.jpg)
Vision Quest 2008
Inspires hope that cures are in sight
Dale Turner, the first Canadian to have some sight restored by a new gene therapy, shared his personal experience at Vision Quest 2008. To watch Dale’s speech, click here.
Vision Quest 2008 delivered a message of hope to the 600 attendees in Vancouver and Toronto. On November 22nd and November 29th the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) hosted Vision Quest 2008 in two cities: Vancouver and Toronto. The sold-out conference featured top retina scientists, presenting information on developing treatments and therapies to prevent, or cure, genetic forms of blindness, specifically retinitis pigmentosa and related diseases. One highlight was guest speaker Dale Turner, the first Canadian to have some sight restored through a new gene therapy treatment.
Also at the conference Sharon Colle, President and CEO of the FFB announced that the FFB have partnered with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in a five-year grant that will fund an ambitious research project to develop innovative gene therapies for a number of human degenerative retinal diseases. To read more, please click here
Read what others had to say about this unique experience that touched many:
"The Conference was lovely - the research overwhelming and the guest speakers exceptional! Hopefully you will have another next year - In the next few months I will try think of some ideas that you might want to consider for next year - having an RP diagnosis for the last 25 yrs has been challenging but I think I am lucky to still have good central vision at the age of 52!! The conference is a nice way to get us all together and realize that we are not alone."
-Susan Milne
"I just attended my first Vision Quest Conference on Saturday. I was overwhelmed at the quality of the event, and the invaluable and hopeful information I learned there. I will do everything in my power to support the work of the FFB. Thank you for the work you do."
-Linda Weber
"I wanted to express to the entire FFB staff that I was truly impressed with this weekend’s conference. The information was so valuable and all the speakers were excellent. As one who attends many conferences, I was truly impressed with the professionalism and attention to every aspect of detail. The wait staff at MaRS was also excellent. Congratulations on a job well done. Looking forward to next year’s meeting."
-Dr. Ana Junicic
"We would like to double our monthly givings (see what the conference can inspire!). I hope that the conference inspired many more to give as we know that research is critical for finding the answers and changing lives."
-Joan Milroy
Monthly giving provides ongoing funds to support multi-year research projects and vital education programs like Vision Quest. At a time of economic uncertainty, we need your support to make certain that research and education continue! Please click here and be our newest monthly supporter!
If a monthly gift isn't possible at this time, please consider a single gift.
There are other ways to help! Every gift of support is a gift of sight. For see other ways to put "Your Hope into Action".
