CALL IT MOTHER S INTUITION CSRO Research Committee Chair uses her own life experiences as a model to help other parents with disabilities

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1 A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C A N A D I A N S P I N A L R E S E A R C H O R G A N I Z AT I O N W I N T E R : VOLUME 1 4, I S S U E 4 Visit us at csro.com and shootforacure.org CALL IT MOTHER S INTUITION CSRO Research Committee Chair uses her own life experiences as a model to help other parents with disabilities ALSO INSIDE: AERIAL ANGELS A2D2 Inc. Gets Set to WOW Audiences at a Special CSRO Show DR. ROBERT HANSEBOUT Recipient of the 2008 Champion For A Cure Award ROCK N WHEEL! Ken Allore s Unique Fundraising Event Meets with Great Success NEW & IMPROVED ONLINE DONATION SYSTEM! Turn to Page 5 to Learn More! IMPROVING THE PHYSICAL QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE SPINAL INJURED THROUGH TARGETED MEDICAL & SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

2 Serious Injury Committed Legal Counsel Optimum Results AYLESWORTH LLP BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS CLIENT FOCUSED - SINCE 1861 G. Joseph Falconeri G. Joseph Falconeri Tel: jfalconeri@aylaw.com Barry J. Munro Tel: / jfalconeri@aylaw.com Tel: / bmunro@aylaw.com Ismail Barmania Bryan D. Rumble Tel: ibarmania@aylaw.com Tel: / brumble@aylaw.com The Aylesworth Team of Personal Injury Litigators has years of experience in assisting victims of serious personal injury, in dealing with medical and rehabilitation professionals, and in navigating the legal system. The Aylesworth Team has an excellent reputation built upon years of successful and effective representation of claimants through negotiated settlement, mediation, trial and appeal. At Aylesworth there is no charge for the initial consultation. P.O. Box 124, 18 th Floor, 222 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5K 1H1 Tel:

3 you ll find inside INTHIS ISSUE: Dear Friend, i o CSRO Magazine is a publication of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization. Canadian Spinal Research Organization 120 Newkirk Road, Unit 2 Richmond Hill, ON, Canada L4C 9S / (905) / The CSRO is a federally registered charity. R # RR0001 No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the CSRO. Canada Post sales agreement # CSRO Magazine is published by Tryad Publishing Inc. For advertising rates, call toll free Publisher Paul E.F. Smith Editor Barry Munro Contributing Writers Julie Danaylov / Trevor Golem Barry Munro / Jennifer Shannon Renée Weekes Copy Editors Claudia Sembiante Tina Winberg Cover Photo (large) Motion Concepts Creative/Design Tracey Fleming Director of Production Jim Medley Production Assistant Claudia Sembiante Manager Accounting Peter N.F. Smith Printing Falcon Print Group Inc. As we enter into a new year, many of our consumers are faced with the challenge of living with a spinal cord injury and with the hope of one day finding a cure. When we look at the enormity of living with paralysis, it tempers the current public mood with regards to the recession that we are living in. This is the third economic downturn that this organization has endured, and as in the past, we will survive it and only be stronger afterwards.we can only do that with your ongoing support and shared vision of preventing spinal cord injuries and finding a cure. This year, we saw the generosity of recurring supporters like Johnson & Johnson, who hosted the highest grossing event in CSRO history, as well as the introduction of several new fundraising events. As we anticipate the continued development of our own Fampridine-SR drug (formerly known as 4-aminopyridine), we recognize the contribution of the Father of Fampridine, Dr. Robert Hansebout. We chronicle the amazing cover story of CSRO Research Chair, Anita Kaiser, who, as a spinal cord injured woman, refused to accept the idea that she would never conceive. It is people with unwavering faith, like Anita who provide the fabric of hope for the CSRO. Also inside is our annual issue of Shoot For A Cure Magazine, which focuses on the success of our Shoot For A Cure fundraising campaigns. We are excited about the progress of our youth hockey injury prevention program, Play It Cool and our recent partnership with the National Hockey League Players Association. We also report on the famed career of snocross and motocross rider, Blair Morgan and the unfortunate spinal cord injury he recently suffered. So, as we enter 2009, I challenge all of you to band together and continue supporting us in our journey. Sincerely, Barry Munro, BA, LLB Chairman, Canadian Spinal Research Organization TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 4 A CHAMPION ON THE ROAD TO FAMPRIDINE A salute to Dr. Robert R. Hansebout, the Father of Fampridine and recipient of the CSRO s 2008 Champion For A Cure Award. 5 FAMPRIDINE UPDATE 7 CALL IT MOTHER S INTUITION Chair of the CSRO Research Committee, Anita Kaiser, uses her life experiences as a model to help other parents with disabilities 8 A VOLUNTEER LEGACY Alda Webster s positive spirit lives on in the CSRO s Peterborough, Ontario Chapter. 8 FIRST ROUND ACES! The inaugural Ministry of Transportation Reconnection Golf Tournament brings together over 140 participants from across Ontario for fundraising and fun! 9 FUN-DRAISING EVENTS CSRO supporters unite, raising funds for spinal cure research. 11 PLAY IT COOL TM SKILL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM Calling all coaches! Get involved with PIC s cutting-edge approach to hockey. 12 CIRQUE-TACULAR! & THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS The eclectic Cirque-tacular! cast is getting set to WOW audiences in a special CSRO Performance. 13 ROCKIN INTO THE FUTURE! Ken Allore combines his passion for music with his commitment to finding a cure for paralysis. 14 CSRO FINANCIAL SUMMARY u Winter 2008 CSRO MAGAZINE 3

