GADA Canada is proud to announce its 19th national conference in Toronto, Canada! The conference will be a two-day event, co-hosted by the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), University Health Network (UHN).
Research Vision for a Brighter Future: Montalcino Aortic Consortium
GADA Canada hosted the second Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC) Summit in May 2017. The Summit was a two-day conference held in Tuscany, Italy. Twenty-nine aortic disease specialists (physicians and researchers) from around the world (USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan), with a range of clinical disciplines including; Cardiovascular Genetics/Medicine, Adult Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Ophthalmology, Imaging and Molecular Research, participated in the Summit.
The Summit was a huge success! There were intensive discussions between the specialists to accelerate research based on their patients' observations. We look forward to results of the MAC that will change the future for our loved ones affected by any of the genetically triggered aortic diseases.
Remembering FRANKIE AIELLO
In May 2016, Frankie Aiello, died from an acute aortic dissection at the age of 28. Frankie was well-built and a great athlete. Like the Canadian actor, Alan Thicke, Frankie was playing hockey when he experienced chest pain a short while before he passed away.
In May 2017, Frankie’s family hosted a memorial service at the Oshawa Golf Club. Frankie was remembered by his closest family and friends, who donated to GADA $ 1,000 in support of promoting awareness of genetic aortic disorders. Thank you!
We humbly thank Frankie’s brother, Joseph Aiello, and ‘Just Energy Foundation Canada’ for donating $ 485 to GADA in honor of Frankie.
Frankie’s family and friends realize the importance of raising awareness of aortic disorders as an effort to help save lives in the future; for this we are tremendously thankful!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude and to all our members who donated towards our cause in memory of a lost loved one.
14th Annual JASON 'RUFFY' KEITH Memorial Raises $ 1,600 in Pool Tournament Fundraiser
In April 2017, family and friends participated in the 14th annual Jason ‘Ruffy’ Keith Memorial Pool Tournament fundraiser. The memorial fundraiser was organized by Jason’s family at Dooly’s in Moncton, NB.
Once again, the turnout of supporters was exceptional! With 34 pool players and many supporters, the event raised $ 1600 in memory of beloved Jason Keith. These proceeds were kindly donated to GADA Canada.
We are truly grateful to Jason’s parents, Dave and Pam Keith, Jason’s brother, John, and Drew LaPointe, General Manager, Dooly’s, Moncton, NB, for organizing this fundraising event for 14 years in loving memory of their son and brother, Jason. Jason passed away in 2003 from Marfan syndrome.
We are humbled by the continued support received from Jason's friends, family, and the local community who come together every year to cherish Jason's memory and support the work of our organization. THANK YOU!
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).
Lighting of Sails at Canada Place - Promoting Awareness of Marfan syndrome and other genetic aortic disorders
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.
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
