CALGARY, AB, March 31, 2009 – Reach!, the joint fundraising initiative of the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services announced today a $2.1 million gift from Amgen Canada Inc.. Amgen’s gift is directed to the Roy and Vi Baay Chair in Kidney Research, the largest research chair in the history of the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine and the first chair of its kind in kidney research in Canada.
“Supporting kidney research honours a long tradition of research investment by Amgen Canada,” states Dr. Daniel Billen, vice president and general manager Amgen Canada Inc.. “Amgen was built on ground breaking research through collaboration with organizations such as the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services to make a difference in the lives of patients with grievous illness.”
"Amgen’s gift will help us recruit an internationally recognized leader in kidney research and patient care to Calgary," says Dr. Nairne Scott-Douglas, medical director of the Southern Alberta Renal Program for Alberta Health Services. "The Chair will lead the efforts of clinical researchers as they develop improved treatments for kidney disease and ensure these findings are brought to the patients' bedside, helping patients in southern Alberta and across Canada."
Kidney disease can strike anyone at any age; each day an average of 14 Canadians learn their kidneys have failed. Kidney disease is on the rise, and southern Alberta has one of the highest rates in Canada. There is about a 10% increase in new dialysis patients each year. Many cases of kidney failure can be avoided through early diagnosis; left untreated, kidney failure is fatal.
"This gift is a tremendous investment in kidney research, education and clinical care,” says Brenda Mackie, Reach! co-chair. "The chair will yield important advancements in the treatment and care of people affected by kidney disease, providing Albertans, and beyond with the very latest developments in kidney research and care.”
The chair is funded through a number of partners, including the initial gift made through The Kidney Foundation of Canada by long-time kidney health supporters, Roy and Vi Baay of Calgary.
“The Kidney Foundation of Canada is pleased to congratulate Amgen on this significant gift to the Roy and Vi Baay Chair in Kidney Research,” says Will Osler, president of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta Branch. “We value tremendously our long term partnership with the team at Amgen.”
For more information, please contact:
Reach!
Lois Epp Director, Communications Office: 403.220.2945 Cell: 403.830.5647
http://www.reachforhealth.ca/progress/www.reachforhealth.ca
About Reach!
Reach! is a $300 million joint fundraising initiative between the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services designed to raise targeted philanthropic dollars to build on excellence within Calgary’s existing health system. Projects included within Reach! span the continuum of the health system, from research and education to patient care and community health. Its vision is to “build a new world standard of health”. Since its launch in October 2005, it has raised over $312 million to date.
