Marty Roth…FAST Friend! - Canadian Spinal Research Organization

Marty Roth…FAST Friend! - Canadian Spinal Research Organization

A PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN SPINAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
Summer 2006 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 1
CSRO
MAGAZINE
Visit the CSRO website at www.csro.com
Marty Roth
…FAST Friend!
Note fo
r next Driver
issue: it goefrom
Indy Racing League
eague
s from Vol.Canada
13 to 14
Quickly Becomes a Friend of the CSRO
ALSO INSIDE:
SHOOT FOR
OR A CURE SPECIAL UPDATES – Hockey, Curling, Moto-Sport & More!
SHOOT FOR A CURE 2006 ANNUAL – Upcoming Campaign Publication
SPINAL CORD RESOURCES – After and Beyond® Resource Manual 3rd Edition
IMPROVING THE PHYSICAL QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE SPINAL INJURED THROUGH TARGETED MEDICAL & SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
SUMMMER 2006
Chairman’s MessageSUMMER 2006
Dear friend,
On Our Cover: Indy Racing League driver
and friend of the CSRO, Marty Roth.
Read more about Marty’s relationship
with the CSRO on page 11.
IN THIS ISSUE…
3 . . . Chairman’s Message
4 . . . Understanding Spinal
. . . Cord Research
9 . . . Third Edition After and
. . . Beyond Spinal Cord
. . . Injury Resource Manual
®
10. . . Personal Passion for SFAC
11. . . Fast Friend
. . . SFAC Annual Magazine
12. . . Event Updates
17. . . The Crone Cup Hits
. . . Hockeyville
19. . . Play It Cool Heats Up
. . . the Summer
20. . . John Weir, Extraordinary
As the CSRO moves into its 22nd year of
operation we are encouraged by the
growth of our fundraising activities and
the commitment of our many volunteers.
Through our fundraising efforts we have
the ability to continue to develop our Play
It CoolTM prevention program. We are fortunate to be able to continue with our important research agenda as well.
As we move through our research continuum it is important that we pause and summarize
spinal cord research in general for our readers.
In this issue we have an excerpt from our Research section of the upcoming third edition of
our After and Beyond® Spinal Cord Injury Resource Manual. The Research section was written
in partnership with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF). This section gives a great
overview of research and will help you, the reader, understand the basis of spinal cord research.
Please share with me the enthusiasm I feel that our cause is gaining momentum and getting
closer to our goal of a cure!
Thank you once again for your support,
. . . Volunteer
22. . . CSRO Financial Summary
CSRO Magazine is a publication of the
Canadian Spinal Research Organization.
120 Newkirk Rd., Unit 2
Richmond Hill, ON, Canada L4C 9S7
(800) 361- 4004 • (905) 508- 4000
www.csro.com
The CSRO is a federally registered charity.
R #119159515RR0001
Barry Munro, BA, LLB
Chairman
The Canadian Spinal Research Organization
© No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the written
permission of the CSRO.
Canada Post sales agreement #40051430
CSRO Magazine is published by
Tryad Publishing Inc.
For advertising rates, call toll free 1-877-319-4599
Paul E.F. Smith
Barry Munro
Copy Editors Greg Delaine
Anita Kaiser/Tina Winberg
Creative/Design Tracey W. Fleming
Publisher
Editor
upcoming publications
FALL 2006
Shoot For A Cure Magazine,
Volume 1, Issue 1
Featuring: HOCKEY, RACING and CURLING UPDATES
Contributing Writers
Ivana Djordjevic/Judylaine Fine
Anita Kaiser/Tonilyn Miil
Barry Munro/Adam Wojtkowiak
Cover Photos Bill Milne
Contributing Photographers
WINTER 2006
CSRO Magazine, Volume 14, Issue 2
Featuring: EVENT and RESEARCH UPDATES
Anil Mungal
Manager Accounting Peter N.F. Smith
Office Manager Barbara West
Printing
Warren’s Imaging & Dryography
Toll Free: 1-800-820-7702
Summer 2006
•
CSRO MAGAZINE
3
Years ago, having a spinal cord injury
(SCI) was considered to be a death sentence. Most people never lived long
enough to see their two year anniversary. Nowadays, people with SCI are
living almost as long as the general population. This remarkable increase in
lifespan is in part due to a change in
mentality among the scientific community that a spinal cord injury is untreatable and incurable. The
Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) has been a driving force in this new way of thinking, and since then, we have
embarked on an exciting journey of renewed hope and possibilities.
CSRO has been on the frontlines of many exciting discoveries and
continues to be a major player in the “Shoot for a Cure”.
By J U D Y L A I N E F I N E
Introduction by A N I TA K A I S E R ,
CHAIR OF THE CSRO RESEARCH COMMITTEE
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CSRO MAGAZINE
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Summer 2006
What is the difference between “care research”
and “cure research?” Generally, scientists whose
work focuses on spinal cord injury (SCI) devote
their careers to one or the other of the two main
types of research, which are “care research” and
“cure research.” Most cure research takes place at
a university within the Faculty of Medicine, while
care research more often takes place in a clinical
setting, for instance a rehab centre.
Care research focuses on people who are living
with a disease with the objective of helping them
function within society. The goal of this type of
research is to help people improve the quality of
their lives by investigating what techniques work
best. People living with SCI, caregivers, peers and
family members may be studied. Many care research
studies evaluate and try to improve current “best
practice” methods of treating and educating people. Researchers often use the word “restoration”
meaning that the focus is on early intervention,
stabilization, functional recovery and ongoing
management of what we call “secondary conditions.” Care research includes finding methods for
improving the quality of life of people living with
SCI by solving secondary complications such as
pressure sores, bladder and bowel problems and
other possible issues.
