RI-MUHC researchers lead the first 
program in Canada
Oral immunotherapy, or oral desensitization, involves giving patients small, incremental doses of the food they are allergic to, under strict medical supervision, in an attempt to train the body to tolerate the food allergen instead of react to it. To date, an MUHC study has shown great success with 15 of the 22 patients enrolled successfully completing the program. "These children all had life-threatening milk allergies and after successfully completing this program, they can now have up to one cup of milk each day," explained Dr. Bruce Mazer, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the RI-MUHC. For more details about the program, check out the Montreal Gazette, CJAD, La Presse, Le Devoir, and the Journal de Montreal.
Montreal universities land historic $213M investment for computer and brain research
Artificial intelligence in the form of computers with quasi-human capabilities, as well as the demise of disabling and lethal brain diseases are two areas of research at Montreal universities poised for major breakthroughs after receiving a historic investment of more than $200 million from the federal government. The funding is part of a landmark investment of $900 million through Canada First for 13 post-secondary institutions across the country, aiming to exploit a university’s area of expertise and turn its researchers into global leaders in a field. The goal, said researcher Alan Evans of McGill University and The Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, is to transform brain disorders from terminal or lifelong afflictions to treatable, or even curable, conditions. That includes mental health conditions as well as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. For more details about this momentous investment, visit The Montreal Gazette and Radio-Canada.
Juvenile arthritis: Superheroes to the rescue
More than 24,000 young Canadians under the age of 16 suffer from juvenile arthritis, which is why the Arthritis Society has decided to launch an explanatory comic book to raise awareness of this autoimmune disease. To find out what Dr. Sarah Campillo, rheumatologist at the Montreal Children Hospital, had to say on the topic visit La Presse.
Trampoline, “a dangerous sport”
At the beginning of August, an American study raised the alarm about the dramatic increase in injuries related to the equipment, mainly due to the spread of trampoline parks and children play centres. By the end of the month, the Quebec Health department had found that the rate of injuries in trampoline parks is similar to that of ski resorts. At the Montreal Children Hospital, trauma director Debbie Friedman has been concerned about trampolines for nearly 20 years. Mrs. Friedman talked to La Presse about the issue.
P.K. Subban reassures kids at Children's Hospital: 'I will not let you down'
P.K. Subban visited the Children's to announce that his foundation has already contributed $1.4 million to the hospital. In all, he said, the money has helped more than 9,000 families so far. “Kids, I will not let you down,” Subban said as he gave a short speech to families, children and hospital officials. “My jersey might change, but what I support will always stay the same.” To find out how Subban’s donation is already making a positive difference in the lives of children and their families, visit The Montreal Gazette, Hockey Inside Out, NHL.com, CJAD and CTV News.
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