Recognizing momentum:
the dedication, commitment and energy
needed to propel outstanding
health research forward.
Inside This Issue:
This issue of The Philanthropist explores the many ways momentum is required to advance health research and philanthropy. Momentum can be defined as the strength or force that allows something to continue or to grow stronger or faster as time passes. Everyday, we bear witness to the power of momentum to create something bigger and better. 40 years ago, Molly Moore gave $5 to health research and since that time, her kind gesture has created a momentum that has raised millions of dollars to support local research excellence. Our researchers use knowledge, expertise and collaboration to create a momentum that leads us to better health outcomes. You, our donors, also use your generosity to create a momentum that has seen our Foundation grow substantially over the last 41 years, allowing us to support local health research projects that have the capacity to change the face of health as we know it. Thank you.
“While COVID-19 research has dominated the conversation for quite some time, we know that other conditions and diseases still desperately need our attention. In fact, while in quarantine, my own mother faced a significant health crisis that left our family reeling. Not only were we struggling to navigate the health care system while in lockdown, we were confronted with the stark reality that all health research is crucial, and that cancer, dementia, cardiology and mental health illnesses—among others–stop for no one, not even during a global pandemic.”
“Throughout the years, as I met the researchers who work so passionately to advance health outcomes for the many diseases and conditions that affect each of us, I have been so impressed by the immense talent our region holds. From Dr. Rudolf Uher’s world-renowned work in adolescent mental health, Dr. Carmen Giacomantonio’s ground-breaking work in cancer immunotherapies, to Dr. Lisa Barrett’s trailblazing research in infectious disease, every passing year I see their dedication, their hard work, their enthusiasm. Like the theme of this issue of The Philanthropist, I appreciate the critical momentum required to take research from bench to bedside.”
COVID-19
Research
Snapshot
Building on world-leading expertise in the areas of infection, immunity, inflammation and vaccinology, Dalhousie researchers have been working tirelessly over the past several months to address the COVID-19 pandemic, pursuing therapeutic treatments and vaccines, improved diagnostic tools and more. Many of these research projects are supported through the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Health Research Coalition, a collaborative funding partnership spearheaded by DMRF in the spring of 2020, alongside several key health stakeholders in Nova Scotia. Together, this coalition has provided a combined investment of $1.5 million in support of 40 COVID-19 research projects in the Maritimes. We’re pleased to highlight a snapshot of these projects for you.
Surviving
COVID-19:
Rick Cameron
“When I first woke up, I had absolutely zero strength. I had lost 45 pounds, and was weaker than I could have ever imagined.”
– Rick Cameron, COVID-19 Survivor
DMRF
Fellowship In
Osterarthritis
“This type of work is entirely unique in the global context, and I want to thank DMRF donors for making it all possible. With this exciting, advanced technology, we hope to improve the lives of people around the world who are suffering from medical conditions such as osteoarthritis.”
– Dr. Tsanka Todorova,
DMRF Research Fellow in Osteoarthritis
A
Professorship
in Sexual
Health
“Historically, the connections between sexual health, relationship satisfaction, mental health and overall wellbeing were less clear, but through my work and others’ over the last ten years, the data has repeatedly shown that sexual health is inextricably linked to all other areas of health and wellbeing.”
– Dr. Natalie Rosen, Registered Clinical Psychologist; Associate Professor, Dalhousie University
Improving
Indigenous
Health Across
Atlantic
Canada
“Indigenous health is a complex issue rooted in history, politics and health systems, and we truly have our work cut out for us when it comes to creating positive change. As we begin rolling out this network, we look forward to working closely with partners like DMRF to ensure continued and meaningful support in this endeavor.”
– Dr. Debbie Martin, Canada Research Chair, Indigenous Peoples’ Health and Well-Being and Associate Professor, Health Promotion, Dalhousie University
The DMRF
Molly Appeal:
Fall 2020
“Although Dalhousie scientists are tackling COVID-19 head on, we haven’t lost sight of the crucial research for other diseases that continue to threaten the lives of Nova Scotians. Cancer doesn’t stop for a pandemic. Alzheimer’s disease hasn’t slowed because of COVID-19. Heart disease still claims lives every single day. These devastating illnesses still affect our families, friends and neighbours.”
– Dr. Lisa Barrett, Clinician Scientist, Infectious Diseases, NSHA / Dalhousie University
Molly Patient Perspective:
Mrs. Karen Brown
“There is still so much we don’t know about Alzheimer’s, including why a healthy, active person like Wally would have gotten it. But what gives me hope is that we could one day prevent and cure this devastating disease, thanks to modern medicine.”
– Mrs. Karen Brown,
DMRF Molly Appeal Patient Perspective
Researchers Giving Back
“My family donates to DMRF because we believe that building research capacity in the region will improve health and support a smart economy.”
– Dr. Craig McCormick, Professor, Researcher,
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie
Board Member Profile:
Taleb Abidali
“I have six children of my own, all of whom pursued post-secondary education at Dalhousie. My wife is also a doctor, and I understand the costs associated with medical school in particular. This is my way of giving back to the country and community that has given so much to me and my family.”
– Mr. Taleb Abidali, Principal Cresco,
DMRF Board Member and donor
Supporting
Molly
To learn more about the Molly Appeal and
to find ways you can give, please visit:
mollyappeal.ca
Planned
Giving Legacy:
Gita Sinha’s
Story
“During my career, I learned about the work of the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation. I saw what was happening in the various research labs, and I was very impressed. Having lost my husband to heart disease, and with a background in medicine, I know full well the importance of health research. That’s why I’ve decided to leave a gift in my will to DMRF, in honour of my late husband.”
– Mrs. Gita Sinha, Retired Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Professor and DMRF Legacy Donor
DMRF BREAKTHROUGH BREAKFAST V
We’re five years old and going virtual!
This year’s event will look a little different, as we invite you to enjoy your eggs with a side of hope from the comfort of your home.
- Wednesday, November 25, 2020
- 8:00 to 9:00 am (AST)
Hosted by CBC’s Tom Murphy
Register for free at dmrf.ca/bbv