FEATURE STORY
Cure research focuses on the causes of a disease
with the goal of stopping the process and achieving complete recovery. Progress has and continues
to be made in this area – most studies are focused
on animal rather than human subjects.
It is everyone’s hope that a cure for people who are
living with SCI will be discovered. However, no
responsible scientist promises that a single method
to regenerate the human spinal cord will become a
reality within a certain time frame. Furthermore, it
is likely that a combination of therapies will evolve
over the years and that ultimately this combination
will enable people to return to maximum function.
Cure Research What are the current areas of cure
research? The research, which focus on finding a
cure for SCI are based on four strategies:
1.
2.
3.
4.
1
NEURO-PROTECTION
1. NEURO-PROTECTION
There are two basic questions concerning neuro-protection –
the strategy to protect neurons from injury or degeneration
following an injury:
•
•
How can damaged nerve cells at the site of the injury be kept alive?
How can secondary damage, including the death of nearby cells, be
prevented or reduced?
After the initial spinal cord injury there is a risk for further (secondary)
damage. Cells at the injury site continue to die after the initial injury. The
damage can affect nerve cells in the spinal cord and the nerves’ protective
covering (myelin). More harm can occur when the healthy cells are actually affected by these damaged cells. Sometimes, the body will reject the
damaged cells before they even have a chance to heal.
A number of drug therapies which may be able to solve these problems are
currently being investigated by researchers. These treatments are wide
ranging and include:
neuro-protection
regeneration
transplantation
rehabilitation
Methylprednisolone (MP) is a steroid that reduces inflammation. This
is the first drug that was shown to reduce spinal cord damage in humans
by preventing swelling and inflammation at the injury site. MP is administered to most individuals within eight hours after the initial trauma. The
true effectiveness of this therapy is under current investigation.
•
To get a sense of how researchers are working to
find a cure for SCI, it’s important to understand
what happens during the initial trauma as well as
the effect that this has on nearby nerve cells for
several weeks (Refer to diagram below). Many scientists describe what happens as a “cascade of
events,” which occurs in a particular order, or
sequence. How do each of the four strategies work?
SEQUENCE OF CELLULAR & MOLECULAR EVENTS
INSIDE & AROUND THE DAMAGED SPINAL NERVES
Swelling & bleeding
A
Nerve cell injury from lack of oxygen
A
Genes are turned on that make chemicals that
further hurt and kill nerve cells
A
Release of more toxic substances like free radicals
A
Prolonged inflammation
A
More free radicals & toxic substances are released
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a potent anti-inflammatory currently undergoing studies on SCI rats. Rats treated with IL-10 appear to recover significant use of their hind limbs during the weeks following injury. However,
large doses of IL-10 seems to have the opposite effect of causing further
damage. Further animal studies are required before testing can begin on
humans.
•
Glutamate (AMPA) Receptor Blockers are chemicals which control
the way nerve cells react when the spinal cord is injured. After an injury,
a chemical called glutamate is released. Glutamate acts as a neurotransmitter – a kind of chemical ferry – that transports messages from one nerve
fibre to the next. When large amounts of glutamate are released, nerve
cells “fire” excessively, which causes them to die. Animal studies have
shown that Glutamate Receptor Blockers decrease this excessive activity,
preventing or reducing further damage to the spinal cord. Human clinical
trials have been performed on stroke patients and SCI studies could begin
within a few years.
•
A
Scarring
A
More cell death and neurological damage
A
Regrowth is blocked by scar tissue & genes that
produce substances that inhibit nerve growth
4-Aminopyridine (also known as Fampridine-SR or 4-AP) improves
the function of surviving spinal cord nerve cells in humans long after the
initial injury takes place. The CSRO is responsible for the early funding
and development of 4-AP. Phase III clinical trials of 4-AP in Multiple
Sclerosis patients are currently taking place.
•
Summer 2006
•
CSRO MAGAZINE
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FEATURE STORY
2REGENERATION
There are several basic questions regarding regeneration of nerves:
•
•
•
•
Is it possible to get nerves to grow and then regenerate?
What can be done to facilitate this process?
What factors prevent nerve growth and regeneration?
How can viable “connections” on both sides of the injury be developed?
Various methods of accomplishing these goals are being investigated,
including research of the following:
How can the production of Nerve Growth Factors (NGF) be increased?
In order for regeneration to occur, the first thing that must happen is for
damaged nerves to grow. Proteins called “neurotrophic factors” promote
growth and prevent cells from dying. Some scientists use the term "nerve
fertilizer" to describe how these proteins help nerves to survive and then
regenerate. This would enable messages to flow up and down the spinal
cord once again.
A wide range of strategies to facilitate the
regeneration nerves are currently being
studied in laboratories around the world.
Researchers seek to not only stimulate
growth in damaged nerves, but to also
create “connections” between nerves on
both sides of a spinal cord injury. Methods
of accomplishing this include the use of
proteins, cells and low-level electrical signals.
Scientists are studying several nerve growth factors. Each one targets very
specific cells. They include: Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), Brain Derived
Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor (aFGF)
and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
Studies on rats are currently underway to determine the safety and efficacy
of these proteins before human trials begin. Another area of regeneration
research that involves growth factors is in incomplete SCI. In the case of
an incomplete injury, some nerve fibres that connect the brain with spinal
segments below the level of the injury may survive. The goal is to use the
growth factors to help increase the quality and strength of the nerve
impulses in surviving connections.
