TORONTO, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Most people have never
heard of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic disorder
sometimes called Brittle Bone Disease. Individuals born with OI
face many potential medical issues, including bone deformity, short
stature, pulmonary problems, and multiple bone fractures throughout
their lifetime. So when Jacinta
Whyte approached her 50th anniversary in the
insurance industry, she chose to celebrate this personal milestone
by raising funds for a cause close to her heart–– the Canadian
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Society and its inaugural Dr. Francis
Glorieux Fellowship for Medical Research.
"Dr. Glorieux's research has resulted in life-changing medical
treatment for OI patients," said Whyte as she thanked the over 120
golfers, sponsors and guests who participated in the event. "His
work is renowned in the global OI community and has been especially
meaningful for us as our daughter Rachel was born with OI and was
one of Dr. Glorieux's earliest success stories."
The Golden Jubilee Golf Tournament was held on June 4th at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in
Oakville and raised $200,000, enough for a two-year Fellowship. It
was hosted by COIS where Whyte is President and Chair, and
sponsored by Benefact Group and the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group
where she is Deputy Group Chief Executive.
While Dr. Glorieux was unable to attend the tournament due to a
medical condition, he asked Whyte to convey his thanks and
appreciation, and his hope that the Fellowship will enable a new
generation of researchers to take his work forward so that more
individuals with OI can lead healthier lives and achieve their
dreams.
Kristin Hayes, COIS Ambassador
and Board Member; RJ Chandrasekar, COIS Teen Ambassador; and
Rachel Whyte were among the OI
community at the event. Hayes expressed heartfelt thanks to Whyte
for her tireless efforts saying "she is our leader and the driving
force behind COIS. She takes on whatever needs to be done to make
sure that we are providing support, education, and hope to families
affected by OI in Canada and
around the world."
Both Kristin and Rachel spoke about the profound difference that
Dr. Glorieux has made in their lives. His treatment, said Kristin,
administered when she was thirteen, made it possible for her to
undergo spinal surgery which, in turn, has allowed her to do
everything she does today, at age 40! Rachel spoke
passionately about her own enormous gratitude to Dr. Glorieux for
his treatment, his kindness and compassion. She went on to explain
that while her condition presents as an 'invisible disability' she
is nonetheless equally fragile.
Jacinta Whyte wrapped up the
event with a brief presentation about OI, a 'layman's version' as
she put it. "While OI has been around for centuries," she said,
"and was even discovered in some Egyptian mummies, it is only in
the last few decades that there have been treatment breakthroughs,
all thanks to Dr. Glorieux and the Shriners Hospital team in
Montreal. His work is the gold
standard, and his commitment and dedication have changed the lives
of the current generation. A recipient of the Order of Canada, Dr. Glorieux is a true hero. It was
only fitting that we launch a Fellowship in his name!"
For more information about COIS, please visit
www.cois-scoi.ca
info@cois-scoi.ca
Sarah Kamal – Secretary
SOURCE Canadian Osteogenesis Imperfecta Society (COIS)