The Inside Affair 2012

A Spectacular Success!

In October 2012, more than a hundred individuals, including several staff and Board members, who are dedicated to GI and liver health, gathered at Toronto’s Boiler House restaurant and, by the evening’s end, we raised net funds for the GI Society’s activities of more than $50,000.

Unlike a standard sit-down fundraising event, we orchestrated a light and entertaining evening that –between short speeches – featured a human statue, aerial acrobat, mime, and magician, all of whom delighted the crowd while attendees enjoyed exceptional gourmet food and refreshments. GI or liver conditions have touched many guests personally, either directly, through a family member, or other loved one. They came for a wonderful time of dining and networking; they stayed and continued to make donations throughout the evening.

Our CEO, Gail Attara, explained that GI and liver patients are among the most vulnerable in our society and yet these illnesses continue to be underrepresented and underfunded. Many of these socially stigmatized diseases are invisible but have debilitating effects on a person’s life. The GI Society’s vital awareness and educational activities across the country bring hope, opportunity, and help.

Leslie Beck, who is a renowned dietitian and media personality, emceed the evening with words of optimism and compassion.

Some in attendance represented physicians and other health professionals who are on the front lines of health care, such as Dr. Anna Reid, President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). In her talk, she said, “None of us can tackle something as huge as health care alone. Patients can’t do it alone. Physicians can’t do it alone. Patient groups such as the GI Society are an essential part of our success in advocating for a transformed health care system that focuses on patient care and wellness.”

Others represented the innovators who bring new medicines to patients with chronic diseases, such as Russell Williams, President of Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D). He also spoke, saying, “Patients want and deserve to be well-informed about all of the treatment options available to them and publications like the GI Society’s newsletter are critical sources of credible information.”

As a home base for the patient voice, it is important that the GI Society be at the centre of this health care community. We are in direct contact with patients, providing platforms for sharing experiences, frustrations and successes, along with their own needs and expectations for the future of GI and liver health care in this country. We are uniquely positioned to bring patients’ most important concerns all the way up the line, through to health providers, industry, and government decision-makers, many of whom were present at this event as well.

Sustainability of the GI Society’s work is crucial. Too many patients continue to suffer in silence, often for years, without receiving medical attention. For some of them, contact with the GI Society is the first step toward receiving validation, easy-to-understand facts, and further resources to pursue the care they require.

We thank the organizations and individuals who recognized the work of the GI Society by sponsoring the event, by purchasing tickets, or by volunteering. Our major sponsors included Rx&D, CMA, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Janssen Canada Inc., Merck Frosst Canada Inc., Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., Takeda Canada Inc., Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc., and Warner Chilcott Canada Co.

Please consider donating to the GI Society. There are many ways to give, including a one-time donation, monthly giving, legacy gifts, and other options. Send your cheque today or make a credit card donation through our secure online portal at badgut.org. If you are interested in including the GI Society in your will, call our office to make an appointment to talk personally with our CEO, Gail Attara. Together, we can take charge of managing GI and liver health, diminish the social stigmas around these illnesses, and improve patient access to health care in Canada.