The University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI) and Bruyère Research Institute (BRI) announced today the launch of a joint fundraising campaign for improved memory and dementia research, education and care, aiming to collectively raise $20 million over the next three years. This first-of-a-kind initiative in Ottawa brings two major academic organizations together to fundraise and work collaboratively for a single cause.
Over 550,000 Canadians currently live with dementia and with over 25,000 more people diagnosed annually, this number will increase to over 900,000 in the next 15 years. The annual cost to Canadians to care for those living with dementia is over $10 billion.
“We can do more together, from bench to bedside, to support memory and dementia research, education and care. Our aim is to better understand memory loss risk factors, to discover quicker and greater improvements in early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and to provide better supports to those living with dementia and their caregivers,” says Peggy Taillon, President, Bruyère Foundation.
“This is the first-ever joint fundraising partnership for a complex patient care, education and research initiative,” said Dr. David Park, Director of the uOBMRI. “More so, the partnership goes beyond just fundraising. Bruyère Research Institute and the uOBMRI will be collaborating in all aspects of our work.”
Donors will be able to support one joint fund that will expand opportunities for patient care, research and education through the Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère and uOBMRI’s laboratory research and clinical trials.
