Partners

Why Support The Canadian Open Parkinson Network?

Our goal is to leverage data, scale and collaboration to unlock the mysteries of Parkinson’s disease. A national, shared database for Parkinson’s disease will foster more collaborations and information-sharing between scientists, clinicians, and the Parkinson’s community. We will increase efficiencies, and set the stage for more large-scale research breakthroughs, while increasing access to clinical trials. C-OPN will also help identify and address gaps in care and services.

Collecting and analyzing data at scale is the key to unlocking the mysteries of Parkinson’s. For example, Parkinson’s is increasingly being viewed as a disease with many different sub-types or strata. By collecting data on people with different genetic makeups, we can start to understand why some people present different symptoms or respond to treatments differently. As we begin to learn more about the different causes of Parkinson’s and potentially different types of the disease, researchers will be better prepared to develop personalized treatments for people with Parkinson’s. More than that, these distinctions can also be used to develop better trials for medications.

A major challenge for being able to do studies on a subtype of Parkinson’s however, is the need for very large numbers of study participants to identify those subtypes in the first place. The dedicated team of researchers with C-OPN need your help today to collect and analyze data and to develop more meaningful treatments for Canadians with Parkinson’s.

Join us as part of a team of partners committed to transforming the Canadian Parkinson’s research landscape. Make a one-time donation today by clicking the “Donate” button below:

Donate

Or contact Candice Naylen, Vice President, Marketing and Philanthropy, with Parkinson Canada (candice.naylen@parkinson.ca) to discuss your gift.

Participant Testimonials

Why I joined and what does it mean to be part of C-OPN ?

As a caregiver to my husband who has lived with Parkinson's since he was 40 years of age I wanted to be more involved on a national level. I have worked with PSBC since he was officially diagnosed and continue to volunteer locally.

I put my application to join C-OPN to be part of moving forward with research on Parkinson's and to gain a better understanding of the effects/outcomes of the research being done in Canada.

Also to gain more information on what is being done on the world wide basis, through the world conferences.

Enjoy hearing from the students and professors in the research projects that are being conducted and how it can impact the people living with the disease and their caregivers.

Also have met some amazing and fabulous people living with Parkinson's and their journey.

Sandra Alexander, husband diagnosed at 40,

My name is Manon Day. I am 39 years old. In 2011 at the age of 27, I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s at the Montreal Neurological Institute.Being a rare case of Parkinson’s,I strongly believe participating in research is important.Therefore, I want to contribute for the advancements of knowledge of Parkinson’s. Making a difference is very impactful.

Manon Day, 39, diagnosed in 2011,

The Calgary Parkinson Research Initiative [now linked to the Canadian Open Parkinson Network] was well organized and comprised of two site visits of 3 hours each. The research coordinators were well prepared and this made participation enjoyable. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to advance research in Parkinson’s disease. Get involved… What are you waiting for?

Laurine Fillo, 55, diagnosed in 2003,

It was early in the summer of 2013, at the age of 44, that we received the shocking news that I had Parkinson’s disease. And it was shocking. A total Knock Out … .3,2,1 out! Our life was turned upside down, and we sought to better understand this insidious disease that invades me. When Dr. Fon told us about the Quebec Parkinson Network [now linked to the Canadian Open Parkinson Network], I registered without hesitation. As parents (and now grandparents), our greatest wish is to win the fight against this chronic and degenerative disease so that generations following us will speak about Parkinson’s as a curable disease. To date, I have participated in several research protocols and, to the best of my abilities, I will continue to do so.

Linda Bérard, diagnosed in 2013,

The Parkinson’s research registry is important and should be recognized. It not only records data, but also gives out information that can guide future research. I enjoy working with the researchers and being part of a larger community of volunteer participants. I want to pay back prior study participants, who helped research that I benefit from and now I can pay it forward to future generations. This is your chance to be part of the future knowledge of Parkinson’s disease.

Eldean Kathol, 88, diagnosed 34 years ago,

Founding Partners

Parkinson Canada

Parkinson Canada is a proud founding partner, investing and collaborating with leading researchers from across Canada to create the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN). Parkinson Canada provides services and education to people living with Parkinson’s disease, their families, and the healthcare professionals who treat them. Operating since 1965, the organization advocates with governments on issues that concern the Parkinson’s community in Canada. The Parkinson Canada Research Program funds innovative research for better treatments and a cure.

To learn more about Parkinson Canada, visit their website:

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Brain Canada Foundation

The Brain Canada Foundation is a founding partner of the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) through the Canada Brain Research Fund, a partnership with Health Canada. Brain Canada is a national registered charity that enables and supports excellent, innovative, paradigm-changing brain research in Canada. Brain Canada’s vision is to understand the brain, in health and illness, to improve lives and achieve societal impact. For two decades, Brain Canada has made the case for the brain as a single, complex system with commonalities across the range of neurological disorders, illnesses and injuries. Brain Canada raises and leverages funds from a range of donors and partners, including individuals, corporations, foundations, research institutes, health charities, and provincial agencies. To date, Brain Canada and its supporters have invested $250 million in 300 research projects across the country.

To learn more about the Brain Canada Foundation, visit their website:

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Funding Partners

Current Funders

We would like to thank our community and industry supporters for partnering with us to help researchers conduct better quality studies to improve treatments and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease.