Events & Conferences

Bigger and bolder vision for GADA in 2023!

I am excited about lending my energy, time and financial support to an organization that delivers such incredible work. Please join me on this bigger and bolder vision for GADA in 2023! Terri Lohnes

2020 News Highlights & Holiday Wishes from all of us at GADA Canada

GADA Canada would like to wish each and every one of our members a holiday season that is joyous and restorative.
We hope you are able to spend the holidays in good health and good spirits despite the unusual circumstances that we find ourselves in this year.

Every year we take time to acknowledge the strides that we have made in our mission to represent the interests of our membership.

This year, in the context of Covid-19 things have been challenging. However, just like you do every day, we have continued to push ahead.

ACTA2 & MSMDS Conference, Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th 2019, Boston

ACTA2 Alliance in collaboration with the Massachusetts General Hospital invite you to join the

ACTA2 & MSMDS Annual Conference

Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th 2019

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
SIMCHES RESEARCH BUILDING
185 CAMBRIDGE ST, BOSTON, MA 02114​

For more details & to register Click Here

15th Annual JASON ‘RUFFY’ KEITH Memorial Raises over $ 2,000 In Pool Tournament Fundraiser

For the 15th year, in April 2018, a Memorial Pool Tournament fundraiser was organized for Jason ‘Ruffy’ Keith by his closest family and friends at Dooly’s in Moncton, NB.

Jason’s family continues to host this event year-after-year to keep Jason’s memories and friends close & more importantly to help increase the awareness of the terrible disorder – Jason passed away in 2003 from Marfan syndrome.

Yet again, the turnout of supporters was exceptional! There were approximately 30 pool players & the place was full of family &friends. The event raised over $ 2,000 in memory of beloved Jason Keith. These proceeds were kindly donated to GADA Canada, Thank you!

Research Vision for a Brighter Future: Montalcino Aortic Consortium

GADA Canada hosted the second Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC) Summit in May 2017. The Summit was a two-day conference held in Tuscany, Italy. Twenty-nine aortic disease specialists (physicians and researchers) from around the world (USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan), with a range of clinical disciplines including; Cardiovascular Genetics/Medicine, Adult Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Ophthalmology, Imaging and Molecular Research, participated in the Summit.

The Summit was a huge success! There were intensive discussions between the specialists to accelerate research based on their patients' observations. We look forward to results of the MAC that will change the future for our loved ones affected by any of the genetically triggered aortic diseases.

Remembering FRANKIE AIELLO

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In May 2016, Frankie Aiello, died from an acute aortic dissection at the age of 28. Frankie was well-built and a great athlete. Like the Canadian actor, Alan Thicke, Frankie was playing hockey when he experienced chest pain a short while before he passed away. 

In May 2017, Frankie’s family hosted a memorial service at the Oshawa Golf Club. Frankie was remembered by his closest family and friends, who donated to GADA $ 1,000 in support of promoting awareness of genetic aortic disorders. Thank you!

We humbly thank Frankie’s brother, Joseph Aiello, and ‘Just Energy Foundation Canada’ for donating $ 485 to GADA in honor of Frankie.

Frankie’s family and friends realize the importance of raising awareness of aortic disorders as an effort to help save lives in the future; for this we are tremendously thankful! 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and to all our members who donated towards our cause in memory of a lost loved one.  
 

14th Annual JASON 'RUFFY' KEITH Memorial Raises $ 1,600 in Pool Tournament Fundraiser

In April 2017, family and friends participated in the 14th annual Jason ‘Ruffy’ Keith Memorial Pool Tournament fundraiser. The memorial fundraiser was organized by Jason’s family at Dooly’s in Moncton, NB.

Once again, the turnout of supporters was exceptional! With 34 pool players and many supporters, the event raised $ 1600 in memory of beloved Jason Keith. These proceeds were kindly donated to GADA Canada.

We are truly grateful to Jason’s parents, Dave and Pam Keith, Jason’s brother, John, and Drew LaPointe, General Manager, Dooly’s, Moncton, NB, for organizing this fundraising event for 14 years in loving memory of their son and brother, Jason. Jason passed away in 2003 from Marfan syndrome.

We are humbled by the continued support received from Jason's friends, family, and the local community who come together every year to cherish Jason's memory and support the work of our organization. THANK YOU!
 

2016 HERITABLE AORTIC DISEASE CONFERENCE

GADA hosted its 18th national conference in Toronto, Canada. The conference was co-hosted by the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), University Health Network (UHN) and the University of Toronto.

The two day conference event was held at the BMO Conference Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, on September 16 and 17, 2016. Co-chairs for the conference were, Dr. Maral Ouzounian, Cardiac and Aortic Surgeon at the PMCC, Toronto and Dr. Nanette Alvarez, Adult Cardiologist and Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic at the University of Calgary.

The first day of the conference featured teachings and presentations by leading North American specialists and researchers, to update medical professionals about the latest research, diagnostic protocols, and the health management of patients diagnosed with genetic aortic disorders (GAD).