4 csro research In 1989, Ray Wickson, the then president of Spinal Cord Society Canada, asked Dr. Hansebout to perform studies on 4AP, which would be funded by the organization. Helping to share the study with Dr. Hansebout, Dr. Andrew Blight traveled from Purdue University to assist with the study. Dr. Blight indicated that the study was the first that had shown actual increased power and sensation in patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI). The drug was shown by Dr. Hansebout and co-workers in 1992 to improve sensorimotor function, while reducing pain and spasticity, for patients with a SCI. Following this, the CSRO patented 4AP in 1994 with McMaster and Purdue Universities. Dr. Hansebout was named as the first inventor and Dr. Blight the second inventor. By RENÉE WEEKES For his vision, skill and tireless dedication to the field of neurology, the CSRO salutes Dr. Robert R. Hansebout, recipient of the 2008 Champion For A Cure Award. The Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) has been chronicling the evolution of the development of Fampridine-SR (formerly called 4AP) over the past 20 years. At a time when few embraced the hope of a cure for paralysis, the CSRO partnered with a research team that shared their vision, and led the surge of research into this area that began with 4AP. Dr. Robert R. Hansebout, a neurosurgeon, and currently a Professor Emeritus of Surgery at McMaster University in the Faculty of Health Sciences in Hamilton, Ontario, is the key individual who led the development of Fampridine-SR. For his contribution towards spinal research, the CSRO presents Dr. Robert R. Hansebout with the 2008 Champion For A Cure Award. An active clinician, educator and researcher, Dr. Hansebout specializes in spinal disorders, especially spinal trauma and improving the quality of life of patients with such afflictions. Since 1968, he has conducted research on the pathogenesis of traumatic spinal cord dysfunction, discovering methods of treating the injured spinal cord both in the acute and chronic situation. Dr. Hansebout is one of the three founding Directors of Spinal Cord Society Canada (now the CSRO) and served as Founding Medical Director of the CSRO from 1984 through Dr. Hansebout reflects back upon the public reaction to 4AP in May 1993, There was extensive media attention regarding the 4AP in human use. A number of media outlets, including major Canadian television networks, newspapers and radio stations covered the story. There was a great excitement about the potential of 4AP. Dr. Hansebout, whose resume includes performing almost 4,000 cranial, spinal and nerve operations, believed in the potential for a cure for paralysis when many thought there was little hope. This idea which was sparked 20 years ago, is now beginning to improve the quality of life for patients with SCI and multiple sclerosis (MS). The clinical trials of Fampridine-SR in MS have, both in Canada and the United States, been statistically significant. In addition to his tireless dedication to the field of neurology, Dr. Hansebout is a member of 25 local, national and international societies. He has spent an estimated 2,700 hours in volunteer activities to help our youth and disabled persons through numerous non-profit organizations. 4 CSRO MAGAZINE Winter 2008

5 csro research FAMPRIDINE-SR IMPROVES WALKING ABILITY IN PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FAMPRIDINE UPDATE By RENÉE WEEKES The Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) has a long-standing partnership with Acorda, a public biotechtechnology company, and the first group to focus on the development of therapies to restore function in individuals with chronic, or long term spinal cord injury. The CSRO has played a major role in funding the research of Fampridine-SR, conducted by Acorda, who is responsible for helping to develop this drug therapy. On June 2, 2008, Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. announced positive results from its second Phase 3 clinical trial of Fampridine-SR on walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). A significantly greater proportion of people taking Fampridine-SR in the trial had a consistent improvement in walking speed compared to people taking placebo (42.9% vs. 9.3%). Consistent improvement in walking speed was the primary endpoint of the study as outlined in the Special Protocol Assessment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With the success of this trial, we have achieved a critical milestone for Fampridine-SR. We have now completed two successful Phase 3 trials demonstrating improved walking ability in people with MS, said Ron Cohen, M.D., President and CEO of Acorda Therapeutics. We believe that, subject to FDA review, the results of our two Phase 3 trials are adequate to support a New Drug Application. We expect to submit this application in the first quarter of 2009 and plan to request priority review. Study Design The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Fampridine-SR in improving walking ability in people with MS. The primary endpoint of the study was response on the Timed 25-Foot Walk. A Fampridine-SR Timed Walk responder was defined as a study participant whose walking speed was faster at a majority of the four on-drug visits than any speed measured during the five off-drug visits. The trial, which enrolled 240 individuals at 39 MS centers in the United States and Canada, recruited patients between 18 and 70 years old with a definite diagnosis of MS and some degree of walking disability. Subjects were randomized to treatment with Fampridine-SR, at a dose of 10mg twice a day, or placebo and the study was open to people with all four major types of MS: primary-progressive, secondary-progressive, relapsing-remitting and progressive-relapsing. Participants were permitted to remain on a stable regimen of their current medications, including immunomodulators. Fight Paralysis Online! Everyone can help with just a few easy clicks To all of our friends and the many generous supporters of the CSRO: we cordially invite you to join us in the continued journey toward finding a cure for spinal cord injury with our new and improved online donation system. Your donation helps the CSRO: Fund spinal cure research Support spinal cord injury prevention programs Improve the physical quality of life of the spinal injured Please visit us at and give generously! Winter 2008 CSRO MAGAZINE 5

