Events/Collaborations
Canvas for a Cure - August 2017
Below are photos from our first fundraiser, which was a sold out paint night - Canvas for a Cure. The meaning behind the elephant comes from the fact that growing up, there were always mini elephant statues in Michelle’s house. One of the last gifts Michelle received from her mom was a lucky elephant statue for Christmas of 2013; which would be her last one with us. The elephant symbolizes good luck while the butterflies we chose to add symbolize new beginnings - something we thought fitting for this journey.
CJD Walk - Toronto 2018
CJD awareness walks were held in Toronto in 2017 and 2018 to raise awareness for CJD in Toronto. Many family and friends close to Clara Inés Patiño de Camargo, who was diagnosed and passed away from CJD on September 2017, gathered to walk together and spread information regarding CJD as well as raise funds for the Canadian CJD foundation. We honour those who have been affected by CJD by having a memoir and including photos of loved ones. These walks not only provided an outlet for raising awareness regarding CJD but also created a community of support for us. Although we were not able to have other family members join us, we shared with each other in spirit.
Canadian CJD Association x I Am Love Project, Winnipeg, MB. — May 2019
Michelle collaborated with Amy Tung of I Am Love Project to design intention bracelets to raise awareness for CJD. Working with volunteers, each bracelet is uniquely crafted out of plated 14K gold beads, gold plated purple druzy agate, amethyst beads, and a gold plated I Am Love charm. This bracelet reminds us that the most important relationship you can have is with yourself. Despite the circumstances, know that you will never have to fight this battle alone. Amethyst is the “all-healer” crystal, and can balance your thoughts, where they become healthy and vibrant. This chain of love bracelet allows your world to be filled with magic, dreams, inspiration, and infinite light. Along with the bracelets, we hosted a yoga pop-up event at the end of May with funds raised for CJD research. Photos are provided by Kanzas Lowkie.
Catwalk For A Cure - February 2019
This past February, with the assistance of event planning company Ann & Co., Michelle hosted the first fashion show fundraiser for CJD - Catwalk for a Cure. This fashion show featured pieces from local businesses (including Loka Boutique, Hush & Shout, Knits by Che, Quinn & Dot, and many more), as well clothing designed by Michelle with two messages - ‘Live for You’ & ‘One in a Million’. After losing her mom, Michelle had promised to live for her and in her honour; which inspired the first quote. While our ‘One in a Million’ print came to mind given the rarity of CJD. Catwalk for a Cure garnered large local interest, as it was featured in Winnipeg’s ‘Filipino Journal’; as well we had Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers speak to the crowd and encourage everyone to spread awareness for CJD. Photos provided by Rollan Temporosa and Diana May Temporosa.
Prion 2019 Convention, Edmonton, AB. – May 2019
In May of this year, Terri traveled from Hamilton to Edmonton for Prion 2019, where she had the opportunity to speak in front of researchers from all over the world. By sharing our stories and through meeting families in person, Terri is hopeful this conference will continue to fuel the passion of our researchers as they work toward a cure for CJD. This trip also allowed Terri to create valuable connections that will only help the association as it continues to grow.
CJD Foundation Family Conference 2019, Washington, D.C. – July 2019
This past July, Michelle had the opportunity to travel from Winnipeg to Washington, D.C. for the Annual CJD Family Conference held by the CJD Foundation in the United States. Aside from connecting with families, researchers, and doctors specializing in prion disease; Michelle was able to sit with members of the CJDISA (Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease International Support Alliance) to discuss the progress being made in trials and treatments for prion diseases, including CJD. After having met many families who had gone through the same thing as she had and sharing each other’s stories, Michelle left this trip even more inspired to help others who are going through this journey.
