Partners Investing in Parkinson Research (PIPR)

Parkinson’s disease affects more than 100,000 Canadians, including over 8,000 in the Ottawa area alone. And that number is expected to double by the year 2050. More research is needed to better understand and treat this devastating disease.

To support the groundbreaking research now underway at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, a group of investment advisors from the Ottawa financial community have come to together to form Partners Investing in Parkinson Research (PIPR).

Co-chaired by Richard Shantz and Andrew Frank of RBC Dominion Securities, PIPR is seeking support from friends, colleagues and the entire community to raise funds to help OHRI scientists find better treatments and ultimately improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s.

PIPR has set a goal of raising $500,000 over the next five years. All funds raised by this dedicated group will go directly to the Parkinson Research Consortium at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Led by Dr. David Grimes, the Consortium is currently working on a number of innovative treatment strategies, including the development of new drug treatments, as well as targeted gene therapy that could help stop the progression of this debilitating disease.

“Without research, new discoveries are impossible and therefore new treatments and finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease is impossible. Only by funding research can we explore the many complexities of Parkinson’s disease and with this knowledge, development new treatment options.” – Dr. David A. Grimes, Co-Director of the Parkinson Research Consortium, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

How you can help

In 2009, PIPR team members participating in The Ottawa Hospital Race Weekend Challenge raised more than $130,000 towards their $500,000 pledge for Parkinson’s research.

It’s easy to lend your support to PIPR.

1. Make a secure online donation today!
2. You can support the PIPR team during the Ottawa Race Weekend (May 29-30, 2010). Members of the team will be “running for a reason” and raising funds for this important initiative through The Ottawa Hospital Race Weekend Challenge. Just click on the PIPR Team page to sponsor their efforts or join their team.

“I’ve always run with such ease and with a confident stride. Now I’m noticing that, physically and mentally, it’s way more challenging to get out the door and pound the pavement. But all this community support — it fuels me and humbles me and puts a drive in my stride.”
– Shelby Hayter, Parkinson’s patient and PIPR Team member

Should you have any questions or would like to make a donation such as a gift of stock, please contact Sharon Martin at shmartin@ottawahospital.on.ca or 613-798-5555 ext. 19014.