The Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative

A lasting legacy of the original Rick Hansen Man in Motion World Tour has been the facilitation of research to find a cure for spinal cord injury and to improve the quality of life of people living with spinal cord injury through research, rehabilitation and injury prevention.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Man in Motion World Tour, additional funding was secured and the national Rick Hansen
Neurotrauma Initiative was created. The Rick Hansen Institute has led and managed the initiative in collaboration with the neurotrauma community and provincial governments in eight of Canada’s provinces.

Canada’s top spinal cord and brain injury researchers, rehabilitation experts and injury prevention organizations will receive a third-year injection of funding from the Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative. This year’s competition received 205 applications from across Canada requesting $21 million in support funding. Four national Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative peer review panels met in different cities across Canada and recommended 138 applications eligible for Year 2000 awards. Taking into account multi-year awards in 1998, $7.8 million was
awarded nationally. In 1999, awards increased to $8.4 million. The eligible applications for awards in 2000 were nearly $11.4 million.

Dr. Wolfram Tetzlaff, an outstanding spinal cord researcher and a member of University of British Columbia’s CORD (Collaboration on
Repair Discoveries), confirmed the impact on his area of research: "I am very excited by the boost in research momentum which we receive from the Neurotrauma Initiative. It allows us to intensify our research efforts, to venture into new projects which would otherwise not be possible and, most importantly, to provide a unique training opportunity for students and post-doctoral fellows."


AWARDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

The Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative is in its third year and, taking multi-year grants into consideration, Year 2000 awards are over $7 million.

British Columbia: $2,365,300
Alberta: $115,000*
Saskatchewan: $174,000
Manitoba: $192,600
Ontario: $4,616,580
Prince Edward Island $ 50,000
Nova Scotia: $29,800
Newfoundland: $54,000
Total awards (July 26, 2000): $7,597,280

*Source funding from the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation

(A full listing of grant recipients is included as part of this edition of Abilities magazine.)


THE MANDATE OF THE RICK HANSEN NEUROTRAUMA INITIATIVE IS TO:
Reduce the incidence and impact of spinal cord and brain injuries in Canada. Increase the funding related to spinal cord and brain injury in
Canada. Improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord and brain injury in Canada. Fund biomedical research with the goal of full recovery for persons with spinal cord and brain injuries.

CNRP -- AN EXCITING ALLIANCE

The Canadian Neurotrauma Research Program (CNRP) partners have joined forces nationally to trigger breakthroughs in the area of brain and spinal cord injury. In 1999, eight partners formed the initiative and this year the partnership has increased to 10. This exciting alliance distributed $3.69 million to neurotrauma research in the first year, and an additional $5 million will be awarded in this competition. Year 2000 CNRP awards will be announced in the next issue of Abilities magazine.

Year 2000 CNRP Partners:
Rick Hansen Institute
NeuroScience Canada Foundation
NeuroPartners Canada
Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation
BC Neurotrauma Initiative
Manitoba Neurotrauma Initiative
Newfoundland and Labrador Neurotrauma Initiative
Regeneration Tour Society
Canadian Institutes of Health Research


NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT RHI

COMING SOON: RICK HANSEN KIDS IN MOTION!

RHI is developing Rick Hansen Kids in Motion!, an adventure learning program that will provide students, parents and teachers with an interactive, media-rich and fun educational experience that supports and integrates the personal determination of Rick Hansen that "anything is possible!"

Rick Hansen Kids in Motion! is an innovative program providing inspirational guidance to youth in the areas of personal achievement and social responsibility. Exciting multimedia interactives, intelligent content and personalized teaching and assessment will place Rick Hansen Kids in Motion! at the leading edge of web design and technologies for education.

Rick Hansen Kids in Motion! is a series of 15 online adventure learning programs that will be released over a three-year period.
The series, scheduled to launch this fall, will be available free from home, school or library.

The Rick Hansen Institute is partnering with Branium.com on content development and looks forward to announcing a significant
sponsorship from Sears Canada on this exciting initiative. Watch for details!


RHI STRATEGY DEVELOPED

With the skilful help of Strategy Manager, Bob Johnson, President of Trendsitions Strategy Management Inc., the Rick Hansen Institute has forged the Institute Strategy.

