Genetic Aortic Disorders Association Canada

12/24/2025

As the year comes to a close, we wish you and your loved ones a warm and peaceful holiday season.

Your support—through learning, sharing, participating, and giving—has helped strengthen awareness, research, and care for individuals and families across Canada living with genetic aortic disorders. We are deeply grateful to be part of such a dedicated community.

As part of our 2025 Year-End Holiday Drive, we set a goal of raising $10,000 to support research partnerships, awareness initiatives, and improved patient care. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are now just $2,000 away from reaching this goal.

Every contribution helps move us closer to earlier detection, more precise care, and fewer preventable tragedies.

Help us cross the finish line before December 31.

12/18/2025

Learn about the vital role genetic testing plays in understanding and managing aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Presented by Andrea L. Rideout, a Certified Genetic Counsellor, this webinar covers key questions surrounding genetic testing for aortopathy, including:

-When is genetic testing appropriate?
-Who are the best candidates for genetic testing?
-What do test results mean for you and your family?
-How can you access genetic testing in Canada?
-What essential information do you need to make informed decisions?

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or a family member, this session will provide practical insights to help you understand and navigate genetic testing.

Click the link in our bio to watch.

This holiday season, your donation supports high-impact research that addresses these issues and advances the science that saves lives. Your gift supports the work we do to make webinars like this one possible. Please consider donating to GADA this season.

Watch our latest webinar recording to learn about the vital role genetic testing plays in understanding and managing aortic aneurysms and dissections. Presen...

12/17/2025

This holiday season, we’re sharing stories that remind us why research matters. Joan’s story shows the power of early detection and specialized care.

Donate today and help us fund Canadian research that saves lives.

12/15/2025

Francine Kopun’s recent The Toronto Star article covers the loss of Kathryn Pryla and her unborn son Callum James to undiagnosed Marfan syndrome. We share this article in solidarity with the families affected, while continuing our commitment to advancing research and care for individuals living with genetic aortic disorders across Canada.

GADA is honoured to be featured in this piece as part of the broader conversation on the urgent need for improved awareness, diagnosis, and coordinated care. These conditions, including Marfan syndrome, are significantly underdiagnosed. While traditionally estimated to affect 1 in 3,000–5,000 Canadians, emerging research shows the true prevalence is likely much higher. Stories like this reinforce the need for increased research, education, and advocacy.

Read the article here: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/death-from-marfan-syndrome/article_55a35998-a345-476a-bbca-1c87a31cbfbd.html

12/11/2025

Heather’s story is reminder of the importance of increased awareness about genetic aortic disorders and the urgent need for research and early detection.

This holiday season, we honour the strength of families affected by these conditions and the loved ones they have lost far too soon.

Your gift helps GADA increase awareness and prevent unnecessary loss of life - visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/474 to donate today.

Share your patient story with us docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePnmELciXVGV_d3qTTFnU7UPpiZpZmA_1RV2xMDnUkUf1CtA/viewform.

12/09/2025

Your donation supports GADA's mission of advancing to life-saving Canadian research. Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/474 to donate today.

12/05/2025

Canadian research into Genetic Aortic Disorders is essential — and significantly underfunded.

Improved genetic testing, screening, and diagnosis are urgently needed to prevent life-threatening aortic dissections.

This holiday season, your donation supports high-impact research that addresses these issues and advances the science that saves lives.

🔗 Visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/474 to donate today.

12/04/2025

Every story shared helps us see that genetic aortic disorders are hiding in plain sight.

Kerry-Anne's story is a powerful reminder that early recognition and increased awareness can save the lives of Canadians affected by genetic aortic disorders.

This holiday season, we honour the strength of families affected by these conditions and the loved ones they have lost far too soon.

Your gift helps GADA increase awareness and prevent unnecessary loss of life - visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/474 to donate today.