How are glial and Schwann cells used to protect, insulate and nourish
nerve cells? Schwann cells are found in certain nerves called peripheral
nerves. Glial cells are found in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Both
act as “helper cells” to protect, insulate and nourish neurons. Schwann
cells and glial cells also produce growth factor proteins, which enhances
nerve function. Researchers have shown that implanting these cells into
the site of an injury can stimulate spinal cord regeneration. Schwann and
glial cells also help bridge the gap, or lesion, in the spinal cord at the site
of the injury. Furthermore, these cells can be engineered genetically in a
way that produces additional growth factors and further stimulates regeneration. Animal studies have shown some improvement in leg movement,
however, further studies are required before human trials can begin.
Can certain processes, called “inhibitory processes” be stopped so that
nerve cells can grow? One problem facing researchers is spinal cord tissue contains certain chemicals that prevent nerve cells in the Central
Nervous System from growing and regenerating. One of these “inhibitory
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CSRO MAGAZINE
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Summer 2006
FEATURE STORY
chemicals” is a protein called Noga-A. Another
chemical called an Inhibitor-neutralizing Antibody
(IN-1) can block the inhibitory proteins, allowing
nerve growth to occur. This process has worked in
both cell cultures and animals. Studies in humans
may take place in the near future.
Can viable connections on both sides of injury be
stimulated to develop? Researchers are working
on methods to keep nerve cells alive. First, they
need to be able to grow, and then regenerate. From
that point, the axons must be able to reconnect to
their proper target sites. In other words, the severed nerves must rejoin with their companion
nerves so that the connections can work properly
and become functional. Researchers are working
with different substances to guide nerve growth so
nerves grow past the injury site and reconnect
with the proper companion nerve. Examples of
these substances include:
3TRANSPLANTATION
Also under study are the and effects of transplanting various cells
into the injury site to promote regeneration. Methods and queries
surrounding this strategy include:
Peripheral Nerve Transplants Scientists realize that damaged or injured
peripheral nerves sometimes regenerate, but cells and nerves in the spinal
cord do not. As a result, scientists are transplanting peripheral nerve cells
into the site of injury with the goal being that the transplanted nerve cells
will mature and become a part of the central nervous system. Several different approaches are being studied related to transplantation. Drs. Cheng
and Olson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm demonstrated recovery
of leg function using transplant techniques in rats.
Transplantation procedures to repair the spinal cord involve multiple
steps:
•
•
•
Netrins are proteins which are produced in the
brainstem. They “attract” nerve cells, causing
them to migrate toward a “target” and grow
branches. Animal studies are presently underway.
•
Neural glues are substances that can fuse the
ends of damaged nerve axons. Scientists have used
a type of neural glue called polyethylene glycol
(PEG) in guinea pigs to partially restore nerve
function immediately following a spinal cord compression injury. Scientists believe that PEG helps
restore nerve cell membranes disrupted by the
injury.
•
•
•
multiple nerve “bridges” must be created
white matter must be connected to grey matter by re-routing
grafted areas must be filled with fibrin-based tissue glue
acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) must be added
the spine must be stabilized to prevent further injury
Can stem cells be used to produce new nerve cells? Certain kinds of
immature cells called “stem cells” are able to develop into any type of cell.
This means that they can develop into cells that can replace damaged
cells in a particular part of the body, including the spinal cord. The tissue
of embryos contains stem cells. Researchers have demonstrated that if
stem cells in the CNS are stimulated they can develop into nerve and glial
Fibroblast cells, which are commonly found in
the skin, can act as a “bridge” across a spinal cord
lesion. Scientists genetically engineer fibroblast
cells to produce neurotrophin-3 and this stimulates
cell growth. Studies on rats showed improved leg
function following implantation of fibroblast cells.
•
Low-level electrical stimulation has also been
used by researchers on paralysed dogs. A small battery pack, known as an extra spinal oscillating
field stimulator (OFS), is implanted near the dog’s
spine. The OFS sends a weak electrical signal to
the site of the injury causing damaged nerve cells
to grow and regenerate. The dogs improved significantly in about one third of the cases.
•
3. TRANSPLANTATION
Summer 2006
•
CSRO MAGAZINE
7
FEATURE STORY
cells. This finding has opened up new possibilities
for cell replacement without having to use embryonic (fetal) tissue.
Stem cells from both rodent and human tissues are
being studied. One major question is, ‘what determines whether stem cells develop into cells that
help regeneration (e.g. nerve cells or cells that
make myelin), or into cells that prevent regeneration (e.g. scar tissue)?’. Once nerve cells can be
reliably obtained from stem cells, then they must
show they can grow appropriately to the type of
cell lines described above.
The Canadian Spinal Research Organization is
currently funding a project at McMaster
University in Hamilton, Ontario, called Enteric
Neurotransplantation. The concept of this effort is
to harvest enteric cells (cells from the gut) from
the person’s own body and to graft them into the
damaged area of the spinal cord to increase sensation and movement.
Can growth and regeneration be promoted using
central nervous system fetal (embryonic) tissue?
Tissue from a growing fetus contains stem cells –
immature cells that support growth. Researchers
are trying to determine if damaged circuits can be
re-established by transplanting stem cells into the
spinal cord. The advantage in using (fetal) stem
cells is they can develop into several cell types,
depending on the signals they receive.
4REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation is
expected to be a
crucial part of
any cure treatment strategy.