The strategy sets out the direction of RHI in terms of vision, mission, objectives and action plans. In pursuit of this mission, RHI will:
- provide leadership through major initiatives;
- raise funds and resources for research through major gifts, corporate partnerships and community contributions;
- apply funds to support research; and
- tell the Rick Hansen story.

Major initiatives include:
- National Spinal Cord Injury Cure Strategy
- Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative
- Canadian Neurotrauma Research program
- International Campaign for Cures of Spinal Cord Injury Paralysis
- Space Frontiers
- BC Neurotrauma Centre: A Model Community

The entire team at the Rick Hansen Institute is working towards implementing the strategic plan that is focused on leveraging its resources towards accelerating a cure for spinal cord injury. This means bold new steps for the team and a commitment to meeting ambitious goals. It also means doing things differently from how they have been done before.

Keeping people with spinal cord injuries and their families informed of the strategies taken towards meeting this goal is a key priority. Abilities magazine has and will continue to be an important forum for communicating the progress.

PEEL SCHOOL OPENING

Six hundred and fifty students, parents and teachers assembled during the official opening of Rick Hansen Secondary School (RHSS) on May 24 in Mississauga (Peel region), Ontario. Rick shared his story of the Man in Motion World Tour and the Institute’s focus on accelerating a cure for spinal cord paralysis. RHSS, featuring a unique barrier-free design, is the first high school in Ontario to be named after Rick Hansen.

This is the third school in Canada named in honour of Rick Hansen and his achievements. Rick Hansen Public School in London, Ontario, opened in May, 1989, and Rick Hansen Secondary, Abbotsford, British Columbia, opened in September, 1993.

(For more information on the Rick Hansen Institute, please visit our website at www.rickhansen.org.)

Ways You Can Contribute:
- Sponsorship
- Individual donations
- Planned gifts
- Gifts in Kind

Please call (604) 822-4433 for more information.



RICK HANSEN NEUROTRAUMA INITIATIVE AWARDS -- YEAR 3
2000 GRANT RECIPIENTS

The Initiative is managed by the Rick Hansen Institute, in collaboration with neurotrauma stakeholders in eight provinces.
- British Columbia Neurotrauma Initiative
- The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation
- Saskatchewan Neurotrauma Initiative
- Manitoba Neurotrauma Initiative
- Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
- Prince Edward Island Research Initiative
- Nova Scotia Neurotrauma Initiative
- Newfoundland/Labrador Neurotrauma Initiative

Grants awarded as of July 26, 2000


BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH:

BRITISH COLUMBIA BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Applicant: Dr. Vanessa Auld
Organization: Zoology, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $212,000
Title: "Role of gliotactin and its partners in nervous system development"

Applicant: Ms Lindsay Carter
Organization: Psychiatry, Centre for Molecular Medicine and
Therapeutics, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $60,000
Title: "Isolation and transplantation of a neural cell from the olfactory epithelium"

Applicant: Dr. Carmen Chan
Organization: Zoology/CORD (Collaboration on Repair Discoveries), BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $60,000
Title: "Prevention of growth cone collapse for the promotion of spinal cord regeneration"

Applicant: Dr. Max S. Cynader
Organization: Brain Research Centre/Ophthalmology, University of
British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $180,000
Title: "Neuroprotection by astrocytes"

Applicant: Mr. Gordon W. Hiebert
Organization: CORD (Collaboration of Research Discoveries), Dept.
of Zoology, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Research Associate
Amount: $107,800
Title: "Plasticity of neuronal systems after injury"

Applicant: Mr. Gordon W. Hiebert
Organization: CORD (Collaboration of Research Discoveries), Dept.
of Zoology, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research Operating Grant
Amount: $87,100
Title: "Plasticity of neuronal systems after injury"

Applicant: Mr. Brian Kwon
Organization: Zoology/CORD (Collaboration on Repair Discoveries),
University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $105,000
Title: "Survival and regeneration of chronically injured rubrospinal neurons"

Applicant: Mr. Arthur Terrence Legg
Organization: Anatomy, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "The role of c-sema 5b in axon pathfinding during development and neural regeneration"

Applicant: Ms Christina MacKinnon
Organization: Medicine, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $60,000
Title: "The function of gliotactin during PNS development of
Caenorhabditis elegans"