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7 csro stories CALL IT MOTHER S INTUITION Try to give Anita Kaiser one good reason why she can t be a mom, and she ll give you one great reason why she can: Olivia. By RENÉE WEEKES With excerpts from the TORONTO STAR In the weeks following a 1996 car crash that left her a quadriplegic, Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) board member and Chair of the Research Committee, Anita Kaiser picked up a pen and scrawled the phrase Malcolm and Mariah say hi. They were the names of the children that she hoped to one day have. Even then, facing the most challenging time in her life, she knew she would one day be a mother. While Anita and I talked during a trip to the CSRO lab at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario last fall, she mentioned that she had been battling morning sickness and hoped the ride to McMaster would be fairly smooth. I had to admit, I was confused, was a quadriplegic woman even able to conceive? She explained that it was in fact possible for a spinal cord injured woman to become pregnant. Adults with disabilities can be as capable and successful as able-bodied parents, she said, as long as there are devices, resources and services for support. Anita began to talk about her master s thesis in rehabilitation science, which examined the needs of parents with spinal cord injuries. You got an immediate sense how passionate she was about her work, because after all, she was living it. Fast forward to June 2008, the CSRO office was thrilled to receive an with a picture of Anita and beautiful baby girl, Olivia (on the cover of this issue). By now, Olivia was already four months old, and I was interested to speak with Anita about her experience as a new parent. Adults with disabilities can be as capable and successful as able-bodied parents, she says, as long as there are devices, resources and services for support. Anita endured a difficult three days of labour, as her blood pressure continued to rise in response to the onset of labour. However, she was rewarded with a natural delivery, the doctor actually caught Olivia like a football! Anita says with a chuckle. Anita has been able to utilize the information gathered in her thesis to help her care for Olivia. She has mastered feeding and even changing her daughter and independently cares for her four hours a day. Anita was amazed at the strategies parents came up with to modify cribs, playpens and change tables. Still, her research left her disappointed with the lack of devices and products that can be used by both able-bodied and disabled parents. Though her story is a happy one, she discovered through her own experience, as well as her research, that disabled women who are pregnant require increased attendant care by the third trimester. The problem arises when there are only a certain amount of hours available for attendant care, and extra help is necessary. Anita was lucky to receive the additional attendant care hours, because her husband was active in lobbying for her rights. She realizes that most women in her situation might not be as fortunate. Next fall, Anita will begin her PhD studies surrounding health services and the needs of disabled women who are considering becoming mothers to a year post-pregnancy. She points out that there is no continuum of care for these women. She would also like to find ways to collaborate with manufacturers to develop adaptive devices. So what advice can Anita offer to new parents with disabilities? I ve learned to not try to accomplish everything at once, but to add things one at a time, and you will learn as your child does, since they grow and change everyday. It is vital to try to be as independent as possible, so you can feel comfortable being left alone with the baby. Having a good support system in place is important, as you realize that you will have to depend on your partner and those around you more, especially towards the end of the pregnancy. The CSRO is dedicated to the improvement of the physical quality of life for persons with a spinal cord injury and those with related neurological deficits, through targeted medical and scientific research. Anita s dedication to her research embodies the mission of the CSRO, and will surely enhance the lives of women with disabilities. She has used her own life experiences as a model to help others. Winter 2008 CSRO MAGAZINE 7

8 Leading the Way to Healthier, Independent Lifestyles. Wheelchairs & Seating Vehicle Conversions & Van Adaptations Porchlifts, Stairlifts & Home Elevators Bathroom Safety Products Incontinence & Urinary Care Aids to Daily Living With over 55 stores across Canada, Shoppers Home Health Care is Canada s leading retailer of home health care equipment & supplies, providing Canadians with the ability to maximize their independence. Call SHOPPERs or visit us at to find a store near you 8 CSRO MAGAZINE Autumn 2008

9 S E C O N D I S S U E!>> S H O O T F O R A C U R E C O N T I N U E S T O G A I N M O M E N T U M [SHOOT FOR A CURE MAGAZINE, THE ANNUAL 2008] Working with the Hockey, Curling & Moto-Sport Communities to Reduce Spinal Cord Injury & Raise Funds to Cure Paralysis YOU LL FIND INSIDE >> Volume 1 Number 2: Play It Cool TM >> The 2008 Safe Hockey Summit Johnson & Johnson Hockey Tournament Action Summer/Winter Legendary Events >> And More!

10 HIT THE SLOPES WITH THE CSRO Stay tuned for the CSRO Challenge of Nations Event coming to the British Columbia Area in Spring 2009! THIS NEW ANNUAL EVENT WILL ENCOURAGE GREATER AWARENESS OF THE CSRO IN THE WHISTLER, BC AREA. This Olympic themed Challenge of Nations will combine a day of fun ski races on Whistler Blackcomb in conjunction with a tennis tournament at the Whistler Racquet Club. Check out the CSRO website in early 2009 to learn more! At VIEWPOINT MOBILITY, our vision is your freedom. A Vision equipped minivan can take you and your loved ones anywhere without compromising comfort, safety or style. VIEWPOINT MOBILITY is the maker of North America s best wheelchair accessible minivan, the Vision. The Vision is a rear-entry, lowered floor modification that is seamlessly engineered to make Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors minivans as barrier-free as possible. Canada: USA: Visit: 2 SFAC MAGAZINE /

