Music in Motion: How philanthropy is advancing arthritis care for Albertans
CALGARY – Since the age of three, Karen Robinson has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating condition that has inflamed her joints and impacted her organs. Now, 42 years and 52 surgeries later, Karen has had most of her joints fused together, suffered from a heart attack at age 37 and most recently undergone surgery to her eyes, where her arthritis has begun to spread. However, she remains optimistic, crediting her six doctors, family and friends who all work together to give her a better life.
Bone and joint disorders are the number one cause of disability across the country, and they are not restricted to any one segment of the population. They can afflict anyone: a child who falls off a bike, young adults with lingering sports injuries or older adults battling debilitating bone and joint conditions like arthritis. Today, there are over 100 types of arthritis, affecting millions of people throughout Canada.
Through the generous support of donors to Music in Motion – a gala event to which the late Premier Lougheed was an Honorary Patron, starring the Canadian Tenors and culminating in its third year this Tuesday, September 18th – Alberta researchers are now able to test for early predictors of arthritis; ensuring people like Karen get treatment from the onset to minimize the long term effects of their disease.
“We all have a role to play to create better outcomes for those suffering from arthritis” says M. Ann McCaig, Board Chair, Calgary Health Trust. “Supporting Music in Motion is a wonderful way Calgarians have encouraged innovation in arthritis research and care, ensuring our patients have the brightest future possible.”
“Our work brings together researchers, educators and practicing medical professionals from Calgary’s McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health and University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine to develop better prevention approached, more advanced technologies and more effective treatments,” says Dr. Cy Frank, Executive Director of Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute. “As a surgeon, researcher and Albertan, I can say with pride that we are truly blessed to live in a place and at a time when innovation in health care is possible.”
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Interviewees include Karen Robinson, arthritis patient, M. Ann McCaig, Board Chair, Calgary Health Trust, as well as local researchers and clinicians that are leading innovation in arthritis through the support of Music in Motion.
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Calgary Health Trust, a catalyst in health care philanthropy, connects donor passion with treatment, education and research priorities in the Calgary community. With more than $330 million raised for health care since 1996, we help advance technologies, programs and services at Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Women’s Health, Carewest continuing care centres, community health programs, and other health care organizations in our community. Visit www.calgaryhealthtrust.ca to learn more.
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For more information contact:
Jaime Croft Larsen, Director, Communications
403-943-0690
jaime.croftlarsen@calgaryhealthtrust.ca