The care and contributions of many individuals and organizations shape and support the CI Society and its work. Today we say thank you to Lori and Jason Peters who have chosen to benefit the CI Society through a memorial fund in honour of their daughter Brooklyn. Our gratitude and appreciation also extend to Baxter BioScience for their commitment to support the CI Society's programs and services in 2007 and to the F.K. Morrow Foundation for their generous contribution to the Building Better Lives campaign. The promise of an inspiring and productive year lies ahead of us thanks to the dedication of many.

We are very pleased to announce the first call for research proposals for the The Chaim Roifman Scholar Award, which is being supported by Talecris and the CI Society. Physicians in training please note the 2007 fellowships are available at both Montreal Children's Hospital and Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children.

Kids and parents watch for your invitation to the annual Kids Picnic to be held on August 12 at Camp Green Acres. Golfers, practice your swings and plan to play at the CI Society's first golf tournament coming this September.

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The Chaim Roifman Scholar Award, supported by Talecris and the CI Society, a call for research proposals

The Canadian Immunodeficiency Society (CI Society) is requesting proposals focused on research in primary immune deficiency diseases (PID). CI Society 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
• Advance education of patients and medical professionals

For eligibility and requirements

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CI Society-Talecris Fellow Exchange Program for 2007

The CISociety-Talecris Fellow Exchange 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 may be made for rotations at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto or the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

For eligibility and application

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2007 Kid’s Picnic, mark your calendars now:
Sunday, August 12, 2007

Watch for your invitation! Camp Green Acres is once again the site of the annual Kid's Picnic. Closed to the public, it's a day to get together in a safe enviroment and have fun. Join the CI Society and the wonderful immunology staff from Toronto Sick Kids.

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Brooklyn Peters Memorial Fund

The CI Society is honoured to be chosen by Lori and Jason Peters to benefit from the establishment of the Brooklyn Peters Memorial Fund for the purpose of the promotion of early diagnosis and education of primary immune deficiencies. Brooklyn was born with severe immune deficiency (SCID) and passed away in 2002. Her brother Ethan, born in 2005, was also diagnosed with SCID, but with an early diagnosis survived, and received a bone marrow transplant later that year.

Read Brooklyn's story

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PID Awareness Program for Nurses

The PID Awareness Program for Nurses is spearheaded by Brenda Reid, RN, MN, (a Clinical Nurse Specialist within the Department of Nursing at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto) and supported by Talecris Biotherapeutics. The goal of the nursing awareness program is to educate nurses from across Canada in the care and management of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. The program aims to accomplish this goal by providing lectures to nurses caring for immunodeficient patients throughout Canada, and by posting nursing practice standards and links to relevant publications. We are currently forming a network.

To join or for information and resources

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Golf Tournament September 2007

Watch for more information on the CI Society's first golf tournament to raise funds for patient support and awareness of Primary Immunodeficiency Disease says Carol Cleveland. My son is still on the recovery trail after being diagnosed with a form of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. After experiencing first hand the care and results possible from the outstanding staff at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital, I wanted to contribute in some way to making sure the same results will be possible for all families.

After learning of the goals of the CI Society, my husband and I decided this was an excellent organization where we wanted to direct our efforts. The CI Society provides valuable support for families. Several details have yet to be finalized but the golf tournament is planned for September 2007, and will be held in the Burlington area. Our first sponsor, John Perl, Concept Ford, Georgetown, has offered a Hole-in-One prize of $10,000. It's going to be an exceptional day! We are looking for volunteers, potential sponsors and of course golfers. Drop us a line at events@cisociety.com or call the CI Society at 416- 964-3434 and indicate your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Carol & Blair Cleveland
Chairs, 2007 Golf Tournament

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