It is unlikely that
any cure will result
in an individual
having immediate or
complete recovery
of all function. The
physical therapy
routines and other
health care practices taught during
a person’s initial
rehabilitation can help them remain healthy while maintaining their flexibility and muscle strength. Some research suggests that these factors not
only maximize the use of undamaged nerves, but they are also vital to
functional recovery.
Rehabilitation is also considered another crucial strategy of any
cure treatment. While traditional methods of rehabilitation
focused solely on compensating for deficits, a renewed hope for
a cure has refocused interest on restoring lost function.
Researchers are now exploring rehabilitation methods that simu-
For transplantation to be successful, the issue of
rejection by the recipient of the stem cells must be
addressed. If successful, this process would eliminate the need for long-term immune-suppressing
drugs.
Activated Macrophages A highly publicized
human clinical trial is taking place in Israel with
individuals who have complete SCI. The treatment involves harvesting blood cells (macrophages)
from the patient’s own blood. These macrophages
are first treated in a lab and then implanted into
the individual’s spinal cord to “repair” the damaged cord. Recent results reported that one patient
had limited restoration of leg movement. Phase I
of these human trials are also ongoing in Brussels,
Belgium.
4 . REHABILITATION
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CSRO MAGAZINE
•
Summer 2006
late movements which may possibly help maintain and reinforce
spinal cord and brain circuitry.
Traditional rehabilitation focused on making up for deficits, or “using
what you’re left with.” The renewed hope for a cure has refocused interest
on restoring lost function. Researchers are continuing to explore rehabilitation methods that aid in recovery after injury.
Recent studies have shown that Central Nervous System reorganization
can and does occur. Researchers believe it could be important to simulate
movements, such as walking because this may help maintain and reinforce
spinal cord and brain circuitry. Researchers from the Miami Project use
Body-Weight Supported Gait training to “re-educate” the spinal cord on
how to walk. Miami Project researcher Blair Calancie, PhD, has been conducting research related to the Central Pattern Generator (CPG) in the
spinal cord for stepping.
THIRD
EDITION
Neuroprostheses Recent interventions use new
electronic technologies to “bypass” the spinal cord
injury and allow direct muscle stimulation. This
can help control various bodily functions, such as
standing, walking, grasping and urinating. There
are a number of electrical and mechanical devices
that work with the nervous system to help replace
a person’s lost motor and sensory functions.
Miami Project researchers studied Functional
Electrical Stimulation (FES) to determine the
benefits of FES-walking. Researchers thought it
could provide effective opportunities for exercise
and conditioning in persons with paraplegia.
Results showed that the system was “functional”
over short distances and can be used to provide
greater mobility in some situations. FES also
increases the opportunity for conditioning exercise, which is limited after SCI. FES walking
showed much more promise as an exercise tool.
The most obvious physical effect was enlarged
thigh and calf muscles, but the internal benefits
were more revealing. After training, participants
could exercise for significantly longer periods during an arm-crank test before showing signs of
fatigue.
The preceding article is an excerpt from the
“Understanding Research” section of the third
edition of the After and Beyond® Spinal Cord Injury
Resource Manual. The third edition of the
Manual will be promoted on October 6th, 2006 at
the second National Spinal Cord Injury Conference
in Toronto. For more information about this
updated and broadened version of the Manual,
please see the sidebar at right.
The After and Beyond ® Spinal Cord Injury Resource
Manual is available from the CSRO head office.
For a copy of the Resource Manual, please contact
the CSRO at:
Canadian Spinal Research Organization
120 Newkirk Rd. Unit 2
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4C 9S7
1-800-361-4004
[email protected]
www.csro.com
AFTER &
BEYOND®
SPINAL
CORD
INJURY
RESOURCE
MANUAL
By I V A N A D JO R D J E V I C
The third edition of the After and Beyond ® Spinal Cord
Injury Resource Manual will be soon released!
The CSRO is excited to announce the upcoming release
of the new, third edition of the After and Beyond ®
Spinal Cord Injury Resource Manual. First released in
2002, the After and Beyond ® Spinal Cord Injury Resource
Manual is a comprehensive, in-depth source of information on issues and topics that someone with a spinal
cord injury might find useful.
From the start, the After and Beyond ® Spinal Cord Injury
Resource Manual was completely consumer driven.
Consumers were involved in research, writing, but most
evidently in the evaluation of the Manual. Remaining
loyal this principle, we asked the consumers to review
the manual once again. After consultations, we mutually decided to refine the Manual.
The third edition of the manual will be an updated and
broadened version of the previous edition. We expanded
its content by adding new information that the consumers
thought would be useful to share. The idea was to create
a powerful source of information that would be easy for
consumers to read and understand. In order to achieve
this, we added a FAQ section in every chapter, to address
many issues of possible interest to consumers.
In addition, we have formed a partnership with the
Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) on this project.
The ONF sponsored and coordinated the rewrite of the
“Research” chapter. This new “Research” chapter will
offer information on cure and care research, as well as
updates on the current research streams. It will be written using simplified terminology that is easy for consumers to understand. The “Research” chapter will also
contain a “How to read medical journals” subsection,
which will help consumers learn how follow the future
progress in finding the cure for paralysis.
The third edition of the After and Beyond ® Spinal Cord
Injury Resource Manual is expected to be released in
October 2006.
9
S P E C I A L U P D AT E
Personal
Passion
for SFAC
With a close friend who broke
his neck in a car accident,
Kerry Goulet, Shoot For A Cure
(SFAC) Director of Pro Player
Relations and Special Events,
has a very personal connection
to the search for a cure.