Applicant: Mr. John McGraw
Organization: Zoology, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "The use of AAA to reduce the astrogliotic scar and the effects on promoting repair"

Applicant: Dr. A. Jane Roskams
Organization: Psychiatry, Centre for Molecular Medicine and
Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $118,400
Title: "Characterization and isolation of neural stem cell from the olfactory neuroepithelium"

Applicant: Mr. Rishard Salie
Organization: Graduate Program Neuroscience, University of
British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $40,000
Title: "The effect of neurotrophins on neurite outgrowth and survival rate in embryonic chick bulbospinal neurons in an in vitro model of spinal cord trauma"

Applicant: Mr. Joost Schulte
Organization: Zoology, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $40,000
Title: "Glial junction development: a role for Gliotactin"

Applicant: Ms Katherine Julia Sepp
Organization: Zoology, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $70,000
Title: "Analysis of GTPase signalling in glial cell migration and nerve ensheathement"

Applicant: Ms Maryline Sicotte
Organization: Neuroscience, Zoology, Biological Sciences
Building, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Can olfactory ensheathing glias promote inter-species axonal regeneration?"

Applicant: Dr. John D. Steeves
Organization: CORD, Dept. of Zoology, University of British
Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $60,000
Title: "Use of cDNA arrays to determine ’novel’ gene expression after spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Dr. John D. Steeves
Organization: CORD, Dept. of Zoology, University of British
Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $44,400
Title: "Interventions to reduce astrogliotic scarring after CNS injury and promote neurotrauma repair"

Applicant: Mr. David Stirling
Organization: Zoology, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $60,000
Title: "Mechanisms of neuronal and glial cell death following traumatic injury to the spinal cord"

Applicant: Dr. Wolfram Tetzlaff
Organization: Zoology/CORD (Collaboration on Repair Discoveries),
UBC, BC
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $221,000
Title: "Survival and regeneration of chronically injured rubrospinal neurons"

BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARD TOTAL, BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: $1,585,700


ALBERTA BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Applicant: Mr. J.Gordon Boyd
Organization: Division of Neuroscience, University of Alberta, AB
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Neurotrophic factors and axonal regeneration"

Applicant: Dr. Martin Stebbing
Organization: Medicine, University of Alberta, AB
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $35,000
Title: "Spinal peptides in neuropathic pain"

ALBERTA AWARD TOTAL (FUNDED BY THE ALBERTA PARAPLEGIC
FOUNDATION), BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: $55,000


SASKATCHEWAN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Applicant: Dr. Valerie Verge
Organization: Medicine, Saskatoon City Hospital, SK
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $50,000
Title: "Target regulation of distinct modes of axonal growth"

Applicant: Dr. Bernard Juurlink
Organization: Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, SK
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $50,000
Title: "Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation following brain trauma"

Applicant: Dr. Gillian Muir
Organization: Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, SK
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $50,000
Title: "Transplantation of neural precursor cells to improve recovery from spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Rachel McKnight
Organization: University of Saskatchewan
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $12,000
Title: "The role of macrophages in exacerbating the inflammatory response associated with traumatic injury to CNS tissue"

Applicant: Mr. David Ruffieux
Organization: Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Saskatchewan, SK
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $12,000
Title: "Remyelination of the rat spinal cord by olfactory ensheathing cells"

SASKATCHEWAN AWARD TOTAL, BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: $174,000


MANITOBA BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Applicant: Mr. Kevin P. Carlin
Organization: Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, MB
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $35,000
Title: "Exploration of the ionic mechanisms underlying the self-sustained firing of mammalian spinal motoneuron"

Applicant: Mr. Yue Dai
Organization: Physiology, University of Manitoba, MB
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "A study of possible mechanisms underlying hyperpolarization of voltage threshold for action potential generation in mammalian spinal motoneurons during locomotion"

Applicant: Ms Karen Lynn Paroschy
Organization: Physiology, University of Manitoba, MB
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Sacral spinal control of voiding and continence"

Applicant: Ms Katinka Stecina
Organization: Medicine, University of Manitoba, MB
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Group II reflex pathways during locomotion"

MANITOBA AWARD TOTAL, BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: $95,000


