The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association joint committee on clinical practices issued new guidelines for the diagnosis and management of aortic disease, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).
GADA Congratulates Dr. Maral Ouzounian, New Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, UHN, Toronto
Congratulations to Dr. Maral Ouzounian for her recent appointment as the new Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network in Toronto, Ontario.
Dr. Ouzounian is the Chair of GADA Canada’s Professional Advisory Board and we work together to promote, develop and establish numerous aortic research programs. Dr. Ouzounian’s focus on improving surgical care and outcomes for those with aortic disease and those with genetic aortic disorders is essential to the long-term health of patients.
2021 Year in Review
As we wrap up the year, with Christmas and the New Year right around the corner, we take a moment to look back on 2021 with pride for all that we achieved towards our mission and gratitude for the support from our members and volunteers.
This year, GADA received its largest grant from the Temerty Foundation to support a five-year strategic plan for growth, re-structuring and technology to achieve our increasing program capacity. We remain immensely grateful to the Temerty Foundation for their continued and growing support for GADA’s cause.
This funding made it possible to for GADA to continue funding the international Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC), $261,700 for the expansion of the global patient registry for research of heritable thoracic aortic disorders.
Through this year, we continued to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures while carrying out our programs virtually to promote research, education, awareness and facilitate support activities and connections between patients in different locations.
2020 News Highlights & Holiday Wishes from all of us at GADA Canada
GADA Canada would like to wish each and every one of our members a holiday season that is joyous and restorative.We hope you are able to spend the holidays in good health and good spirits despite the unusual circumstances that we find ourselves in this year.Every year we take time to acknowledge the strides that we have made in our mission to represent the interests of our membership.
This year, in the context of Covid-19 things have been challenging. However, just like you do every day, we have continued to push ahead.
GADA Canada Awards $ 205,000 in Research Grants
GADA Canada is proud to announce that it is awarding $205,000 to three physicians/scientists as part of its 2019 Research Grant Award program.
GADA's commitment to promote new research over the last thirty years, has greatly improved our knowledge of the different genetic aortic disorders and has also led to increasingly successful treatment outcomes for affected individuals. Read More
Promoting Awareness of Genetic Aortic Disorders
15th Annual JASON ‘RUFFY’ KEITH Memorial Raises over $ 2,000 In Pool Tournament Fundraiser
For the 15th year, in April 2018, a Memorial Pool Tournament fundraiser was organized for Jason ‘Ruffy’ Keith by his closest family and friends at Dooly’s in Moncton, NB.
Jason’s family continues to host this event year-after-year to keep Jason’s memories and friends close & more importantly to help increase the awareness of the terrible disorder – Jason passed away in 2003 from Marfan syndrome.
Yet again, the turnout of supporters was exceptional! There were approximately 30 pool players & the place was full of family &friends. The event raised over $ 2,000 in memory of beloved Jason Keith. These proceeds were kindly donated to GADA Canada, Thank you!
Help Raise Awareness of Genetic Aortic Disorders
For the second year, on November 18, 2017, #SailsofLight at Canada Place , Vancouver, will be lit red recognizing awareness of genetic aortic disorders in Canada. GADA is thankful to the Port of Vancouver for helping to spread awareness of all genetic aortic disorders related to Marfan syndrome.
Show your support by connecting with GADA on Facebook and Twitter and share this post through your social networks.
Canada Place Sails of Light are illuminated each evening from dusk to dawn, with seasonal vibrant colours, displays and animation. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority offers local charities and non-profit events, the opportunity to build awareness for their cause or organization by illuminating the Sails of Light in colours themed to the specific cause.
Remembering FRANKIE AIELLO
In May 2016, Frankie Aiello, died from an acute aortic dissection at the age of 28. Frankie was well-built and a great athlete. Like the Canadian actor, Alan Thicke, Frankie was playing hockey when he experienced chest pain a short while before he passed away.
In May 2017, Frankie’s family hosted a memorial service at the Oshawa Golf Club. Frankie was remembered by his closest family and friends, who donated to GADA $ 1,000 in support of promoting awareness of genetic aortic disorders. Thank you!
We humbly thank Frankie’s brother, Joseph Aiello, and ‘Just Energy Foundation Canada’ for donating $ 485 to GADA in honor of Frankie.
Frankie’s family and friends realize the importance of raising awareness of aortic disorders as an effort to help save lives in the future; for this we are tremendously thankful!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude and to all our members who donated towards our cause in memory of a lost loved one.
On Mother’s Day, it’s off to work for ‘Dr. Mom’ the heart surgeon
Take the time to read this great profile highlighting the exceptional work and commitment of Dr. Maral Ouzounian, Cardiovascular Surgeon in Toronto. We are honoured to have Dr. Ouzounian on GADAs' Professional Advisory Board and the Montalcino Aortic Consortium.
The only female surgeon on a downtown Toronto hospital’s cardiac team is also a scientist, professor and mother — and the one on call on Mother’s Day. Read More