Canadian Doctor Secures the Geoff Carr Research Fellowship in Lupus

TORONTO - Dr. Derek Haaland has been chosen as the recipient of the 2009/2010 Geoff Carr Fellowship.

The Fellowship, named for the late Geoff Carr, is designed to train a rheumatologist to be an expert in the management of patients with lupus. Dr. Haaland will be working under the direction of Dr. Judah Denburg and Dr. Mark Lache at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

"Research into the causes, effects and potential cures for lupus is not just a nice thing to do" says Julia Kane, President of Lupus Ontario's Board of Directors, "it's critical. The management of lupus is costly -to the affected individual and their families, yes, but also to every taxpayer - it means time lost at work, increased use of emergency rooms and other health services and collecting social or medical assistance benefits. Every year without a cure we lose more and more people we love to this disease and we cost the system more than it can bear."

It is estimated that one in two thousand Canadians are currently living with lupus, 90% of whom are women. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can and does kill. Instead of protecting the body from bacteria and viruses, the abnormal immune system characteristic of lupus attacks body tissues. This causes extreme fatigue, severe muscle and joint pain, anaemia and can result in the destruction of vital organs. Lupus research in Ontario continues relentlessly in search of a cure and Lupus Ontario is proud to contribute generously to this pursuit.

"Chances are, with so many Canadians afflicted with this disease and so many more diagnosed each year, everyone knows someone living with lupus," says Marni Schecter, Executive Director of Lupus Ontario. "You wouldn't know that someone has lupus by looking at them - on the outside, people living with lupus show no apparent signs of illness. Inside though, their bodies are being ravaged and slowly, major organs are failing."

Dr. Haaland says, "I am honored to have received this award and the recognition that comes with it from Lupus Ontario. It is a very exciting time to be involved in lupus research and in the care of lupus patients. As the immunologic underpinnings of lupus are unraveled, we move closer to developing more effective and safer treatments for this potentially devastating disease. Ongoing research funding is paramount to continued success. I am grateful for the wonderful opportunity provided by the Geoff Carr Fellowship."

The public can help find a cure for lupus by participating in "Walk a Block for Lupus" May 9th and 10th, 2009 in almost all communities across the province. Details are available at www.lupusontario.org or by calling (905) 415-1099. Lupus Ontario is a registered charitable organization and relies on generous donations to deliver support to people living with lupus and their families, increase public awareness, deliver public education about lupus and fund leading edge research.