2016 HERITABLE AORTIC DISEASE CONFERENCE

GADA hosted its 18th national conference in Toronto, Canada. The conference was co-hosted by the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), University Health Network (UHN) and the University of Toronto.

The two day conference event was held at the BMO Conference Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, on September 16 and 17, 2016. Co-chairs for the conference were, Dr. Maral Ouzounian, Cardiac and Aortic Surgeon at the PMCC, Toronto and Dr. Nanette Alvarez, Adult Cardiologist and Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic at the University of Calgary.

The first day of the conference featured teachings and presentations by leading North American specialists and researchers, to update medical professionals about the latest research, diagnostic protocols, and the health management of patients diagnosed with genetic aortic disorders (GAD). 

2016 GADA - TFF Research Grant Award Recipients

This year GADA awarded two research projects, $ 50,000 (Canadian dollars) / one year. The research proposals submitted to GADA's Research Award Program, were reviewed and ranked highest by our professional Scientific Review Committee. GADA is tremendously grateful to the Temerty Family Foundation for the funds provided to advance research on genetic aortic disorders. 

Lighting of Sails at Canada Place - Promoting Awareness of Marfan syndrome and other genetic aortic disorders

GADA's member, Karen Dales, enrolled GADA to participate in the lighting of sails event at Canada Place. On November 18, 2016, the Sails of Light were lit red in support of Marfan Awareness Week and GADA Canada. 

13th Annual Jason 'Ruffy' Keith Memorial Pool Tournament

On April 16, 2016 family and friends participated in the 13th annual Jason ‘Ruffy’ Keith Memorial Pool Tournament fundraiser. The fundraiser was hosted by Drew LaPointe at Dooly’s in Moncton, NB. This year, the turnout of supporters was exceptional. The event raised a five-year high of $ 2802.5 in memory of beloved Jason Keith. These proceeds were kindly donated to GADA Canada.

Dr. Dianna Milewicz Honored with Belgium’s Princesse Liliane Professorship

Congratulations to Dr. Dianna Milewicz, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of GADA's Professional Advisory Board and Scientific Chair of the Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC)on being honored with Belgium’s Princesse Liliane Professorship.

Please read the article, written by Deborah Mann Lake, Office of Public Affairs

GADA Canada thanks Joanne Morin for her generous donation

Joanne Morin, an advanced practical nurse who helps manage the Adult Heart Clinic at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, known to patients for her clinical expertise, her empathy and deep compassion, and nominated by Liz Martin on behalf of the Ottawa/Gatineau Marfan Peer Support Group for the 2015 Best Health Nurse Excellence Awards was acknowledged for being one of three national recipients to receive the award. Joanne very kindly donated this award amount in support of GADA Canada’s programs. GADA Canada sincerely thanks Joanne for her generous donation. More

2nd Annual Fundraiser Honouring Noelle Beer

The Genetic Aortic Disorders Association (GADA) Canada, formerly known as the Canadian Marfan Association (CMA) is very grateful to the family and friends who came out to honour Noelle Beer at her fundraiser on Sunday, April 26, 2014 at the Scarboro Golf and Country Club. Noelle’s parents and sisters organized this beautiful breakfast-brunch event with raffles and silent auction that had a big turnout of 140 people and raised $ 4,045. Everyone who participated had a great time at the event!

12th Annual Jason Keith Memorial Fundraiser

Thank you to all who participated in the 12th annual Jason Ruffy Keith Memorial fundraiser in support of the Canadian Marfan Association (CMA), currently known as the Genetic Aortic Disorders Association (GADA Canada). The fundraiser was hosted by Drew LaPointe at Dooly’s that attracted 25 pool players and many more supporters and raised $ 862.75 in memory of beloved Jason Keith.