THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION IN CANADA

Since our launch in 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has received a steady outpouring of Canadian support. Researchers have been actively involved in our scientific agenda since the earliest days and individuals have stepped up to promote Parkinson's disease awareness by investing in our research or joining Team Fox. MJFF officially registered as a Canadian charity in 2009.

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to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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MJFF FUNDED RESEARCH IN CANADA

To date, MJFF has invested over $10.5 million (US) in Parkinson's research in Canada.

Since 2001, MJFF has funded over 40 research projects at a variety of companies and institutions, including University of British Columbia, University of Toronto/Toronto Western Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Allon Therapeutics Inc., MedGenesis Therapeutix Inc., and more.

Canadian Research Highlights:

LRRK2 ACTIVITIES
The LRRK2 gene is the most common genetic contributor to PD discovered to date. Since 2009, MJFF has funded more than 10 LRRK2 grants at the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa. Currently, four of these grants are part of MJFF's LRRK2 Biology Consortium, a group of scientists studying biological features of LRRK2 who share tools, reagents and information in order to move LRRK2 research efforts forward more rapidly. Learn more about each grant here.

GDNF PROTEIN INFUSION
GDNF (Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor) is a trophic factor - a type of specialized protein known to nurture and protect dopamine-generating neurons in the brain. Trophic factors are a high-priority research area for MJFF because of the potential they have shown in pre-clinical studies to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease. MedGenesis Therapeutix, Inc. is partnering with MJFF to develop an optimized delivery system of GDNF. Learn more about this study here.

COGNITIVE SCALES FOR PD
Dementia eventually affects up to 80 percent of PD patients. Researchers at the University of Toronto are studying the validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment - a 10-minute evaluation to identify mild cognitive impairment - in PD patients. Learn more about this study here.

For a full list of MJFF-funded grants in Canada, click here.
Note: Portions of the funding awarded in some of these grants went to countries other than Canada.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Total Funds Raised in Canada: over $2.1 million (US).

Over 130 registered members since 2008 have raised more than $180,000 (US) for Parkinson's research.

ABOUT MICHAEL IN CANADA

Michael J. Fox was born in Edmonton, Alberta and lived in various cities and towns in Canada while his father was in the Canadian armed forces. In 1971, his family settled in the Vancouver suburb of Burnaby, British Columbia where Fox attended the Burnaby Central Secondary School. In 1995, the school named their theatre after him. Since then, Fox has earned a variety of Canadian honors and recognitions. Click here to learn more about Michael J. Fox.

Officer of the Order of Canada, 2011
The Order recognizes individuals from all areas of Canadian society who have demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Michael's work with MJFF and its 2009 enrollment as an official Canadian charity earned him this prestigious honor.

"Freedom of the Municipality" - Burnaby, June 2010
The Freedom of the Municipality is awarded to esteemed members of the Burnaby community. Michael was recognized as a "Freeman" for his contributions to the town and its citizens as well as his creativity and success in life.

Winter Olympic Games Closing Ceremony - Vancouver, February 2010
During the "I am Canadian" portion of the closing ceremony at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Michael played off Canadian stereotypes in a comedic monologue.

Canada's Walk of Fame, 2000
Canada's Walk of Fame celebrates Canadian excellence. In an effort to inspire future generations to make a difference, the Walk honors musicians, filmmakers, scientists, athletes and more. Michael was inducted for his career as an actor, writer and advocate for Parkinson's disease research.

GET INVOLVED IN CANADA

Join Team Fox to participate in a community fundraiser near you or host your own event.

Find us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on our Canadian activities. Are you from Canada? Share your story on our Facebook wall – we want to hear from you!

Scientists: Apply for a research grant in Canada.

Donate today. For a limited time, your gift could be go twice as far to support our mission to speed a cure for Parkinson's.