11 YOU LL FIND INSIDE INTHISISSUE: Shoot For A CureMagazine is a publication of the American Spinal Research Organization (ASRO) and the Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO). American Spinal Research Organization 1623 Military Rd., #271 Niagara Falls, NY, U.S.A (800) Canadian Spinal Research Organization 120 Newkirk Rd., Unit 2 Richmond Hill, ON, Canada L4C 9S7 (800) / (905) The ASRO is a non-profit 501(C)(3) Corporation The CSRO is a federally registered charity. R # RR0001 No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the ASRO/CSRO. Canada Post sales agreement # Shoot For A Cure Magazine is published by Tryad Publishing Inc. For advertising rates, call toll free (877) Publisher Paul E.F. Smith Editor Barry Munro Contributing Writers Mike Asselin / Ivana Djordjevic Trevor Golem / Kerry Goulet Renée Weekes CopyEditors Claudia Sembiante Tina Winberg Creative/Design Tracey W. Fleming Director of Production Jim Medley Production Assistant Claudia Sembiante Manager Accounting Peter N.F. Smith Printing Falcon Print Group Inc. Welcome to Our 2 nd Issue! As with every hockey season there is optimism with all teams in every league. At the Canadian and American Spinal Research Organizations we echo this optimism with our goal of creating a safe hockey culture. Our new Play It Cool (PIC) program is an initiative to help prevent concussions and spinal injuries in hockey. We are excited about the opportunity to help coaches, parents, and players across North America and within the global hockey community. PIC has been designed to inform and educate, through an interactive website, the Envoy Program and a series of Hockey Summits, which will gather the best minds in hockey and craft concise deliverables for teaching safe hockey. I am extremely proud and honoured that I have been given the opportunity to be involved with this initiative. My personal friend, Robert Vielfaure, broke his neck 33 years ago, and it is my mission to help him, and all others with spinal cord injury, to walk again. Christopher Reeve, aka Superman, afflicted with a spinal cord injury through a riding accident, once said, It is not if I will walk again, but when I will walk again. Together, we all can make a difference; one practice, one game, one step at a time. Prevention is as important as the cure; so we have brought together the hockey community, and thus created PIC. I encourage everyone connected to the greatest sport on the planet, to step up and help us prevent spinal injuries and concussions in hockey! Kerry Goulet Director of Hockey Operations, Shoot For A Cure TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 WELCOME FROM SFAC DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS, KERRY GOULET 4 UPCOMING EVENTS 4 OPTIMUM SUPPORT OPTIMUM POINTS! 5 IN PURSUIT OF DREAMS SFAC team player, Jason Crone 6 PLAY IT COOL KEEPING HOCKEY SAFE 8 THE 2008 SAFE HOCKEY SUMMIT The sports and medical communities unite in response to the rising issue of neurotrauma in hockey. 10 SOURCE S SUPER ASSIST The 2008 Source For Sports Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic 11 A TERRIFIC 25TH! The 2008 Johnson & Johnson North American Hockey Cup 11 MEET JEFF B. SMITH An interview with Johnson & Johnson s Managing Director 12 AWESOME EXCURSION The 2008 Blair Morgan Fantasy Camp 13 A FALLEN HERO The CSRO extends thoughts and well wishes to snocross/moto-cross legend Blair Morgan and his family 13 LEGEND ARY EVENTS 14 SHOELESS JOE S AND SFAC INITIATIVES 15 BOURNE INTO IT Jeff Bourne unites hockey s greats to fight paralysis. 15 THE 2008 CHARITY LAW CLASSIC Personal injury lawyers show their support for SFAC / SFAC MAGAZINE 3

12 UPCOMING EVENTS GET INVOLVED BY PARTICIPATING IN ONE OF THE CSRO S UPCOMING EVENTS! By >> R E N É E W E E K E S Downsview Park s 4th Annual 3-on-3 Street Hockey Tournament 18th Dominion of Canada Spinal Tap Mixed Bonspiel More ball hockey excitement is set to take place at this always fun and popular event! Date: February 21, 2009 Location: Toronto, ON The Third Annual Charity Personal Injury Law Hockey Challenge The top personal injury lawyers from Toronto unite on ice to raise awareness for the Shoot For A Cure campaign. That s right, the 18th Spinal Tap is on Valentine s Day! As a result, we will have a Valentine s theme for the day. This year will be extra special with a number of the game s greatest such as 2007 World Men s Champion Team Howard and 2008 World Women s Champion Team participating in the event. What better way to spend that special day, than curling and a dinner/dance with your honey? Challenge of Nations Join us for day of ski races and a tennis tournament for a cure. Date: TBA Location: Whistler, BC The Crone Cup Expect more heated hockey action at this fundraising event! A2D2 s Cirque-tacular! & The Seven Deadly Sins The eclectic Cirque-tacular! cast is set to WOW audiences with wild and whimsical, silly and serious, sophisticated and sassy entertainment all to help raise funds for spinal cure research. PHOTO: Victorious smiles following last year s electrifying 3-on-3 street hockey tournament at Downsview Park. Date: March 4, 2009 Location: Toronto, ON Date: February 14, 2009 Location: Thornhill, ON Date: March 27, 2009 Location: Owen Sound, ON Date: March 29, 2009 Location: Toronto, ON Optimum Support Optimum Points! USING YOUR SHOPPERS OPTIMUM POINTS TM TO HELP FIND A CURE! By >> I VA N A D J O R D J E V I C Have you heard about an interesting and unusual way of helping us achieve our goal of finding a cure for paralysis? If you are reading this magazine, it is likely because you have supported the Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) in the past. While we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous support, we would also like to share with you an alternate method of helping us raise money for research projects. Donations can now be made to the CSRO through your Shoppers Optimum Points TM. The CSRO continues to be a part of the Shoppers Optimum Points TM Donation Program. This means that if you are a Shoppers Optimum Member TM you can choose to donate your Shoppers Optimum Points TM to us. Donating your Shoppers Optimum Points TM to the CSRO is easy: visit and follow the instructions. We re extremely pleased with the generosity individuals have shown through this program in the past! However, we would still love to see the program grow! By donating your Optimum Points to the Canadian Spinal Research Organization, you will be helping our fundraising ef- forts. The CSRO redeems donated Optimum Points in any Shoppers Drug Mart Store in order to purchase items that are used as prizes at our fundraising events. This helps reduce event costs, thus resulting in more money which can be used to support spinal research projects. What if you are not a Shoppers Optimum Member TM? No problem! The enrollment procedure is simple! All of the necessary forms can be found online at as well as in any Shoppers Drug Mart store across Canada. With so many people working so hard together, the dream of finding a cure for paralysis will one day be a reality. Donating your Shoppers Optimum Points TM is just one more way you can help bring us one step closer! You are just a few clicks away! If you have any questions regarding this program, contact the CSRO at or toll free at SFAC MAGAZINE /