Kerry Goulet, Shoot For A Cure Director of Pro Player Relations and Special Events
By T O N I LY N M I I L
IT WAS WITH GREAT PLEASURE
that Shoot For A Cure announced the
addition of a new team member, Kerry
Goulet, last season. Kerry has joined our
team as the Director of Pro Player Relations
and Special Events.
Kerry Goulet, President of 29 Sports
Marketing, adds an exciting new dimension to the Shoot For A Cure team due
to his extensive hockey background and
commitment to charitable endeavors.
Kerry spent 16 years as a professional
hockey player, coach and manager in
Germany. Kerry is also the owner and
editor of Icehockey World, a leading
Canadian ice hockey magazine. We look
forward to benefiting from his expertise
and enthusiasm.
This year, Kerry introduced Shoot For A
Cure to the Roth Racing team and an
29 SPORTS MARKETING President,
Kerry Goulet, founded the company
in November 2003. 29 Sports has
coordinated many charity events
around the world to help raise money
for local charities and Shoot For A Cure.
ICEHOCKEY WORLD is an all-color, all-glossy magazine
which contains full-page posters as well as stories from
around the hockey world. With the latest news
from the NHL and pro hockey leagues.
For more information about 29 Sports & Icehockey World,
contact [email protected] or visit 29sports.com.
10
CSRO MAGAZINE
•
Summer 2006
alliance has been formed to help raise
awareness and funds in the motor sport
industry. Kerry has a personal passion for
the cause as his best friend and line mate,
Robert Vielfaure from Winnipeg, broke
his neck in an accident 28 years ago. He
has worked hard to help less fortunate
have a better quality of life and that is
why he is a proud and enthusiastic supporter of SFAC.
Just recently it was announced that
Kerry’s German hockey jersey will be
hung in the Hockey Hall of Fame in the
International section, as it was retired in
Timmendorfer Strand, Germany. At the
special announcement event, he helped
us raised $2,500 for spinal cord research
and awareness.
Kerry looks forward to working with all
players, coaches, trainers, fans, parents
and sponsors to make spinal cord injury a
thing of the past. Together we all can
make a difference and we are very happy
to have Kerry on the Shoot For A Cure
team.
FRIENDS OF THE CSRO
S FA C
FAST
FRIEND
By I V A N A D JO R D J E V I C
In this issue, the Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) is proud
to introduce Marty Roth, a friend who has been quick to lend his extremely
generous support to our Shoot For A Cure Moto-Sport campaign.
ANNUAL
M A G A Z I N E
Finally…a Shoot For A Cure
Annual Magazine!
The CSRO and Shoot For A
Cure (SFAC) are very pleased
to announce the release of
the first edition of Shoot For
A Cure Magazine.
Shoot For A Cure Magazine
will be a special annual edition
which will represent the three
distinctive streams of the
Shoot For A Cure campaign:
SFAC Hockey, SFAC Curling
and SFAC Moto-Sport.
Marty Roth photos by B I L L M I L N E
The CSRO and Shoot For A Cure (SFAC) are
proud to have many friends who have helped us
and contributed to our search for the cure over
the past 21 years. We are thankful for this support
and use every opportunity to express our gratitude. This is a story about our friendship with
Marty Roth, Indy Racing League driver.
was a great opportunity for us to meet with Marty
as well as to introduce our SFAC Moto-Sport
campaign to others at the Indianapolis 500.
Marty also helped us make a base for future partnerships by introducing us to other possible
donors.
Marty Roth is a Canadian driver in the Indy
Racing League. In 2002 he entered the Indy Pro
Series, and in 2004 he began racing in the
Indianapolis 500. Last year, Marty chose to adopt
the CSRO and Shoot For A Cure Moto-Sport as
one of his charities. We are grateful that Marty
has been very supportive since then.
The CSRO would also like to use this opportunity to congratulate Marty on his marriage to his
beautiful wife, Margaret. They kindly dedicated
all the proceeds from their wedding to helping
our cause. We would like to thank them for this
extraordinary kindness. It will be remembered as
an extremely generous gesture. Thank you for
your support Marty and Margaret Roth!
Most recently, he invited us to be his guests at the
90th run of the Indianapolis 500 in May 2006.
We were delighted to accept his invitation. This
For more information about the CSRO’s Shoot
For A Cure campaign, please visit our website at
www.shootforacure.org.
This exciting new project will
provide readers with a wide
range of information regarding SFAC activities, including
reports on past events and
announcements of upcoming
events. The publication will
also relate stories about our
friends, consumers, partners
and key sponsors. Important
updates concerning our Play It
CoolTM prevention program,
spinal cord injury research and
fundraising efforts will also
be covered along everything
else you would like to know
about the CSRO’s Shoot For A
Cure campaign.
The release of the first edition
of Shoot For A Cure Magazine
is planned for the fall of 2006,
so watch for your copy as the
leaves begin to fly!
Summer 2006
•
CSRO MAGAZINE
11
CSRO
EVENT
UPDATES AND NEWS
With over 25 FUNdraising events organized by or on behalf of our organization over the
past seven months, further proceeds were raised for spinal cord research and awareness.
W
We at the Canadian Spinal
Research Organization (CSRO)
are very reliant on our fundraising events. If it weren’t for
these events, we would not be
able to fund research and our
prevention programs.
With the help of our dedicated
volunteers and other friends,
the CSRO continued to raise
funds through a wide variety of
events. During the past seven
months, 25 fundraising events
were organized either by or on
behalf of the CSRO.
