MS Society Marks One Year Anniversary Of EndMS Campaign, Canada

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 17 Sep 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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With over $41 million raised, five regional research and training centres launched and a growing number of educational events aimed at MS researchers and trainees, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada proudly marked one year since the launch of its endMS capital campaign.

"The achievements since the inception of our campaign are significant and were made possible thanks to generosity of donors who have helped us reach more than two thirds of our financial goal to date," says Yves Savoie, president and chief executive officer of the MS Society. "The endMS campaign has brought us clarity of vision and a point of focus for all MS stakeholders. While this is only the beginning and much work remains, we are confident that the efforts of the past year will aid in our quest to end this disease."

The goal of endMS is to raise $60 million to fund research activities and establish the endMS Research and Training Network. In doing so, the MS Society aims to fund the best research, accelerate discovery in the field of MS and find a cure in the shortest possible timeframe.

Accomplishments of the past year include:

- the establishment of five regional research and training centres involving over 100 researchers and over 250 trainees
- $41.3 million raised from a variety of donors from coast-to-coast
- educational events like the endMS Summer School that brought together established MS researchers and a new generation of trainees interested in the field of MS

"I am extremely pleased with the progress that has been made in our first year of activity," says Dr. Jack Antel, scientific director of the endMS Research and Training Network and neurology professor at McGill University. "We have drawn fresh talent into the field of MS, created new learning opportunities and built an infrastructure that fosters collaboration. I think it is safe to say that year one of the endMS Research and Training Network has been a great success."

To learn more, volunteer or donate to the MS Society of Canada visit http://www.endMS.ca or http://www.mssociety.ca.

Source
MS Society of Canada