Researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals, organizational leaders, industry,
people living with ALS,and caregivers from around the world unite
for a series of meetings focused on a shared goal of a world free of ALS
TORONTO, November 28, 2024—This December, Montreal will serve as a global hub, uniting efforts from around the world to advance research and care initiatives for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND). The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and the ALS Society of Quebec (ALS Quebec) will co-host a series of meetings, including the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations Annual Meeting, Allied Health Professionals Forum, and the 35th International Symposium on ALS/MND, from December 2-8. The impact of these collaborations resonates throughout every effort enabling stakeholders to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise to a common goal of a world free of ALS/MND.
The week will begin with the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, with 64 member organizations from 38 countries worldwide coming together for the Annual Meeting to address the current challenges people affected by ALS face today. Following this event, over 300 allied health professionals will share best practices in care and support of people living with this progressive neurological illness. The largest of the meetings, the International Symposium, organized by the MND Association (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), brings together more than 1,200 researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders to share their work and collaborations.
People living with ALS and caregivers will also attend, sharing their firsthand experiences. Their stories will offer a vital perspective for researchers and healthcare professionals, underscoring the urgent need for more collaboration and innovation to improve the lives of people affected by the disease.
These meetings provide a platform to share global initiatives and highlight the contributions of researchers, health professionals, and ALS organizations.
Globally, more than 200,000 people are living with ALS, including 4,000 Canadians. This disease progressively paralyzes individuals by preventing the brain from communicating with the muscles. As a result, people with ALS often face a swift decline in the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. There is currently no cure for the disease that carries a lifetime risk of 1 in 300 for each of us.
The full week of events includes:
- December 2-3: International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations Annual Meeting – Focuses on strengthening global partnerships, sharing information, and uniting advocacy and patient support efforts.
- December 4-5: Allied Professionals Forum – Opportunity for knowledge exchange among health care professionals to learn about and share ALS/MND care advancements.
- December 6-8: International Symposium on ALS/MND – Features a diverse program of basic and clinical science, therapy development, and clinical management.
For more information, visit https://symposium.mndassociation.org.
In the lead-up to the Symposium, the André-Delambre ALS Research Symposium will take place December 4-5. Relaunching this year after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, this scientific conference has a 15-year history of bringing international ALS researchers to Quebec for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
ALS Canada
“ALS Canada is honoured to co-host these important international meetings in Montreal this December alongside our partners at ALS Quebec. This provides an invaluable opportunity for the world’s leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and people affected by ALS to come together to share ideas, spark future collaboration, and potentially the next breakthrough,” says Tammy Moore, CEO of the ALS Society of Canada. “By fostering these global connections and sharing the latest advancements in research and care, we move closer to our shared goal of a world free of ALS.”
ALS Quebec
“ALS Quebec is thrilled to welcome the global ALS/MND community to Montreal, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and collaborative spirit,” says Claudine Cook, Executive Director of ALS Quebec. “Alongside ALS Canada, we are looking forward to the energy and commitment of delegates from around the world, whose personal and professional knowledge and experiences will inspire continued action and change in creating a brighter future for all those affected by ALS/MND.”
International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
“For the Alliance, we see the ALS/MND research and care as a global endeavour. This disease transcends borders, and we can learn a lot from how professionals in other countries are handling issues and how care is provided,” says Cathy Cummings, CEO of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. “To think more broadly, we need international collaboration among all the people affected: our members, researchers, service providers and people living with ALS/MND. This is what our conferences provide. Participants leave with new connections and motivation to do more to win the fight against ALS/MND.”
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For more information:
ALS Society of Canada
media@als.ca
437-703-5402