Saving Lives
Even a common cold can be fatal

In Canada, approximately 13,000 people suffer from PI. (Primary Immunodeficiency)

Individuals with PI often have what seem to be “ordinary” infections. As a result, physicians sometimes treat the infections not realizing that there is an underlying cause. This allows the illnesses to recur, and can leave the individual vulnerable to vital organ damage, physical disability, serious illness, and death.

Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to survival. Individuals die due to missed diagnoses and delayed treatment. Even children like Brooklyn who was in and out of hospital for three months until she died at the age of five months, still undiagnosed.

“Every day we feared an infection might take her life” - Lori Peters, mother.

What is PI?

PI is something individuals are born with. The immune system guards the body from invading infections. When a defect in the immune system is inherited (carried through the genes) it is called PI. The World Health Organization recognizes more than 150 forms of PI ranging widely in severity.

It is genetically based and can affect any one from any culture at any time. Often there is no history of PI in family members. Newborns with the most severe form often go undiagnosed until it’s too late for treatment. The good news is that if diagnosed in time there are treatments that can give children and adults a fighting chance.

Making a Difference
Improved treatment and early diagnosis offer new hope

The CI Society, a registered charity incorporated in 1999, is the only organization in Canada dedicated to saving and building better lives for individuals with PI through patient support, education, and research for a cure.

The CISociety 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 PI.