By I V A N A D JO R D J E V I C
& ADAM WOJTKOWIAK
FIRST ANNUAL SOURCE FOR SPORTS®
CANADIAN NATIONAL POND HOCKEY
CHAMPIONSHIPS A HUGE SUCCESS!
On January 27, 2006, more than 600 hockey enthusiasts made the journey north to
Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka, Ontario, for
the inaugural Source for Sports® Canadian
National Pond Hockey Championships.
During this three-day event more than 125
teams from Canada, the U.S. and several
other countries competed on 24 rinks over
6 acres of shimmering natural ice. Through
a wide range of weather conditions, that
went from bright and sunny to snowy and
blowing, event participants took Canada’s
national game back to its roots for the
chance to hoist the Championship Cup.
Canadian National Pond Hockey Women’s Champions, the
Concordia Rinkles, proudly display their replicas of the hand
carved maple Championship Cup.
The Rink Rake Grey Beards of Whitby, Ontario, and the Concordia Rinkles of Montreal,
Quebec, won their respective championship games and received prizing from CCM and
Source For Sports® along with a smaller replica of the impressive hand carved maple trophy.
As the charity of choice for this event, Shoot for a Cure received a share of the proceeds
from team registrations and other fundraising activities, including silent auctions, totaling
more than $16,000. Thank you Source For Sports®!
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CSRO EVENTS
[left to right] Isabelle Biron, event top Fundraiser; Catherine Fortier, J&J Hockey Cup Committee
Member; Yvan Cournoyer, Montreal Canadiens great; Barry Munro, CSRO President; Kerry Goulet,
Shoot For A Cure; Jeff Smith, J&J Canada Inc. President and Jason Logie, McNeil
JOHNSON & JOHNSON (J&J) NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY CUP
KEYSTONE CUP
Shoot For A Cure (SFAC) was privileged to once again be a part of the
Johnson and Johnson North American Hockey Cup. The event was held
on May 5th to May 7th at the Pierrefonds Sportplexe in Montreal, Quebec.
On April 19, 2006, the Campbell
River Storm Alumni held its first
event in the team’s nine year history.
46 former players and coaches
stepped on the ice at Strathcona
Gardens in Campbell River for an
Alumni vs Alumni Game. The game
took place on the eve of the 2006
Keystone Cup – Western Canadian
Junior B Championship and some 500
fans attended the game.
The tournament this year featured a special event that not only helped
raise more funds for SFAC, but also provided 18 of the top fundraisers a
chance of a lifetime to play in a Montreal Canadiens Alumni Fantasy
Game. The arena filled up with family and friends to watch the excitement on the ice and partake in the 50/50.
Isabelle Biron, who alone raised over $3,800, was one of the privileged
few to step on the ice with some of the NHL’s greats including: Gaston
Gingras, Rejean Houle, Richard Sevigny, Jimmy Mann, Norm Dupont,
Marc Bureau, Yvon Lambert, Sergio Momesso, and Gilles Thibaudeau.
The game also featured Randy Thomas who landed a prestigious role on
The Rocket as Hector “Toe” Blake and the alumni team was coached by
Yvon “The Roadrunner” Cournoyer.
Activities off the ice included a silent auction featuring exciting framed
pieces and autographed memorabilia of today’s biggest stars and a shooting game that challenges individuals to shoot out nine targets in the
quickest time. The winner of this event shot out all the targets out in an
amazing 6.98 seconds and took home an autographed Jarome Iginla Team Canada jersey for first place.
This great event continues to grow
each and every year and this year
J&J raised a whopping $75,000.
Through their generous support and dedication, J&J has
raised over $200,000 for
Shoot For A Cure
over the past five
years.
The evening was the realization of a
dream of Kyle Blanleil, a former
goaltender with the club who has
endured surgery to remove a malignant tumour from his spinal cord in
April of 2005. In addition, a ceremonial puck drop was held in memory
of former Storm player Brenden Gow
who was killed in a motor vehicle
accident. Brenden was a huge contributor to the club and always a fan
favourite.
Through donations at the door, a
memorabilia auction, 50/50 and puck
toss, an incredible $5,171 was raised
for Shoot For A Cure.
[above] Big smiles from four Keystone Cup – Junior “B”
Western Canadian Championship event participants
[left, from left to right] Sergio Momesso, Montreal
Canadiens Alumni; Richard Sevigny, Montreal
Canadiens Alumni goalie and Jeff Smith, J&J Canada
Inc. President
Summer 2006
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CSRO MAGAZINE
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CSRO EVENTS
ANNUAL INVACARE SPINAL TAP BONSPIEL TURNS 15!
The 15th annual Invacare Spinal Tap Mixed Bonspiel, held on March 4th, 2006 was another
huge success raising over $21,000 for the CSRO. This brings the event’s 15 year total to almost
$170,000 raised.
Thousands of dollars in
great prizes were given
away including a Via Rail
round trip, golf foursomes,
fitness memberships, and
retail gift certificates. We
also auctioned off a brush,
generously donated by
Bruce Saville and signed
by Olympic Gold medalists, Team Gushue and
Bronze medalists, Team
Kleibrink.
Photo by ANIL MUNGAL
Photo by ANIL MUNGAL
Twenty enthusiastic teams participated in this year’s event, which included a four time Ontario
Scott finalist, to individuals who had never played the sport before. Event participants had a great
time while raising funds for the very worthy cause of spinal cord injury research and prevention
programs.
