A Warm Welcome From Our Honorary Co-Chairs!
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Bob Macklon
Welcome to Connections 2011. The MS Society has once again put together a terrific lineup of speakers on a variety of topics sure to educate, provoke thought and entertain. Knowing allows me to make better decisions around my care and helps me remain optimistic in a future without MS. Join me at Connections 2011 in my search for answers as we discover new ideas, new strategies for living, and network with others living with, treating and seeking a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. |
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Dr. Mary Lou Myles
Welcome to the “Connections 2011” client conference. When this was first hosted in Edmonton in 2009, it marked the beginning of an important collaboration between the MS community and those working in the field to connect and learn from each other in order to benefit all persons affected by MS in the Edmonton and Capital Region and indeed, the entire Province. Since then another Connections event took place in Calgary in 2010 and now returns to Edmonton. I am delighted to see how the event has grown over the last two years and am particularly thrilled with the themes of science and inspiration and the tremendous line up of speakers and presenters this year. This will be an excellent and informative event and I am excited to share in this event with you all.
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Registration
Registration for Connections 2011 is now CLOSED. For more information please call 780-463-1190.
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Speakers
Click here for the complete conference schedule and list of speakers.
Dr. Al Condeluci
Brief Abstract and Title:
CULTURAL SHIFTING:
Building Inclusive Communities for All
All of us are interested in a better community where all people have an opportunity for accessible and affordable homes, jobs or meaningful daytime opportunities and lifestyles of their choice. Yet, many vulnerable people find themselves in isolated situations with limited options for friendships and important social relationships. This presentation takes a close look at the reasons why these struggles have existed and offers a community building perspective designed to shift the culture to be more inclusive and supportive to all people.
Click here to read more.
Dr. Fabrizio Giuliani
Bio and Title:
New Therapies: An Overview
Dr. Fabrizio Giuliani is an MS neurologist and neuroimmunologist at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. He is currently Assistant Professor of Medicine at the same institution. Dr. Giuliani earned his medical degree cum laude at the University of Bari School of Medicine, Italy where he also completed his residency in Adult Neurology.
Click here to read more.
Heather Hanwell
Brief Abstract and Title:
Vitamin D and Nutrition in MS: Bones, Bowels and Beyond
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key nutritional issues in MS.
- Understand the role of diet and specific nutrients such as vitamin D in these issues.
- Critically evaluate evidence for a benefit of vitamin D in reducing risk of MS and MS disease activity.
Click here to read more.
Dr. Katherine Knox
Brief Abstract and Title:
The Venous Theory and MS: What have we learned?
Brief description and objectives: The recent work by Dr. Zamboni and others, suggesting a link between venous abnormalities and MS, has garnered considerable media, public, professional and research attention. This presentation will provide an overview of the main findings from published Canadian and International studies exploring the venous theory and MS.
Click here to read more.
Maureen Manley
Brief Abstract and Title:
The Biology of Hope
Keynote Address by Maureen Manley
Description of talk: Maureen is known for her inspiring, empowering and uniquely proactive approach to creating health and wellness. In her dynamic and thought provoking presentation she will provide you with realistic and practical understandings to assist you in moving forward with a whole person and empowered approach to life.
Click here to read more.
Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC
Bio and Title:
Origins of MS
Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC is Associate Professor of Neurology and Associate in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University/MUHC, and practicing neuroimmunologist at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI). He established and directs the Experimental Therapeutics Program (ETP) and serves as Scientific Director of the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) at the MNI. He directs a cellular and molecular human immunology lab studying basic principles of immune regulation, immune-neural interactions and stem cell biology, and how these relate to physiologic processes, injury and repair in the human central nervous system (CNS).
Click here to read more.
Neil Pierce
Bio and Title:
The Case for a Provincial MS Strategy
Neil Pierce has spent most of his 30 year career in leadership positions with the Workers ‘Compensation Boards of Ontario and Northwest Territories, The Canadian Paraplegic Association and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Alberta Division where he has served as the President for the past 7 years. His career choice was influenced by his studies in Sociology, Political Science and Counselling. Whether Neil’s work involved helping injured workers or Albertans living with a spinal cord injury or a disease like Multiple Sclerosis, he is best known for his many contributions in championing social justice and need to do more to help the individual. More often than not, this has involved working with colleagues, partner organizations and government to advocate for more efficient and responsive systems of service delivery. A few examples include his leadership involvement in the Alberta Neurotrauma Initiative, Tri-Sector Career Centre for Albertans with disabilities and more recently, the development of a provincial MS strategy.
Click here to read more.
Dr. Penelope Smyth
Brief Abstract and Title:
Understanding the Research Process: Clinical Trial Participation
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Describe the different "levels" of research before a product/procedure is approved, including clinical trials.
- Outline why clinical trials are done.
- Make informed decisions as to what they should think about before joining a clinical trial.
Click here to read more.
Cami Walker
Brief Abstract and Title:
29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life
Keynote Address by Cami Walker
Just a month after her wedding, 33-year-old Cami Walker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; two years later, she was bitter, isolated, and addicted to both pain medication and self-pity. In need of help beyond drug detox, Cami takes the advice of an African healer: Give away 29 gifts in 29 days. Walker soon learns that being mindful of giving also means being open to gifts from others, and that gratefulness and mutual generosity is the key to a better, more rewarding life. Hear how Cami's inspiring story of healing has birthed into a worldwide goodwill movement with more than 13,000 members in 42 countries, a New York Times Bestselling book, and countless lives changed for the better as each person offers his or her gifts to the world.
Garry Wheeler PhD, R Psych.
Bio and Title:
The Case for a Provincial MS Strategy
Dr. Wheeler is an Exercise Physiologist and Chartered Psychologist. The Alberta Division of the Multiple Society of Canada. Dr. Wheeler is also a practicing Registered Psychologist at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton. Born in England, Dr. Wheeler began his career in the health and fitness area as a Physical Education Instructor at the King’s School in Gloucester, England (where Harry Potter was filmed), after graduating with a B. Ed hons. degree from the University of Exeter, England.
Click here to read more.
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Wall of Hope
What gives you hope? We want to know!
We're creating a Wall of Hope Gallery and we would like to invite you to take part by showing us what photo gives you hope.
This gallery will be premiered at The Safeway Pharmacy MS Connections Conference in Edmonton Sept 30 - Oct 1, 2011.
Submissions are open to all those affected by MS including individuals, families, friends, etc.
Click here for the entry form!
For more information call Tara Chisholm at 780-471-3034
Photo submission deadline is August 1, 2011
Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West
10011-184 Street
Edmonton, AB
The Booking Codes for conference are below:
MSCMSCB - Double Queen Rooms
MSCMSCA - King Rooms
Accessible Rooms - Guests requiring accessible rooms should call Sarah Curran at 780-638-0125
Guests can either go online to http://cwp.marriott.com/yegew/mssociety/ and enter the above rate code into the group code field or they can call into Marriott reservations 1-888-281-1242.