ONTARIO BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Applicant: Mr. Xuodong Cao
Organization: Centre for Biomaterials, University of Toronto, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Defining a concentration gradient of neurotrophic factors to guide axonal growth"

Applicant: Mr. Steven Casha
Organization: Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $70,000
Title: "Role of the FAS and P75 death receptors in apoptosis after spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Dr. Stephen Crocker
Organization: Medicine, Neuroscience Research Inst., ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $70,000
Title: "Role of JNK signalling pathway in a CNS axotomy model of neuronal death"

Applicant: Mr. Joseph G. Culotti
Organization: S. L. Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $270,000
Title: "TGF-Beta and netrin signalling cascades that regulate axon growth and guidance in a model spinal cord"

Applicant: Dr. Gregory Dekaban
Organization: Medicine, The John P. Robarts Research Inst., ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $140,000
Title: "Neuroprotective anti-inflammatory treatment for spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Ms Julie Deschenes
Organization: Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $40,000
Title: "Regulation of acetylcholinesterase gene expression at cholinergic interneuronal synapses"

Applicant: Dr. Michael George Fehlings
Organization: Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital
Research Institute, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $240,000
Title: "Investigation and treatment of traumatic axonal dysfunction after spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Dr. Michael G. Fehlings
Organization: Toronto Western Hospital Research Institute,
Toronto Western Hospital, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $163,300
Title: "Role of the mGIuR1 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in the pathophysiology of central nervous system trauma"

Applicant: Dr. David Houlden
Organization: Medicine, Sunnybrook & Women’s College HSC, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $101,900
Title: "Serial SSEP studies for predicting outcome in comatose patients with head injuries"

Applicant: Mr. Yue-Qiao Huang
Organization: Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $70,000
Title: "Regulation of NMDA receptor by SRC tyrosine kinase: a role for PSD-95"

Applicant: Mr. Sameh A. Malek
Organization: Neurosciences Unit, Loeb Health Research Institute, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $40,000
Title: "Anion transport in white matter injury"

Applicant: Mr. Pierre Mattar
Organization: Medicine, The John P. Robarts Research Inst., ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $40,000
Title: "An antisense therapy targeting NR2D MRNA as a treatment for autonomic dysreflexia, a chronic consequence of spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Dr. Kathryn McDougall
Organization: Medicine, The John P. Robarts Research Inst., ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $105,000
Title: "The roles of FRS2 and FRS3 in the proliferation and subsequent differentiation of stem cells during normal neurogenesis"

Applicant: Dr. Susan Meakin
Organization: Medicine, The John P. Robarts Research Inst., ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $222,800
Title: "Characterization of a novel intracellular signalling adapter of the NGF receptor TRKA"

Applicant: Dr. David Mikulis
Organization: Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western
Hospital Research Institute, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $165,000
Title: "FMRI Investigation of the temporal changes that occur in cerebral sensorimotor function following cervical spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Dr. Marc Pilon
Organization: Medical Genetics, University of Toronto, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Fellowship
Amount: $105,000
Title: "A genetic screen to identify axon guidance molecules in c. elegans"

Applicant: Mr. Greg Jan Stanisz
Organization: Imagine Research, Sunnybrook and Women’s CHSC, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $208,100
Title: "Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of neural tissue following trauma"

Applicant: Dr. Guo-Feng Tian
Organization: Medicine, University of Toronto, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $238,200
Title: "Mechanisms of traumatic brain injury: excitotoxicity and energy metabolism"

Applicant: Mr. Brian van Adel
Organization: Medical Sciences Graduate Program, McMaster
University, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $5,700
Title: "Molecular inhibition of neuronal apoptosis after nerve injury"

Applicant: Dr. Jose Velazquez
Organization: Medicine, University of Toronto, ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $220,500
Title: "Mitochondrial proin as a target against neurodegeneration"

Applicant: Dr. Joseph M. Verdi
Organization: Medicine, The John P. Robarts Research Inst., ON
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $75,000
Title: "NRAGE: A mediator of adoptotic death in oligodendrocytes"

ONTARIO AWARD TOTAL, BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: $2,610,500


NOVA SCOTIA BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Applicant: Dr. Gary V. Allen
Organization: Dalhousie University
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $10,000
Title: "Mechanisms of recovery after traumatic brain injury"

