Canadian Immunodeficiency Society

Building Better Lives

May 2008

Welcome to our spring issue of the CI Society Newsletter. Highlights in this issue include announcement of the recipient of the Chaim Roifman Scholar Award, and reports on our national PID Video Conference program for physicians, training fellow opportunities, volunteer opportunities and our upcoming Shop 'Til You Drop Event to be held in Toronto, June 1.

Golfers don't forget to save October 1, 2008 for Adam's Game Golf Classic to be again held at Carlise Golf and Country Club (just northwest of Burlington). Watch for further details.

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Chaim Roifman Scholar Award

The CI Society is very pleased to announce that Dr. Françoise Le Deist is the recipient of The Chaim Roifman Scholar Award for 2008. This valuable research will be conducted at the Research Centre of CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal. A formal presentation of the Award will be held in Montreal.

The Chaim Roifman Scholar Award research objectives address the unique needs of patients with primary immunodeficiency: study the clinical, cellular and molecular characteristics of genetically determined immunodeficiency diseases; discover improved diagnostic tools for PID; advance novel therapeutic approaches for PID and advance education of patients and medical professionals.

The Chaim Roifman Scholar Award, first launched in 2007, is supported by Talecris Biotherapeutics and the CI Society. Physicians interested in applying for the Chaim Roifman Scholar Award are asked to fill out and fax the letter of intent form by 5:00PM on Friday September 19, 2008.

For further information on the Award please click here.

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Successful Launch of National PID Videoconference

On March 3, 2008, Dr. Reza Alizadehfar of Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University hosted the first in a series of National PID Videoconferences. Case studies were presented on: Complement Deficiency by Jessica Wylie, MHC-II Deficiency, How to care for the bare (ly syndrome) by Moshe Ben Shoshan and When Cells go Crazy by Jean-Philippe Drolet.

Participating Centres included:

  • British Columbia's Children's Hospital
  • IWK Health Centre, Halifax
  • Montreal Children's Hospital
  • Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University
  • Toronto Hospital for Sick Children
  • University of Manitoba

Open to physicians, the aim of this videoconference is to increase awareness regarding this important health issue and to increase the knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Subscribe by emailing network@cisociety.com

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Training Fellow Opportunities

The CI Society-Talecris Fellow program provides financial aid to trainees in Canadian fellowship programs who wish to expand their education in immunodeficiency disorders. The intent of the program is to support pediatricians, allergists and other specialists who plan to practice in Canada upon completion of their studies. Applications can be made for rotations at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto or the Montreal Children's Hospital.

Fellow Application Form

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Kids' Picnics 2008

The annual CI Society Kids' Picnic in Toronto is scheduled for August 10, 2008. Planning is in the works for Montreal and Vancouver. Watch for your invitation coming soon!

 

 

 

 

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Shop 'Til You Drop Event

Ladies come see what's new in fashion, jewelry, beauty and more. There will be great raffle prizes from Look, Uptown Spa, Shiseido and more! Bring friends and family, all are welcome.

This event is in support of the CI Society:
Sunday, June 1, 10 am - 4 pm.,
Toronto Botanical Garden (corner of Lawrence and Leslie).
Free Admission and Parking.

For details & vendors click here.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Patient Support Volunteers

We are seeking volunteers for a special "buddy" program operated within the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. This is an opportunity to establish a very special one-on-one relationship with a child in need. Your time will brighten a child's day.

Fundraising Volunteers

Join our team and help raise funds for critical programs and services. Help us seek out financial supporters from among companies, groups and individuals. The number one reason that people don't give is that they haven't been asked. Get involved and help us raise support.

Promotion Volunteers

Individuals are needed with experience in media and public relations. Raising awareness of Primary Immunodeficiency Disease and the 10 warning signs on a limited budget is a challange, but awareness can help save lives. You can make a difference.

For any of these position, please call or send us an email.

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GIVE...without giving

Buying or selling a home?

The CI Society has teamed up with Canada's No. 1 Realty Referral Network for Charities in a new and exciting fundraising program that raises valuable funds for us every time a home is purchased or sold - and there's no cost to you, our supporters.

When it's time, simply list your home (or buy your next home) through the CharityLINK agent network and a portion of the real estate commission fee comes directly to us. It's that easy.

For more information visit Charity Link Realty

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CI Society adopts Ethical Code

The CI Society recently joined Imagine Canada's Ethical Code Program. We believe that transparency and accountability are essential in charitable work. The Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code lays out a set of standards for charitable organizations to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly. By adhering to these standards, we are complying with generally accepted practices for soliciting and managing donor dollars.

Karen Alebon, Program Officer, Imagine Canada says

"Your compliance with these standards tells donors that your organization values their contribution, and will steward their donations to ensure that they have the greatest impact possible."

For more information on Imagine Canada and the Ethical Code please visit Imagine Canada.

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If you have questions or want to get involved, reach us by calling or send an email. We want to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Richard Thompson, CFRE
Executive Director
Canadian Immunodeficiency Society

 

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