The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on May 11, 2013 in Cambridge, Ontario at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 (334 Westminster Drive). On the agenda: lunch, guest speaker, elections and foundation business. Letters will go out shortly.

Good News! You asked, we listened!

Yearly membership fees have been readjusted. Yes, as of February 1, 2013, the membership fees will be as follow:

• $20 a year for Canadian membership,

• $50 a year for dual membership.

The advantages remain the same for both categories. Don't miss out and renew your membership now.

Have a voice and join our cause. Together, we are stronger.

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels, arteries, veins, or capillaries.

This inflammation causes a weakening and narrowing of the blood vessel walls that deprives affected tissues and organs of blood supply resulting in tissue or organ damage. It is also considered an autoimmune disease.  An autoimmune disease occurs when the body mistakes its own cells for foreign invaders and produces antibodies to attack the perceived invaders as a defense against infection.

Vasculitis can affect any blood vessel or organ in the body. Signs and symptoms of Vasculitis varies widely in type and severity.  Some are specific to a particular organ and others are non specific causing general aches, pains and fatigue. Organ systems affected include the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, blood, eyes, brain, nerves, sinuses, nose and ears. Its cause is unknown. It affects people of all ages, gender, race and nationalities. Some types of Vasculitis are more likely to occur in certain populations than others.

Early diagnosis is critical. Vasculitis can be treated with prescription medications with the goal of stopping the inflammation and relieving the symptoms. Corticosteroid medication and cytotoxic medicines are the drugs that are commonly prescribed. There is no known cure for Vasculitis and its course varies from person to person. Some people go into remission. For others, the disease remains chronic with recurring relapses. In rare cases, Vasculitis causes severe disability or death.

VCRC Genetic Repository One-Time DNA Study

About this study ~

This update provides information such as a study summary, eligibility criteria, and a list of participating center locations. If you are interested in participating in this study or you have more questions, please contact the center nearest to you.

Summary:

A total of 1,300 subjects with CSS, GCA, MPA, PAN, TAK, and WG will be enrolled in this study. Study subjects will only be seen once for this research study.

For this visit, you will be asked to:

• Discuss your medical history and disease

• Give blood (approximately 1 tablespoon) for DNA collection

Background

The purpose of this study is to identify genes that increase the risk of developing vasculitis, a group of severe diseases that feature inflammation of blood vessels. Results of these studies will provide researchers in vasculitis with insight into the causes of these diseases and generate new ideas for diagnostic tests and therapies, and will be of great interest to the larger communities of researchers investigating vasculitis and other autoimmune, inflammatory, and vascular diseases.

Target Enrollment:

DNA Research Program

To participate in the DNA Research program, please contact the following:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 416-586-4800 ext. 5492

The third annual Vasculitis Foundation Canada East Coast “15 Reasons Why to Walk” was held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at

Radio Interview – January 9, 2012

Correspondence was received December 11, 2011 offering a special tool for us to educate and inform people about Vasculitis Foundation Canada. This was to be in the form of a radio interview.

Cameron Wells of CJAM Radio, 99.1 FM, Windsor is the host of a show entitled “Handi Link”. It airs on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.. The base topic is – Issues surrounding people with disabilities. He offered the opportunity to highlight