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Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, September 20, 2000
The Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Center announced today it is building on the success of the Cameco Quest for a Cure by launching a new province-wide fundraising campaign called The Quest Continues.
The goal of the new campaign is to raise $600,000 to expand the Center, which conducts research into Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological disorders.
Cameco Corporation, which generously sponsored the original Quest for a Cure in 1994-95, is donating all campaign costs for The Quest Continues.
"Cameco is renewing our investment because we strongly believe that research is an investment that always leads to success. Scientists at the Center will find effective treatments – not only for MS, but for disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's disease," says Bernard Michel, Cameco's Chair and CEO.
"Cameco's support is a tremendous boost," says Dr. Valerie Verge, a Principal Investigator at the Research Center. "It allows 100% of every donation to go directly to the Research Center. We're very grateful for their support."
The goal of the new campaign is to raise $600,000 to expand the Center, which conducts research into Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological disorders.
"The fact that Saskatchewan has the highest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Canada was the motivating force behind establishing the Center. When it opened in 1996, it was Saskatchewan's first and only MS research facility – it still is, and work being done here is giving hope to people who live with this disease," says George McCallum, the campaign's Honorary Chair for Southern Saskatchewan.
"In four years, the Center has matured into a nationally recognized facility," McCallum says. "Our priority now is to expand so we can attract more research dollars to Saskatchewan."
McCallum was Executive Director of the MS Society of Canada, Saskatchewan Division during the original Quest for a Cure. Jack Aldcorn is the Society's current Executive Director.
"MS is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect vision, balance, the ability to walk and talk, and more. It strikes primarily young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are twice as likely to develop it as men," Aldcorn says.
Actual research at the Center is funded by external granting agencies. Each scientist wins funding for his or her own research in national and international competitions. To date, scientists have won more than $3.4 million in external research grants.
"If the grants continue at this pace," Dr. Verge says, "by the end of the first ten years, the $1.6 million raised by the people of Saskatchewan will have been matched sixfold by the scientists themselves. I think that shows what a superb investment the Center has been.
"By making room for new scientists, we will increase research activity and attract more research dollars," says Dr. Verge. "Also, this Center is unique in its emphasis on interaction between research scientists and clinical specialists working with patients, and we hope the expansion will attract more clinical scientists."
The Quest Continues began its fund-raising drive in the black thanks to more than $10,000 raised by the first ever 100 Holes of Golf tournament held August 29 at the Moonlake Golf and Country Club. The event was sponsored by CJWW Radio. Proceeds from the upcoming No Show Marathon will also go to the Quest. Organizers are hoping Saskatchewan people step forward with their donations to ensure The Quest Continues well into the new millennium.
For information, contact:
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George McCallum
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| Dr. Valerie Verge Principal Investigator Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Center 306-655-8710 |
Or visit our web site at www.usask.ca/healthsci/cmsnrc/main/quest.htm
The Facts About ... Multiple Sclerosis
The Facts About ... The Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Center