Welcome to the Canadian Immunodeficiency Society's first newsletter. 2006 has been an exciting year for the Society with many activities including the official launch of the Jeffrey Modell Canadian Immunodeficiency Network, a physicians' outreach project to 10,500 doctors, the Kids Picnic, and the launch of the Building Better Lives fundraising campaign. We hope in this newsletter to provide a brief overview of our successes.

Jeffrey Modell Canadian Immunodeficiency Network Launch

Vicki & Fred Modell receive the Canadian Immunodeficiency Society Award for outstanding achievement from Chair, Dr. Chaim Roifman

On October 27, 2006, in Montreal, Canada, the CI Society was proud to officially launch the Jeffrey Modell Canadian Immunodeficiency Network (JMCIN). First of its kind, the JMCIN will be used a model internationally. The aim of the Canadian network is to educate through knowledge sharing healthcare professionals and the general public about the early diagnoses of Primary Immunodeficiency Disease. As part of the network, physicians will raise awareness of the 10 warning signs of PID, as well as provide referrals, resources and consultations to other doctors.

The network was launched with formal presentations by leading Canadian advocates of PID awareness and education. In addition to the launch of the network, two awards were presented from the CI Society. One to Fred and Vicki Modell, founders of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation who tragically lost their son to PID. The award is to honour their incredible commitment to finding a cure and their contributions towards PID research and education. Talecris Biotherapeutics, a company that discovers, develops and produces critical care treatment for people with PID, was welcomed into the CI Society's Cornerstone Club in appreciation of significant support in helping to improve the lives of individuals with PID.

The CI Society was honoured to have Dr. Ben Saxon, Medical Director of Central Ontario, Canadian Blood Services, and Dr. Gilles Delage, Vice-President, Medical Affairs in Microbiology, Hema-Quebec, say a few words and offer their support. Minister of Health, the honourable, Tony Clement, wrote and offered his "best wishes for the successful launch of the Network."

For information on the Network visit...

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Building Better Lives...The Challenge

Joel Abelson, Vice President, Talecris Biotherapeutics, accepts the Cornerstone Club Award for significant support from CI Society President, John Perl (left).

The Challenge

In Canada, approximately 13,000 people (1 in 2,500) mostly children, suffer from PID. Many of these cases are initially missed in terms of the correct diagnosis, which delays treatment and increases morbidity and mortality.

The CI Society strives to:
• ensure individuals are diagnosed and treated in time
• guarantee individuals receive the best possible care and treatments available to alleviate their pain
• provide compassion and support to families affected by PID

In 2006, The CI Society launched a 3-year campaign, Building Better Lives, to help address the needs of children and adults with Primary Immune Deficiency. The Campaign is headed by John Perl, President of the Board of Directors who leads a team of volunteers. The Campaign Team includes:

Blair Cleveland
Carol Hutchings
Fred & Joanne Klein
John & Deborah Perl
Lori & Jason Peters
Brenda Reid
James & Pat Rudland
Cristina Segal
Joseph Vital

An opportunity exists for your involvement to invest in:
• patient support
• education
• research
• networking
• endowment fund - Chaim Roifman Scholar Award in Host-Defense Fund for research

The campaign will support and sustain the many demands in meeting the above challenges.

Join our CI Society leadership who have committed 100% participation in Building Better Lives.

For how you can help...click here!

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2006 Kids Picnic

Face painting...just one of the activities!

Camp Green Acres was the site of over 70 children, family members and friends enjoying the 2006 Kids Picnic for kids with PID. The hit of the day was the water slide and swimming pool. A tasty BBQ, water activities, fun games, a petting zoo, music and laughter kept everyone entertained. The Kids Picnic is an opportunity for kids, their siblings and families to have some fun and meet staff in a relaxed environment. To quote one parent, "the Kids Picnic was the most fun I had all summer!" -Brenda Reid, RN, MN, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Kids, watch for next year's invitation. You won't want to miss it! Special thanks to the Kids Picnic sponsors: Athletes World, Citytv, Chapman's, Cineplex, Dominion, Ganz, In Kind Canada, Maple Lodge Farms, McCain, Speedpark, Swiss Chalet and WIN World Immunodeficiency Network.

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Holiday Gift Cards

Holiday Gift Cards available!
Send to your friends, colleagues, business contacts.
Make a donation in their name in lieu of a gift.

Use the convenient order form linked below or call 416-964-3434.

Minimum $25.00 donation per card.

Gift Card Order Form

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