FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Multiple
Sclerosis Society of Canada
commits $3.8 million to research to kick off
MS Awareness Month in May
TORONTO (April 30, 2003) – With
the launch of MS Awareness Month in May, the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada has announced funding of $3.8 million,
a 27 percent increase over 2002, towards MS research projects
and scholarships.
“In
2003, we had an increased number of outstanding MS research
projects to review as well as a substantial number of applications
for scholarships. The review committees strongly recommended
that the MS Society commit additional funding, and I am very
pleased we are able to fund additional multi-year projects and
annual scholarships,” said Dr. William J. McIlroy, MS
Society national medical advisor.
Funded
are 12 innovative multi-year research projects, one career development
award, 13 postdoctoral fellowships and 33 studentships. In 2002,
the MS Society approved $3 million in multi-year research projects
and annual personnel support. On an annual basis the MS Society
provides an accumulative total of about $5 million to its research
program.
Half
of the research projects are focused at getting to the bottom
of what goes wrong with the immune system to cause it to start
attacking the central nervous system. Much of the success in
MS therapies in recent years is directly related to immune system
research.
The
other research projects are in two other major scientific areas:
One, looking at ways to stimulate the body to repair the
protective myelin covering of the central nervous system – the
target of immune system attacks; and two, using sophisticated
tools such as magnetic resonance imaging to better understand
what is happening in the brain and spinal cord during MS
attacks.
“I
am also pleased that we are able to maintain our strong scholarship
program. By offering studentships and fellowships, the MS Society
is able to attract many of the best and brightest young scientists
to the MS field. This strategy is paying off now and in the
future,” added Dr. McIlroy.
The
research announcement is part of the annual MS Awareness Month
activities in May.
“Canadians
have a special reason to be concerned about MS, because this
country has one of the highest MS rates in the world. We estimate
that 50,000 Canadians have multiple sclerosis and that during
May another 80 people will learn they have the disease,"
said Dr. McIlroy.
MS
research has brought progress in treating and managing MS. There
are treatments available for the most common relapsing-remitting
form of MS, and researchers are looking at many new approaches.
The
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is a leader in funding
MS research and services for people with MS, an unpredictable
often disabling disease of the central nervous system that is
most often diagnosed in young adults. However, researchers have
found that children as young as four have developed the disease.
Throughout
May, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada volunteers are taking
part in awareness activities and fund raising events.
On
May 7, members of Parliament will receive carnations when they
enter the House of Commons for Question Period. This event will
launch the 27th annual MS Carnation Campaign, which takes place
on Mother's Day Weekend.
The
annual MS Bequest Week takes place the week of May 26. Canadians
can learn more about financial planning and how to make a lasting
legacy in the fight against MS.
For
information about local MS Awareness Month activities, contact
the nearest MS Society division office at 1-800-268-7582. For
more information about MS, call the toll-free number or go to
www.mssociety.ca.
Donations can be made on the web site by clicking "Give
Now".
Multiple
sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that randomly
attacks the central nervous system, affecting the control people
have over all parts of their bodies.
For more information contact:
Deanna Groetzinger, Vice-President
Communications
416 967-3007
Cindy DesGrosseilliers, National Manager
Communications
416 967-3015
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