navigates the challenges related to Covid-19.
We are committed to doing everything we can to continue to support our clients and their families and to advocate on their behalf.

The Board wishes to thank the outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Stead-Coyle, who has resigned, for her contribution to the organization.

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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit  www.muscle.ca  or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.

MEDIA CONTACT

Stacey Lintern
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Stacey.Lintern@muscle.ca
647-284-8706
1-800-567-2873 x1104

Important Update on Phone Solicitations

STATEMENT REGARDING PHONE SOLICITATIONS

Muscular Dystrophy Canada does not use telemarketing services.

Several years ago, the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association (CFFCA) retained a telemarketing company to assist in fundraising for their annual curling event. A portion of the funds raised in past years were donated to MDC.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada can confirm a campaign soliciting donations for the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association has begun, seeking donations that support the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association.

We have received complaints regarding the tone and approach of solicitation calls. We have brought these to the attention of the President of CFFCA.

Should you have any concerns or questions please contact the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association directly at cffca.ca. We sincerely thank all of our generous supporters for making our work possible.

Barbara Stead-Coyle
CEO