Toronto, September 23, 2010 – Since the launch of the endMS capital campaign two years ago, donors from across the country have contributed more than $49.2 million to fund MS research activities and establish the endMS Research and Training Network, a nationwide initiative formed to accelerate discovery in Canadian MS research.
“Through the endMS campaign, we’ve witnessed amazing acts of generosity and donations to the MS Society from Canadians across the country,” says Yves Savoie, president and CEO of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. “These contributions have undoubtedly enhanced and accelerated the future of MS research.”
endMS donors come from different backgrounds from coast-to-coast but they share a common bond: they have MS or have a family member or loved one who is living with the disease. Their commitment to the $60 million national campaign ensures continued progress and discovery in the field of MS.
“I find the direction the MS Society has taken with this campaign very exciting,” says Lisa Park, an endMS donor who was diagnosed with MS more than eight years ago. “I think it’s smart to focus on engaging future generations of MS researchers. I am really motivated to give to that.”
The endMS Network currently involves over 700 researchers and trainees from more than 50 academic and health institutions across Canada. It offers trainees and researchers national education and training programs, national awards programs and regional programs run by five research and training centres within defined geographic areas of Canada. Through programs like the endMS Summer School and endMS Transitional Development Award, the endMS Network aims to attract, train and retain MS researchers and increase opportunities to conduct MS research in Canada.
To donate or to see profiles of donors who have contributed to the endMS campaign, please visit http://www.endms.ca.
To learn more about MS or to volunteer with the MS Society of Canada, visit http://www.mssociety.ca.
About multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please visit http://www.mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.
Contact Information:
Stewart Wong
Senior Manager, Media and Public Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Telephone: 416-967-3025
Email: stewart.wong@mssociety.ca