Celebrating Science featuring Michael J. Fox

On September 24, 2009, The McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine (MCRM), Toronto Western Hospital (TWH), and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) are delighted to join forces to celebrate the Fox Foundation’s incorporation as a tax-exempt entity in Canada and to raise broader public awareness for the cutting-edge stem cell and Parkinson’s research activities taking place in Toronto.

The day will include:

• a private press event in the morning, designed to announce MJFF’s Canadian launch and draw attention to Canadian-based Parkinson’s disease and stem cell research;

• a public Research Roundtable featuring clinicians and researchers within the University Health Network including MJFF Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Andres Lozano;

• a ticketed dinner entitled "An Evening Celebrating Science!" featuring Michael J. Fox.

Parkinson's disease affects over 100,000 Canadians. Current therapies for affected patients are focused on drugs to minimize the symptoms of the disease - particularly the dyskinesia or shakes. Researchers at TWH, in conjunction with some funding from MJFF, are working on more advanced drug therapies to mitigate complete the symptoms of the disease so patients can lead normal lives again.

A permanent cure to Parkinson's, and all neurological diseases, lies in better understanding the regeneration process of neurons in the brain. Researchers at TWH and MCRM are focused on just such a solution.

The proceeds will be split equally between MJFF and the University Health Network (50% to the MCRM and 50% to Parkinson’s research at TWH.)