The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research Chair
in Muscle Disorder Research at the University of Alberta
“We want Garrett to experience the benefits of this Chair in his lifetime.” Nancy Cumming – Aunt to Garrett Cumming, 24 years of age; living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada, in partnership with the University of Alberta, is raising funds to establish “The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research Chair” in muscle disorder research. By establishing this Chair we will significantly increase national and international research capacity to make the ultimate difference: find a cure for neuromuscular disorders.
Establishing a research Chair, the first of its kind for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, began with the determination and vision of three donors in Alberta whose families are significantly impacted by a muscle disorder. These leaders have been tireless in their efforts to establish the Chair so that their loved ones and thousands of others living with neuromuscular disorders can benefit.
Research Focus
Situated at the University of Alberta, the researcher chosen to fill the Chair will be a senior investigator in the field with a distinguished reputation in muscle disorder research and proven leadership in education. He or she will have the responsibility of maintaining effective links with community groups that have an interest in the outcomes of this research. Regular meetings, forums, and publications will enable the research findings to be disseminated, thus adding to the overall body of knowledge and driving research forward. The senior investigator will be responsible for building and leading an internationally recognized research program by attracting outstanding students and research associates to the University, building on the strengths and existing resources at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
Fundraising Efforts
Through the remarkable generosity of family, friends, and community, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has exceeded its fundraising goal by raising more than $1.61 million! Our important partnership enables the Government of Alberta, through its Access to the Future Fund, to contribute $1.5 million dollars in matching funds, towards the $3 million Chair, considerably leveraging each donation, dollar for dollar.
The community continues to contribute funds to the Chair even though we have exceeded our goal. Additional funds will allow for enhancement of the research program.
Research Chair Recruitment
Recruitment efforts are underway. A hiring committee has been established to identify an internationally recognized leader in the area of muscle disorders under the Muscular Dystrophy Canada umbrella. Dr. Rashmi Kothary, Chairperson of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee will work with the University of Alberta’s Dean of Medicine & Dentistry, the Chair of the Department of Medicine, and the Head of the Division of Neurology to ensure that the best candidate is recruited for this distinguished research position.
Continued Community Generosity
The generosity of our supporters will allow us to move forward with establishing this important research Chair in an effort to find a cure for neuromuscular disorders. Donor support is essential; it will fund the research that will make muscles move.
To make a contribution or for more information, please contact Shelley Wells, Executive Director, Western Canada Region, at 1-800-366-8166 ext. 105, or via email.