13 TEAMPLAYERS In Pursuit of DREAMS ONTARIO NATIVE, JASON CRONE, DEFINES HIS OWN EXPECTATIONS AGAINST THE ODDS By >> R E N É E W E E K E S Owen Sound, Ontario native, Jason Crone isn t one for living up to expectation. He much prefers to dispel any notions of what he should be able to do. In 2003, Crone suffered a broken neck while playing minor hockey after being checked from behind into the boards as a 15- year-old defenceman. Despite having limited feeling from his wrists to his elbows, he took up wheelchair rugby three short years ago, joining the London Annihilators. Wheelchair rugby has continued to gain increased popularity since the release of the award winning rugby documentary Murderball in Crone has looked to the career of Dave Willsie, a quadriplegic who suffered a similar injury while playing hockey. Willsie, a succesful Olympian with Canada s quad rugby team, has inspired and acted as a mentor to Crone. Following in Willsie s footsteps, Crone has dedicated himself to training, has overcome numerous obstacles, and has justly been rewarded by being named to the 2008 Canadian Wheelchair Rugby team, who competed this past September in Beijing at the 2008 Paralympics. He has already traveled as far as Australia for competitions, playing against teams from the U.S., Japan, China, Germany, New Zealand, Great Britain and Australia. Crone was interviewed prior to his Olympic journey, which was chronicled by the local Owen Sound Sun Times newspaper. I think like anybody in this situation, you have to have that mindset that you re going to go in and do your best to get that medal around your neck, I ve had the thought a couple times about getting a medal. I can t wait, said Crone. Crone s dreams were realized at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, where he and the rest of Canadian Wheelchair Rugby team captured the Bronze medal. The Canadian Spinal Research Organization would like to congratulate Jason on reaching this milestone achievement and wish him continued success! THE CRONE CUP By >> T R E VO R G O LE M To kick off the Easter long weekend, two Owen Sound high school girls hockey teams the Owen Sound Collegiate Vocational Institute (OSCVI) Falcons and West Hill Secondary School Raiders faced off in the annual Crone Cup charity hockey game on March 20, This is the sixth year the event was held, which began in 2003 after OSCVI student Jason Crone was injured while playing minor hockey. Game time at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Center was 1:00 pm. Students, parents, and the general public started to CRONE S DREAMS WERE REALIZED AT THE 2008 BEIJING PARALYMPICS, WHERE HE AND THE REST OF CANADIAN WHEELCHAIR RUGBY TEAM CAPTURED THE BRONZE MEDAL. arrive well in advance and were delighted to see a pre-game skills competition involving the two teams. In the end, both teams tied the pre-game competition, with OSCVI winning the fastest skater competition and puckcontrol race and West Hill coming back to capture the shootout and the team tug-of-war events. The action was already heated and the game had yet to begin! West Hill controlled the play for most of the game, earning a 4-2 victory. Amy Waterton, stopping 16 shots, was player of the game for OSCVI. Katherine Roy, who opened the scoring, was named West Hill player of the game. Thanks to the efforts of OSCVI teacher Jason Playter as well as players, parents, teachers, sponsors, and volunteers, the annual Crone Cup event has has raised over $20,000 for the CSRO. This year over 1,000 fans attended the game, raising vital funds for spinal cure research and injury prevention through the sale of tickets, raffle tickets, and a silent auction. PHOTOS: Above >> Jason with captains of the West Hill Secondary Raiders and the Owen Sound Collegiate Vocational Institute Falcons Below >> Wheelchair Rugby action! / SFAC MAGAZINE 5

14 PLAY ITCOOL TM By >> R E N É E W E E K E S Play It Cool (PIC) is a skill enhancement program of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization s Shoot For A Cure campaign, which aims to reduce the incidence of neurotrauma (concussion and spine) injuries in hockey. The program has undergone a variety of changes over the past three years, as PIC has continued to develop in order to best serve the needs of its audience: parents, players, officials and the coaches of grassroots youth hockey. After some adjustments, PIC is finally ready to be launched. THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED PLAY IT COOL WEBSITE IS A PLATFORM WHICH UNITES PARTNERS IN THE HOCKEY COMMUNITY FROM ACROSS NORTH AMERICA. The PIC website is an online platform uniting partners in the hockey community from across North America to become the online destination for safe hockey. This combined approach teaches coaches, parents and kids that skill enhancement, education and character building is the key to injury prevention. Officially launched at the 2008 Safe Hockey Summit in Toronto, PIC was well received by summit delegates. The consensus at the event was that PIC filled a much needed void in the hockey community providing one central online access point related to safety in hockey. All too often youth are suffering concussions at an increased rate. This problem coupled with children returning to play before they have fully recovered leads to repeat concussions. Repeat injuries can result in permanent side effects, and sometimes permanent restriction from playing hockey or any contact sport. An integral part of PIC is the program s recent partnership with the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA). The NHLPA, who is a strong supporter of minor hockey development around the world, is helping to rally support from NHL players to help promote PIC as a unified solution for safe hockey. Director of Hockey Operations for Shoot For A Cure, Kerry Goulet, will be helping to lead the effort to get PIC on the radar of NHL teams. Goulet hopes that each NHL team will recognize the glaring value that the PIC program can bring to their respective cities. We want the PIC website to be the one place where parents and coaches can go to find all sources related to safety in hockey. A central location where they can gain tools that make them feel safe about sending their kids onto the ice, comments Goulet. The new PIC website is a multimedia community, which contains four social platforms that feature a content delivery system, photos, videos, blogs, message centers, and exclusive training and safety tips from NHL players. There are four unique components of PIC which separate it from similar programs: A foundation built on scientific research. The pr0gram has been developed and evaluated by a team of researchers from across Ontario universities. The Online Safety Platform, which unites safe hockey programs from across North America. An facilitated online eight week e-learning program for coaches which includes the Practice Playing Games Manual, containing 60 small area games to enhance your practices. The Envoy Program, which gives a Play It Cool ambassador who has suffered a spinal cord injury the chance to visit minor league hockey teams to share their experience and educate them about safe play. For more information or to have your team participate in the Play It Cool program, please visit PHOTOS: With the involvement of parents and coaches, youth participating in hockey at the grassroots level practice to build their hockey skills and on-ice awareness in order to help reduce the incidence of spinal injuries and concussions in the game. 6 SFAC MAGAZINE /

15 It s Time for a Safer, More Effective Game of Hockey...Coaches, players and parents, let s Play It Cool! Play It Cool is a campaign of the Canadian and American Spinal Research Organization that works collaboratively with the sports community to instill the belief that skill enhancement and education is the key to the prevention of concussion and spinal injuries in hockey. To find out how you can Play It Cool, please visit: or call x 232.

16 SFAC EVENTS The 2008 SAFE HOCKEY SUMMIT THE SPORTS AND MEDICAL COMMUNITIES UNITE IN RESPONSE TO THE RISING ISSUE OF NEUROTRAUMA IN HOCKEY, WORKING TO MAKE THE SPORT SAFER FOR THE GAME S BRIGHT YOUNG STARS. 1 By >> R E N É E W E E K E S A culmination of over 50 of of some of the greatest minds in the sports and medical communities from across North America came together for the 2008 Safe Hockey Summit on June 11, The group gathered at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to discuss one issue: How do we prevent concussions and spinal injuries in hockey? The goal of this event was not only to discuss the summit themes, but to begin to create realistic solutions to improve safety in the game, with a special focus on minor hockey. Hosts of the event, the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF), the Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) and Think- First Canada were joined by organizations such as the NHL, Hockey Canada, Hockey USA and the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF). Attendees were officially welcomed to the event by Ontario Minister of Health Promotion, Margarett Best and CSRO Chairman and summit Co-Chair, Barry Munro. A highlight of the summit was the chance for each of the attendees to share their knowledge and experiences during the to the prevention and proper management of neurotraumatic injuries in hockey. Summit delegates agreed that a solution in the form of access to a central online destination like playitcoolhockey.com that can provide insmall group discussions. Delegates were reminded that the key to the event s success would be the free exchange of ideas amongst all participants. Presenters including summit Co-Chair and founder of Think- First Canada, Dr. Charles Tator, Todd Jackson of Hockey Canada and Dr. Robert Cantu, Director of Sports Medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Massachusetts addressed topics surrounding the summit themes: The Science Surrounding Neurotrauma in Hockey, The State of the Game, Existing Programs for Injury Prevention. NHL Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly, as well as Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations for the NHL, Jim Gregory, were amongst the honoured guests and represented concern from the highest level of the game to create a safer brand of hockey. The summit also served as an official launch of the CSRO s youth injury prevention program, Play It Cool. One common thread that emerged from group discussion was that an online program like Play It Cool is key 5 formation about several existing injury prevention programs, is needed for parents, coaches and kids. Play It Cool is a skill enhancement program of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization s Shoot For A Cure (SFAC) 3 8 SFAC MAGAZINE /

17 2 7 I AM EXCITED BY WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED BY COMING TOGETHER AS A GROUP. BUT WE CAN T REST HERE. WE MUST CONTINUE TO PUSH TOWARD EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS IN THE AREA OF NEUROTRAUMATIC INJURIES IN HOCKEY, SAYS BARRY MUNRO. vided an interactive discussion PHOTOS: 4 6 campaign, which aims to reduce the incidence of neurotrauma (concussion and spine) injuries in hockey. The Play It Cool website is a an online platform uniting hockey programs from across North America to ulti- 8 9 walk from my residence to the HHOF this morning, just to avoid feeling sick, he commented. Ron Ellis described taking a fall in the 1972 Summit Series, and the fear he experienced when he thought he had broken his neck, as he was initially unable to move his legs. Stepping outside of his media role, Bob Mckenzie provided a keynote luncheon address about his experiences as a parent of two teenage boys, one of whom has suffered such major concussions that he is no longer able to play any contact sports. Offering yet another viewpoint, Lois Kalchman and Randy Starkman of the Toronto Star and Andi Petrillo of Leafs TV promately promote a safer more effective game of hockey. This combined approach teaches coaches, parents and kids that skill enhancement and education is the key to injury prevention. While much was learned from the information presented, the personal stories shared by former professional hockey player, Mark Moore, Toronto Maple Leaf alumnus, Ron Ellis and TSN Analyst Bob McKenzie were equally as poignant. Mark Moore discussed how a concussion he sustained from a hit during a game ended his career a few years ago. Moore is still suffering from post-concussion syndrome, I had to take a few breaks during my 10 minute on the role of that the media plays in injury prevention. Co-Chair of the summit, Dr. Charles Tator, was happy to see the event come together. We accomplished a great deal at the hockey summit, and now know that we need to develop a more comprehensive strategy to deal with the prevention of injuries, comments Dr. Tator. Several recommendations were made to make the summit an annual event in order to have the opportunity to reach grassroots hockey in Canada and activate effective prevention strategies and solutions. In order to increase the potential for success, there may be a need to focus the summit on one key area/issue in order to yield the most opportunity for change. With such a successful inaugural event, several attendees suggested hosting the next Safe Hockey Summit in autumn 2009, with a widened scope to solicit participation from across Canada and ultimately involve a greater number of key stakeholders. To watch video presentations of the 2008 Safe Hockey Summit, visit playitcoolhockey.com. 1 >> (left to right) Kerry Goulet, Director of Hockey Operations for SFAC; Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner; Barry Munro; Bob Mckenzie,TSN Analyst and Jim Gregory, Senior VP, NHL 2 >> Presenter, Todd Jackson, Hockey Canada Risk Manager 3 >> Play It Cool presented by Dr. William Montelpare 4 >> Barry Munro thanks Ontario Minister of Health Promotion, Margarett Best 5 >> Bob McKenzie does his keynote presentation 6 >> (left to right) Summit Co-Chair, Dr. Charles Tator and presenter, Dr. Robert Cantu 7 >> Group discussions 8 >> Media panel (left to right) Lois Kalchman and Randy Starkman of the Toronto Star and Andi Petrillo of Leafs TV 9 >> Summit attendees / SFAC MAGAZINE 9

18 SFAC EVENTS Source s SUPER ASSIST THE 2008 SOURCE FOR SPORTS HOCKEY HALL OF FAME LEGENDS CLASSIC 1 2 By >> R E N É E W E E K E S The newest crop of Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees along with the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens franchise was celebrated at the annual Source for Sports (SFS) Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) Legends Classic on Sunday, November 9, Taking place at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, fans enjoyed an entertaining game featuring the Montreal Canadiens Legends vs. the All- Star Legends. As the crowd filed into the building, they were greeted by an aerial cirque performance by A2D2. The young and the young at heart were dazzled by Julie Danaylov, Samantha DeAngelis and Elisa DeAngelis, adorned in Shoot For A Cure (SFAC) T-shirts, as they flipped, twirled and contorted their bodies. Fans were treated to seeing The Montreal Canadiens Legends, with Brian Savage, Kirk Muller, Steve Shutt, Larry Robinson and Gary Leeman square off against The All Star Legends, including Paul Coffey, Igor Larionov, Mark Messier, Wendel Clark and Michel Goulet. The audience then enjoyed a live half time performance and post-game encore by Juno Award winner Kim Mitchell. During the second period of the game, fans had the opportunity to cheer on the finalists of the HHOF s summer Source For Sports Shoot Out contest, for the chance to win $25,000 in cash. The initiative raised $20,000 for the SFAC campaign. The game also marked the unveiling of the custom designed masks in The Source for Sports One of a Kind Charity Masks Auction, with all proceeds going towards SFAC. ITECH mask designer, Mark Hart continues to lend his expertise to the initiative, and created show stopping designs for all five masks. The original masks feature a tribute to the legacy of the Montreal Canadiens, the Detroit Red Wings, the Edmonton Oilers, the Toronto Maple Leafs and this year s Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees. The masks will be available for bid beginning in January 2009 on nhl.com SFAC would like to extend special thanks to Xentel and Cathy Sproule for their continued support of SFAC, as well as the entire staff at the Hockey Hall of Fame for their continued assistance including Jeff Denomme, Peter Jagla, Kelly Masse and Jackie Schwartz. To see more pictures of the 2008 Source For Sports Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic, log on to shootforacure.org. PHOTOS: 1 >> Julie, Elisa and Samantha of A2D2 wowed the crowd! 2 >> The Newest HHOF Inductees Igor Larionov, Ray Scampanello, Glenn Anderson 3 >> Legends unite! 4 >> Juno award winner, Kim Mitchell 5 >> Dedicated SFAC volunteers 6 >> Paul LaVigne of Source for Sports, Barry Munro, winner of SFS Shoot Out 10 SFAC MAGAZINE /