[top left and above] Action at the Invacare Spinal Tap Bonspiel [below, left to right] Durham College
Sports Administration event participants Mark Paddock, Gita Orchowski and Chris McPhail
DURHAM COLLEGE SPORTS
ADMINISTRATION BONSPIEL
On March 24th, 2006, the Durham College
Sports Administration Bonspiel was once
again organized at the Oshawa Golf &
Curling Club. A silent auction, raffle and a
reunion for Sports Administration graduates
all helped raise funds for Shoot For A Cure
and the Leadership Camp for the Sport
Management Program.
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CSRO EVENTS
WEEKEND WAILERS GOLF TOURNAMENT
On May 12, 2006, the third annual Weekend Wailers
Charity Golf Tournament was held at Cardinal Golf
Club in Aurora with 140 golfers participating.
Luckily the rain held off and we had a nice sunny day.
The tournament raised funds for Hospital for Sick
Children in memory of Hannah Clark and CSRO on
behalf of Dave Lostchuk, who is a treasurer of the
CSRO. This year over $29,000 was raised, which is
more than $70,000 raised over the three years.
Event participants enjoyed beautiful weather at the third annual Weekend Wailers Charity Golf
Tournament held at Cardinal Golf Club in Aurora.
UPCOMING Events
JULY 28, 2006
RAFFI TORRES CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
ANGUS GLEN GOLF CLUB, MARKHAM, ONTARIO
Nonstop action at the Downsview Park 3 on 3 Street Hockey Tourney
DOWNSVIEW PARK 3 ON 3 STREET HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
On February 4, Downsview Park, in partnership with Shoot for a
Cure and the Ontario Ball Hockey Association, hosted its second annual 3-on-3 Street Hockey Tournament. More than 400
participants on 94 teams braved the elements in support of Shoot
for a Cure. The day was an enormous success generating more
than $18,000 for SCI research.
CABBIE’S CELEBRITY TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT
On April 13th, 2006, Atlantis Pavillion at Ontario Place hosted
the 1st Annual Cabbie Richards Celebrity Table Tennis
Tournament. The event featured many of the Score Network’s
personalities including the host Cabbral Richards and MC
Adnan Virk. Guest appearances included actor Mark Taylor and
sport stars Damon Allen of the Toronto Argos and Mark James
of the Toronto Raptors.
The First Annual Raffi Torres Celebrity
Golf Tournament will take place July 28th,
2006 at the Angus Glen Golf Club which is
ranked in the top 80 golf courses in the world
and host to the 2007 Bell Canadian Open.
At this exciting inaugural event, you will
have the chance to play the South Course
with Raffi Torres of the Edmonton Oilers
and some of North America’s top athletes.
Raffi, a Markham, Ontario native, has deep
ties to the community. Raffi is dedicated to
serving the town of Markham and has generously chosen two charities to benefit from
the proceeds of his tournament – one of
them being the CSRO’s Shoot For a Cure
campaign.
For more information, please call Kirk
Brooks at 416.213.0123 ext. 555. or visit
raffitorres.com or debutsports.com.
We hope to see you on the course!
The evening featured a silent auction, great food and intense
table tennis action. Mark Steffler from Dare Foods demonstrated
his skills as he took home the singles championship.
Summer 2006
•
CSRO MAGAZINE
15
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CSRO MAGAZINE
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Summer 2006
S P E C I A L U P D AT E
FRIENDS OF THE CSRO
The CRONE CUP Hits
HOCKEYVILLE
As always, the annual Crone Cup continues to achieve.
This year, the tournament attracted media attention,
which resulted in airtime on CBC’s Hockeyville.
By I V A N A D JO R D J E V I C
For the fourth year in a row, the
Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational
Institute (OSCVI) from Owen Sound,
Ontario successfully organized the 4th
annual Crone Cup for the purposes of
raising funds for the charity of their
choice – the Canadian Spinal Research
Organization.
The game began with the ceremonial
puck drop by Jason Crone, a founder of
the Crone Cup, who was paralyzed after
falling head-first into boards while playing hockey. The girls from the OSCVI
Falcons hockey team played this year
against the West Hill Raiders. The heated
competition in such “East vs. West” events
is always a favorite with fans. “The rival
schools come together and work together
to make it all happen. The game itself is
always an exciting battle. And we never
lose site of why we are all there,” said
Jason Playter, the coach of OSCVI girls
team.
The event was a huge success raising over
$6,000. While having fun, the fans raised
money through a variety of fundraising
activities: the Frisbee toss – fans buy a
Frisbee and try to throw it close to centre to win an autographed framed print;
Puck shoot – random fans were selected
and challenged; and, of course, the
Raffle, where various memorabilia were
given away such as – Autographed
Sidney Crosby Jersey, Game Used and
Autographed Jason Spezza and Dany
Heatley sticks.
Although the Crone Cup is always successful and fun for the participants and
fans, this year was in a way different. The
Cup attracted media attention, which
resulted in the involvement of the CBC
Hockeyville. The game was highlighted
in the episode about Owen Sound, the
town which was ranked in the top 50.
This is a great achievement for Jason
Crone, who began the tradition of the
Crone Cup four years ago. We congratulate Jason Crone and the Owen Sound
Collegiate and Vocational Institute for
this triumph and we wish them to continue even bigger next year!
Summer 2006
•
CSRO MAGAZINE
17
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Summer 2006
S P E C I A L U P D AT E
FRIENDS OF THE CSRO
PLAY
IT
COOL
HEATS UP THE SUMMER
With a program orientation session for coaches quickly approaching, the Canadian Spinal
Research Organization (CSRO) looks forward the official launch of Play It CoolTM.
