Saturday, September 26, 2009 was a spectacular night in Toronto and an even greater success for FightSMA’s Canadian chapter Tori’s Buddies.

A Casino Royale theme transformed the Fermenting Room at Toronto’s Historic Distillery District. It was a great room, and the company even better. A heartfelt thank you to all of the 300 supporters who attended the 10th annual FightSMA Canada Gala. It was a “full house” ultimately “betting” that we will one day “hit the jackpot” and find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We know that thanks to these supporters, we are raising awareness and the needed funds for the research that will get us to that goal. Because of the generous donors, we have surpassed a very impressive $175,000 so far, and we are still counting. Many thanks to our lead Sponsor CML Healthcare and our other sponsors Wilson Truck Lines, Paramount Pallet,TD Securities and PWC. We hope to see you all again next year.

The pictures are fabulous and all the fun can be viewed at www.hadaball.com. Just click on “Events,” then select “SMA Gala.”

A heartfelt “Thank You!” from Tracy, Shawn and the FightSMA Board of Directors.

Fight SMA’s Canadian chapter is preparing to hold a conference of spinal muscular atrophy parents and researchers from Canada.  Fight SMA Canada, otherwise known as Tori’s Buddies, is hosting the event at Bloorview Kids Rehab in Toronto.  Featured speakers will include:

• Dr. John Bach
• Brian Weaver
• Dr. Alex MacKenzie
• Dr. Ben Alman
• Pat McKeever

Topics on the agenda include respiratory care, updates on SMA research, orthopedic issues, and strategies for coping.

More information is available on the Tori’s Buddies chapter page.  You can also view and print a PDF version of the agenda and registration form.