Only one week to go until our spring Annual General Meeting (AGM)!\u00a0 And, it\u2019s still not too late to register via email for our AGM on Saturday, April 18, 2015, now with active research and two of the worlds top vasculitis researchers, Dr. Michael Walsh and Dr. Kathy Siminovitch.\u00a0 Both doctors will speak on their respective research studies and will be available to answer any of your questions. Here are a few final details for next Saturday.\u00a0 Dr. Siminovitch is now in urgent need of fresh blood cell samples from GPA-wegener\u2019s and MPA patients.\u00a0 From GPA & MPA patients only, she needs fresh blood cell samples, not DNA which most of us have already donated.\u00a0 This means all GPA and MPA patients can re-donate!\u00a0 In addition to the urgently needed GPA & MPA samples, she will also collect DNA samples from ALL vasculitis patients, so if you still have not donated your DNA for her genetic studies NOW IS THE TIME to consider doing it! Also, don\u2019t forget that VFC has a special target to collect 100 DNA samples each from Behcet\u2019s and Giant Cell Arteritis patients for advanced genetics study.<\/p>\n
This is another opportunity for all vasculitis patients to donate your DNA and advance the cause of vasculitis genetics research. Please note: all GPA and MPA patients, who are donating fresh samples and have already donated their DNA previously, do need to complete the attached patient consent form.\u00a0 Furthermore, on the back of the last sheet of the consent form please indicate: what \u201cmeds\u201d (including your dosage), you are currently taking; when your last lab tests were done, and the complete contact info of the main Doctor who treats your condition, including full address, phone and fax numbers.\u00a0 If you have never participated in any of Dr. Siminovitch\u2019s studies you should complete both the attached consent form and patient information form and bring it with you.\u00a0 Additional copies of both forms will be available from Dr. Siminovitch at the meeting.<\/p>\n
We know it is difficult for many of you to be \u201c physically\u201d with us in Cambridge (but we know, all of you are with us in spirit!), so we have decided to video both Doctor presentations and we expect to post this to our website in a relatively short time frame.\u00a0 In addition, if you can\u2019t make it to Cambridge or Toronto you can still participate in these studies remotely, but remember collecting lab samples during our \u201cmass\u201d collections at our meetings is, by far, the most cost effective way to collect patient samples.\u00a0 Here are two alternative options: as an MPA or GPA patient, the urgently needed fresh blood samples need to be in the lab within 24 hours which is doable certainly within Canada, and maybe even from the USA.\u00a0\u00a0 The first way, and easiest, is to donate your sample on a planned visit to the Toronto vasculitis clinic, or even a planned visit with Robyn, Dr. Siminovitch\u2019s study co-ordinator.\u00a0 The second way is to courier your sample in, with advance arrangements made with Robyn. If you are a GCA or Behcet\u2019s (BD), patient you can also contact Robyn to participate remotely.\u00a0 Of course, some exceptions may apply to participating via remote labs, but hey, give it a try!\u00a0 If you can\u2019t make it to Cambridge, and for more info on if, and how, you can participate in Toronto, or remotely, please contact Robyn directly at: robyn@innovativemedicine.ca<\/p>\n
For next Saturday in Cambridge our lab draws start at 11:30AM, for your info here is our revised schedule:<\/p>\n
11:00AM\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Registration and sign-in<\/p>\n
11:30AM (until done)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Blood draws start for Dr. Siminovitch\u2019s studies<\/p>\n
11:45AM to 12:30PM\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Lunch<\/p>\n
12:30PM\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0to 1:00PM\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Welcome, introduction and Dr. Siminovitch with Q&A<\/p>\n
1:00 to 2:15PM\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Michael Walsh with Q&A.<\/p>\n
2:30 to 3:45PM\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 VFC Annual General Meeting<\/p>\n
Although time is running out, you can register now, and\/or return your VFC 2015 AGM reply, via email by Tuesday, April 14, 2015 before 8PM (eastern), to Garth James at:\u00a0 jamesgang@rogers.com<\/p>\n
If you have membership questions please contact: Carol Moller at 519 452-7011 or camoller@bell.net<\/p>\n
If you have questions regarding our meeting, speakers or Dr. Siminovitch\u2019s meeting research please contact: Jon Stewart at 416 691-6500 or jonstewart@rogers.com<\/p>\n
We look forward to seeing all of you on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 126, Upper Floor, 334 Westminster Drive, Cambridge Ontario.<\/p>\n
Happy Spring and happy trails,<\/p>\n
Jon Stewart<\/p>\n
President<\/p>\n