London Ontario hosting the 2012 Canadian Ataxia Conference

The Canadian Ataxia Conference exists to elevate Ataxia awareness throughout the country while also raising funds for disability support and medical research for a cure. Ataxia is a neurological hereditary disease that has over 50 different gene types, experts believe that there are over 100 types yet to be identified. The many forms of Ataxia destroy mobility and central nervous system functions. The Canadian Ataxia Conference 2012 will takes place on Saturday October 20th at 251 Dundas St. London Ontario and consist of three parts.

Starting the day at 11am is the Fight Ataxia Project’s town hall that will have an audience of Ataxians and their families attending from all over Canada. The town hall is produced by Jonas Cepkauskas a motivational speaker that is living with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type-15. The town hall will have guest speakers Dr. Teesta Soman, Dr. Jacques P. Tremblay, Dr. Christopher Gomez, and Dr. Marie-José Caron.

Then at 5pm, the philanthropy concert “Bruteman Live!” starts in Wolf Performance Hall. All proceeds of the concert are donated to CAFA (Canadian Association for Familial Ataxias). The lead performer of “Bruteman Live!” is Roger Foley, Roger is living with Cerebellar Ataxia. The concert’s co-host is Erica Richer, Erica is a writer living with Friedreich’s Ataxia. Roger and Erica are defying their disabilities on this night to create an inspiring and entertaining production! Guest musicians Sarah Smith, Ken Ross, Pete Comrie, Laura Gagnon, Dana Hartman, and Kristin Dawn join with the Ill At Will dance crew, the Foolish Dog, and the Brute Beauties to create one of the most unique and entertaining concerts in the London's history.

The Conference ends with the CAFA Ataxia Banquet beginning at 6pm. Claude St-Jean, founder of CAFA in 1972 and Order of Canada recipient, was nominated for the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame as a builder this year. The Banquet will celebrate CAFA’s 40th anniversary and Claude’s life. For 40 years CAFA has helped Ataxians and advanced medical research.

We need your support to make the Canadian Ataxia Conference a success! For more information visit www.CanadianAtaxiaConference.com or contact Roger Foley by email roger@rogerfoley.com or at 226-663-8785. Together we can make a difference!