BC Government Announces $2 Million for Arthritis Research at ARThritis Soirée

VANCOUVER, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Arthritis Research Canada received exciting news at Wednesday night's annual ARThritis Soirée ? a $2 million funding announcement by Health Minister Adrian Dix. This boosted the event's fundraising total to an amazing $2,355,000 in support of life-saving arthritis research.   

More than 6 million Canadians, including 800,000 British Columbians, live with the pain and disability of arthritis. It is the #1 cause of work disability and costs the Canadian economy an estimated $33 billion per year in cost of treatment and lost productivity.

"By providing this funding, my ministry aims to help Arthritis Research Canada continue to improve the lives of British Columbians living with arthritis, and reduce the burden this disease places on our health-care system," Dix said.

The Soirée is the signature event of Arthritis Research Canada, the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America, and is a success year-over-year thanks to the collective and generous efforts of many sponsors, guests, donors, volunteers, and dynamic hosts ? Fred Lee, regular contributor to the CBC, Province, and Vancouver Magazine, and Coleen Christie, Global BC news anchor and host.

The event brings together the city's business, community and government leaders, as well as philanthropists, doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals, and many others who share an appreciation of art and a desire to support arthritis research. This year's music theme treated guests to a performance by Mike Reno, lead singer of Loverboy, who along with an all-star band sang some of Loverboy's greatest hits.

"For such a prevalent disease, people are consistently surprised that arthritis represents the leading cause of disability among adults," said Dan Scarrow, President of Macdonald Realty, the event's Presenting Sponsor. "It is important to let people know that arthritis is a serious condition that can have a very damaging effect on people's lives. We are proud to support the Soirée, which brings like-minded individuals together to fight against arthritis."

Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's Scientific Director, added that the annual event plays an important role in creating awareness about the more than 100 forms of arthritis and how ONLY through arthritis research can we tackle the pain and disability experienced by millions, young and old, who suffer with this disease. 

"Our research is focused on arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, and better treatment. Thanks to the generous support of everyone who attended the ARThritis Soirée, and because of the funding provided by British Columbia's government, we can continue to change lives."

About ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research centre in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Within British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and quality of life issues.

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada