Jun 15 2019
Narcolepsy Research Efforts In Canada Supported by WUN

On Monday, April 3, 2017, WUN Board Member Emeritus, Gordon Gow along with WUN Co-founder and Board Member, David Gow presented an unrestricted grant for $13,748.40 to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto in support of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Clinic at SickKids. The Gows were joined by Patrick Brown, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and Ontario’s Leader of the Official Opposition. These funds were raised with the help of Mr. Brown as he was a member of the Wake Up Narcolepsy Team WUNners 2016 Boston Marathon Team. The event not only included the check presentation, but those in attendance also enjoyed a tour of the Sleep Lab facilities.

The Pediatric Sleep Disorders Clinic at SickKids is dedicated to providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of sleep disorders including narcolepsy. The Sleep Lab at SickKids sees over 1,000 patients each year. Since 2012, Wake Up Narcolepsy has donated close to $55,000 to support the efforts of narcolepsy researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children.

Dr. Indra Narang, Director of Sleep Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children and member of the WUN Medical Advisory Board identified three major areas where funding from WUN has directly impacted the narcolepsy community in a positive way:

• The Pediatric Sleep Disorder Clinic at SickKids hosted a “Family Day” event for children with narcolepsy and their families. The 2nd Annual “Family Day” is scheduled for September 9, 2017.
• WUN research funding has been used to fund a research student to collect and analyze data of all of the children diagnosed with narcolepsy at the Hospital for Sick Children. This manuscript is currently in submission.
• WUN research funding has been used to fund a Masters-level student at the University of Toronto who is undertaking a two-year project titled, “The Relationship Between Sleep, Mental Health and Physical Activity in Adolescents with Narcolepsy.”

Wake Up Narcolepsy would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our supporters and donors in Canada, along with Dr. Indra Narang and her colleagues. Together, we believe we can continue to make a difference in the lives of people living with narcolepsy and their families, and eventually find a cure.

Wake Up Narcolepsy is dedicated to supporting narcolepsy awareness and research to find a cure. To Learn more about Wake Up Narcolepsy, please visit HERE.