June 22, 2022 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD MS Bike, Canadian Society’s Annual Fundraiser, Returns to Live Rides The Multiple Sclerosis Society of CanadaĀ has openedĀ MS Bike, an annual cycling event to raise awareness and funds for research and services that make the difference for the more than 90,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Conducted in an entirely virtual format due to COVID-19 in 2020…
June 9, 2022 News by Mary Chapman MS Society of Canada Hails Consideration of Disability Benefit Legislation Formal consideration of legislation to establish a Canada Disability Benefit, with the expectation the measure will provide financial support to Canadians who live with multiple sclerosis (MS), is being praised by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. On June 2, the legislation was tabled in Canadaās House of…
May 24, 2022 News by Mary Chapman World MS Day Unites People to Share, Promote ‘Connections’ From sharing stories to heraldingĀ support networks, people across the globe are preparing to mark World MS Day, observed annually on May 30th to heighten awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the 2.8 million people it’s thought to affect. Event activities take place throughout May…
April 11, 2022 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD $1M Invested in Study on Effects of Childhood-onset MS Over Time About CA$1.35 million ($1.07 million) has been invested in a project that seeks to understand the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on a group of people with pediatric-onset disease as they move into adulthood. The three-year investment was from Biogen Canada and Roche Canada ā each providing about…
March 31, 2022 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD Rexall’s Bubble Campaign Supports Caregiver Initiatives Rexall Care Network, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Rexall Pharmacy Group, has launched a campaign to bolster theĀ MS Society of Canada‘s initiatives to support caregivers of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Bubble Campaign, which began March 27 and runs through April 30,…
April 30, 2021 News by Forest Ray PhD MS Society of Canada Grant to Support AI in Predicting Disease Course The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has awarded CA$1 million to a project helping doctors who treatĀ multiple sclerosis (MS) patients make more personalized treatment decisions through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The society awarded the five-year grant (worth about $814,800) to Douglas Arnold, MD, a neurologist with…
February 5, 2021 News by Teresa Carvalho, MS MS Society of Canada Grant Supports Trial of Metformin in Young Patients Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada have given CA$400,000 (about $312,500) to support a pilot clinical trial investigating the potential of metformin, a common diabetes therapy, to treat children and young adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Phase 1/2 feasibility trial (NCT04121468) is recruiting up to 30…
September 24, 2019 News by Mary Chapman MS Society of Canada Running Online Letter Campaign Ahead of Oct. 21 Election Leading up to Canadaās Oct. 21 federal election, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is urging citizens to write their local candidates, asking for greater support of those living with the neurodegenerative disorder. Called #MakeMSMatter, the Sept. 4 through Oct. 21 online letter-writing drive is an effort to…
May 30, 2019 News by Alejandra Viviescas, PhD Canadians Wrap Up MS Awareness Month with ‘Acts of Greatness’ Campaign The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada closed its celebration of multiple sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month by launching the Acts of Greatness campaign that aims to raise $75 million to support research about the disease. The campaign was activated May 24 with the placements of five-meter decals…
September 5, 2017 News by Iqra Mumal, MSc MS Society of Canada Creates ‘Wellness Toolbox’ to Help Patients Manage Their Disease The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada ā with input from both experts and patients ā has developed a "wellness toolbox" with strategies to help multiple sclerosis (MS) patients cope with their disease. Wellness is becoming a big area of research, particularly in patients with chronic diseases such as MS. With an estimated 291 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2013, according to the Multiple Sclerosis International Foundation, Canada has the world's highest incidence of MS. While pharmaceutical and scientific research are advancing in the therapeutic area, studies are also underway to determine the contribution of wellness factors such as nutrition, physical activity and emotional well-being -- to quality of life for MS patients. With that in mind, the Toronto-based MS Society of Canada conducted a Wellness Survey, which led to the launch of the HermĆØs Canada | MS Society Wellness Research Innovation Grant. These grants are awarded to scientists conducting research on MS and wellness factors. The University of Saskatchewan, which received one such grant in 2016, investigated the effect of Pilates in people with MS. The study recruited 30 MS patients. Half took Pilates classes twice a week and massage therapy once a week, while the other half only did once-a-week massage therapy. Results showed that patients who took Pilates classes saw an improvement in their overall condition, compared to patients in the control group. To create its wellness toolbox, the MS Society of Canada received input from MS patients about strategies that have helped them manage the disease and live a full life.