19 Meet JEFF B. SMITH Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson Inc. General Manager, Baby & Beauty Global Business Units By >> R E N É E W E E K E S ATerrific 25th! THE 2008 JOHNSON & JOHNSON NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY CUP By >> T R E VO R G O LE M May 30th, 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the Johnson & Johnson North American Hockey Cup. The tournament weekend began as participants filled the arena to register at The Sports Village in Vaughan, Ontario, the host arena to the event. There was an extra incentive this year for participants to increase their fundraising efforts, as the top three fundraisers earned a spot to play on the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni team, and the next 15 earned a spot to play on the opposing team in the Alumni game. As former Toronto Maple Leafs Ron Ellis (who served as coach for the day), Gary Leeman, and Wilf Paiement were among the participating Alumni, these spots were hotly contested for. Players and spectators alike were delighted when current Toronto Maple Leaf & Shoot For A Cure supporter, Alexei Ponikarovsky, a surprise addition, took to the ice to participate in the alumni game. Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) Chairman, Barry Munro was greeted with smiles and great applause by players and spectators as he addressed the crowd and dropped the ceremonial opening face-off. The on-ice action continued during the alumni game as the playoff elimination rounds began. Shoot For A Cure would like to congratulate the triumphant winners: Men s A Division: Team JOI Men s B Division: Team Polysporin/Band-Aid Men s B Division Consolation: Team OCD Women s Division: Team JOI Susan Bull Memorial Trophy (Women s Most Valuable Goalie): Julie Roy, JJP Montreal The tournament wrapped up at the nearby Wegz Stadium Bar where teams gathered to re-tell the weekend s best stories and watch Game 1 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals. Presentations were made to Johnson & Johnson president Jeff Smith and tournament organizer Steve Lemieux and the event committee members: Tim Scott, Tammy Rose, Marc Lavoie, Alan Kim, and Laura Vidal. This year s tournament was the best ever in the event s history, with $115,000 being raised for spinal cure research. As well, this was the CSRO s highest grossing single event in the organization s history. This total brings the six year amount to over $375,000. Shoot For A Cure would like to thank all J&J participants and supporters from across North America for their continued dedication to the campaign. PHOTO: Alexei Ponikarovsky of the Toronto Maple Leafs; former Toronto Maple Leaf, Ron Ellis; Barry Munro and Kerry Goulet of CSRO with J& J participants As the Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson Inc. how did it feel to have your company host the largest fundraiser in Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) history? Our long-standing commitment to CSRO and it s purpose has been marked by many highs throughout as we worked to develop better programs and initiatives. That said, this years outcome was truly special and signifies how far our relationship has come through dedicated employees and volunteers on both sides of the relationship. How well do you think the mission of the Shoot For A Cure campaign aligns with Johnson & Johnson Inc. community outreach initiatives? At Johnson & Johnson Inc. our philanthropic program strives to build strong partnerships that can have a significant impact on the health and wellness of Canadians and to build a strong connection between our employees, our Company and our communities. The mission of the Shoot for A Cure campaign aligns perfectly with this vision. This is definitely a win - win partnership. How do you think employees of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies benefit from such an employee based initiative? In too many ways to mention! Our annual Hockey Tournament touches almost every employee in some way. Importantly, it is a fun weekend. We encourage everyone to bring their family members to join in the various activities taking place around the Tournament. It is all positive, we have lots of fun with our friends and families, we meet new people, we get active playing hockey, we raise much needed funds for a very important cause and we create a great sense of pride among our colleagues it does not get much better than that. After continued success with the Johnson & Johnson North American Hockey Cup, how do you see the relationship between the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies and the CSRO growing in the future? Our goal is to create long term partnerships and therefore we envision that our relationship with the CSRO will continue into the future. Our Hockey Tournament has been a great success and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year - I have every reason to believe this will continue. As we work with the CSRO and learn more about their current and future needs, we will certainly consider what else we can be doing to support those needs. How did you feel taking to the ice with current NHL player, Alexei Ponikarovsky of the Toronto Maple Leafs? Obviously it was a great thrill both to see a current NHL player suit up and support the initiative in addition to many of the greats who have traditionally joined the event as Alumni players. Alexei was clearly passionate about the CSRO vision and mission and spent time to talk with employees and sign autographs...truly a treat. His presence was the talk of the tourney! Oh, and yes he did show some skills that made us all take notice! / SFAC MAGAZINE 11

20 SFAC MOTO-SPORT By >> MIKE ASSELIN, 29 Sports During the first week of April, I had the opportunity to have the experience of a lifetime when I was invited to spend three days riding snowmobiles in the Okanagan Mountains with Blair Morgan a snocross and moto-cross legend. The Blair Morgan Race Team (BMRT) hosted the Blair Morgan Fantasy Camp at the Glacier House Resort in Revelstoke, British Columbia, and I was lucky enough to attend and represent Shoot For A Cure (SFAC) which is close to the hearts of the BMRT. For someone who has never even been out West before, the two hour drive through mountains and lakes was absolutely breathtaking. I was equally amazed when arriving at the Glacier House Resort (GHR), a beautiful hotel and resort surrounded by the natural beauty of Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks, Lake Revelstoke and the Columbia River. The next two days were full of great food many thanks to the chef and staff of GHR, and hours of the most intense riding and sights that I have ever seen. On the opening morning of riding, Blair and his teammate Brett Turcotte, put on a show for us on a race track built exclusively for the event on the resort grounds. The speed at which they ripped around the track and the ease of launching their skidoos into the air was truly amazing. That afternoon we loaded up on our mountain sleds and approached a part of the mountain called Boulder Ridge. The ride was full of incredible views and the most fresh powder to ride on that any of us from Ontario had ever seen! The entire group also experienced how tough it can be to dig a 600 pound skidoo out of six feet of powder. The next day we enjoyed exploring Frisbee Mountain where we focused more on back-country riding and enjoyed the shows put on by the professional riders who displayed no fear of completing 50 foot drops! Words can t even begin to explain how much I enjoyed the event while getting to know Blair and his race team, as well as all of the Fantasy Camp participants. Their generous contributions and support are what make weekends and experiences like this possible for SFAC. For the latest news about upcoming BMRT races and events or to view more Blair Morgan Fantasy Camp photos, please visit TAKE A RIDE WITH A CHAMPION. TAKE THIS DREAM AND LIVE IT. THE 2008 BLAIR MORGAN FANTASY CAMP IN THE OKANAGAN MOUNTAINS OFFERED UP AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME. PHOTOS: Top of Page >> Blair Morgan soars through the air. Below >> Participants of the 2008 Blair Morgan Fantasy Camp together. 12 SFAC MAGAZINE /