W
What is Play It CoolTM? Play It Cool™
is an innovative spinal cord injury safety
program for minor hockey players in
Canada. The goal of Play It Cool™ is to
generate awareness and prevention of
spinal cord injuries in hockey amongst
youth who play organized or recreational
hockey, as well as the extended hockey
community.
Our vision is to equip minor hockey
players with the knowledge and skills that
may prevent a hockey-related spinal cord
injury. To achieve this, the CSRO works
collaboratively with the hockey community to instill the belief in players, coaches, trainers, families and fans that skill
enhancement is key to injury prevention.
By I V A N A D JO R D J E V I C
Summer Orientation This summer, the
Shoot For A Cure campaign and the
CSRO will launch the Play It Cool™
prevention program. On July 22, 2006, a
one-day orientation session will be held in
order to provide program information to
30 coaches from Minor Hockey Leagues
across Ontario. This orientation session
will present coaches with a comprehensive overview of Play It Cool™. It will
also outline how the Play It Cool™ pilot
program will be implemented this coming
autumn.
Autumn Mobilization The upcoming
Play It Cool™ pilot program has been
designed as an easily accessible online
course. Minor Hockey League coaches
who choose to participate in the pilot
will be divided in three groups. Each
group will be coordinated by an on-line
facilitator who will instruct participants
on how to learn and deliver on-ice safety
skills which they, in turn, will teach their
players – hockey’s youth. Coaches will
also receive a pocket-sized booklet which
outlines seven core skills that can be used
to teach safe checking in game-specific
situations.
How Do I Get Involved? If you are
interested in participating in the Play It
Cool™ pilot program or would like more
information, please contact the CSRO
head office at 1-800-361-4004 or visit
www.shootforacure.org.
Summer 2006
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CSRO MAGAZINE
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FRIENDS OF THE CSRO
It is only through the
dedication and generosity
of volunteers that the
Canadian Spinal Research
Organization (CSRO) is
able to continue to make
progress towards the
search for a cure.
John Weir, the CSRO’s
2005 Volunteer of the
Year, is one of these
invaluable individuals. It
is with pleasure that we
honour his numerous
contributions to the CSRO.
By I V A N A D JO R D J E V I C
JOHN WEIR,
John Weir, the CSRO’s 2005 Volunteer
of the Year, shares our commitment
to search for a cure and has been a
dedicated member of our team for
the past six years.
Volunteer
Thank you for helping us John Weir!
Anyone who would drop into the CSRO
head office on a Tuesday or Friday, would
instantly know that John Weir is a part
of the CSRO team.
John Weir is a T6-7 paraplegic who has
been a dedicated volunteer at the CSRO
office for over five years. John was injured
when he was 20 years old, in 1970. These
past 36 years were a long and painful
journey for John. However, he realized
that there is more to life.
Since 2000, John has been volunteering
regularly at the CSRO head office. In
doing so, he has become an irreplaceable
part of the CSRO. By helping us mostly
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CSRO MAGAZINE
•
Summer 2006
with administrative work at the office,
he has also gained from it. He realized
that helping others made him a better
person and a better part of society.
We, at the CSRO, are honoured to have
John on our team. For this reason, we
were pleased to present John with the
The Ralph Spadafore Memorial Volunteer
Recognition Award for the year of 2005.
Without John’s help and the support of our
other volunteers, the CSRO would not be
able to fight for its goals. We would like to
thank John and all of our other dedicated
volunteers: without you the CSRO would
not have been the same!
Thank you John Weir!
Summer 2006
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CSRO MAGAZINE
21
CSRO ANNUAL REPORT
CSRO Financial Summary
The financial summary for year 2005 illustrates that the Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) has been more
active than ever. With a marked increase in fundraising events, the CSRO garnered more revenue while contending with
a challenge common to every charity – the expense of fundraising. In 2006, we endeavor to surpass our total funds raised
in 2005, while striving towards a decrease in fundraising costs. We will also aim to increasing our contribution to research
and prevention in the upcoming year.
Financial Position
(as at Dec. 31, 2005)
2005 ($) 2004 ($)
2005 ($) 2004 ($)
ASSETS
REVENUE
Current
Donations and Memberships
Cash
$55,340
Accounts Receivable
Investment tax credits recoverable
Due from subsidiary
Prepaid expenses
Inventory
$51,191
General
$27,412
$37,539
Corporate and foundations
130,344
154,084
136,885
93,340
–
–
Fundraising Activities
1,267,247
717,386
–
–
Break open ticket lotteries
287,366
270,973
7,095
16,976
Local Chapters
184,995232,543
4,255
Training Grants
4,289
7,152
8,121
45,194
52,637
1,949,710
1,473,283
Research
525,680
586,392
Fundraising
799,232
550,662
Break open ticket lotteries
192,415
184,723
Prevention and public awareness
443,892
315,926
Support services
140,281
138,797
2,101,500
1,776,500
expenses before the undernoted item (151,790)
(303,217)
–
(13,920)
(151,790)
(317,137)
Other Income
Other Investments
Capital Assets
865
865
12,347
16,087
$216,821
$182,714
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Current
Bank indebtedness
19,000
23,539
Accounts payable and acrued liabilities 234,554
111,620
Loans payable
101,826
34,324
$355,380
$169,483
Net Assets (Deficiency)
Invested in capital assets
Detained
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CSRO MAGAZINE
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Summer 2006
EXPENDITURES
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over
Share of income (loss) of Neurological
12,347
16,087
Technologies (Inc.)
(150,906)
(2,856)
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over
(138,559)
13,231
expenditures
$216,821
$182,714
Serious Injury
Committed
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