July 2020 is Research Month For WMers in Canada

Over the last 20 years the WMFC members have generously supported a tremendous amount of research.  Some of it has been groundbreaking, helping change the lives of Canadian WMers for the better.  As an organization, the WMFC is now focusing on raising funds for research for one month each year.  July is research month this year. The resulting development of new treatments has been a benefit to every WMer in Canada.

The four research projects we are currently supporting are: 

• Carrasco’s development of a WM mouse. We started this project in 2012 and renewed Dr. Carrasco’s funding for the second stage in 2018. 
• Treon’s Epigenomic Roadmap of WM project which has been fully funded because of the generosity of a Canadian WM family.
• Chen’s research developing a blood test to confirm WM thereby avoiding painful bone marrow biopsies.
• Our newest project supporting Dr. Zach Hunter of the Bing Centre at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His research project will study 300 WM patients to analyse their DNA, RNA and epigenomic changes over time.  Hunter will collaborate with other researchers to determine if WM treatments could be more effective if tailored to each individual’s evolving genetic makeup.  We have committed to fund half of this project with the IWMF over the next two and half years.  

Below is a chart of the WMFC’s investment in research to date.  Research has made such a difference. WM is now better controlled through advanced treatment and, secondly, in allowing us to work toward that elusive cure.

We are asking you to consider making a donation to support this research.  Not every WMer in Canada has the means to make a financial contribution.  If you are not able to support us financially, we fully understand, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this case, please send us a note and let us know that we have your support.  For those who can, we appreciate your contribution.

You can make a donation online by going to our website www.wmfc.ca and clicking on the Donate button.  We are counting on Canadian WMers to come through again.

Thank you

Paul Kitchen
WMFC Board Chair

WMFC’s Investment in Research to Date