NOVA SCOTIA AWARD TOTAL, BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: $10,000


NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Applicant: Mr. Jeffrey A. Biernaskie
Organization: Basic Medical Sciences, Memorial University of
Newfoundland, NF
Type of Award: Biomedical Research, Studentship
Amount: $36,000
Title: "Enriched rehabilitation promotes functional improvement after brain injury: an investigation of possible underlying mechanisms"

Applicant: Mr. Michael Patrick Heffreran
Organization: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Health
Sciences Complex, NF
Type of Award: Biomedical Research
Amount: $18,000
Title: "A study of spinal prostaglandins in allodynia induced by spinal cord injury and central disinhibition"

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR AWARD TOTAL, BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: $54,000


PREVENTION:

BRITISH COLUMBIA PREVENTION

Applicant: Dr. A. Digney
Organization: PARTY Program, Prince George Regional Hospital, BC
Type of Award: Prevention Project
Amount: $30,000
Title: "PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) Program "

Applicant: Mr. Michael Gaetz
Organization: School of Human Kinetics, University of British
Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Prevention Research, Fellowship
Amount: $17,500
Title: "Further advancements in the electrophysiological assessment of athletes following concussion"

Applicant: Dr. Andria Scanlan
Organization: BCIRPU, University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Prevention Research
Amount: $66,500
Title: "The Chilliwack Safe Baby Program: a randomized control trial"

Applicant: Ms Cathy Ulrich
Organization: Health Promotion and Prevention, Northern Interior
Regional Health Board, BC
Type of Award: Prevention Project
Amount: $57,500
Title: "Building coalitions in the northern interior: developing strategic partnerships for the prevention of unintentional head and neck injuries in children"

BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARD TOTAL, PREVENTION: $171,500


ONTARIO PREVENTION

Applicant: Mr. Michael Cusimano
Organization: Department of Surgery, St.Michael’s Hospital, Think
First Foundation of Canada, ON
Type of Award: Prevention Research
Amount: $600,000
Title: "Implementation and evaluation of a neurotrauma injury prevention program into Ontario’s healthy living curriculum: a controlled trial"

Applicant: Dr. Andrew Howard
Organization: University of Toronto, Orthopaedic Surgery,
Hospital for Sick Children, ON
Type of Award: Prevention Research
Amount: $231,500
Title: "Crash protection for children"

Applicant: Dr. Andrew Howard
Organization: University of Toronto, Orthopaedic Surgery,
Hospital for Sick Children, ON
Type of Award: Prevention Research
Amount: $69,000
Title: "Canadian children’s crash injury research and engineering network site"

Applicant: Ms Morag MacKay
Organization: Plan-It Safe, Children’s Hospital of Eastern
Ontario, ON
Type of Award: Prevention Research
Amount: $88,300
Title: "Evaluation of risk watch elementary injury prevention school curriculum"

Applicant: Dr. Joan McComas
Organization: School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of
Ottawa, ON
Type of Award: Prevention Research
Amount: $61,800
Title: "Effectiveness of virtual reality for teaching pedestrian safety"

ONTARIO AWARD TOTAL, PREVENTION: $1,050,600


REHABILITATION PROJECTS:

BRITISH COLUMBIA REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Applicant: Dr. Gary E. Birch
Organization: Research and Development, Neil Squire Foundation,
BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $88,700
Title: "Palm PC technology for the next generation of electronic aids to daily living"

Applicant: Ms Gail Hamamoto Dore
Organization: BC Wheelchair Sports Association, BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $50,000
Title: "Bridging the Gap"

Applicant: Ms Alison Hargreen
Organization: Prince George Brain Injured Group, BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $29,000
Title: "Behaviour self-management and anger management programme"

Applicant: Mr. Frederick Thomson
Organization: Administration, Lower Mainland Brain Injury
Association, BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $96,100
Title: "Lower Mainland Brain Injury Association Resourcing Program"

BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARD TOTAL, REHABILITATION PROJECTS: $263,800


MANITOBA REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Applicant: Dr. Barbara Paterson
Organization: School of Nursing, UBC, Manitoba Head Injury
Assoc., MB
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $19,300
Title: "The development of an advocacy intervention to empower significant other caregivers of survivors of severe or moderate traumatic brain injury"

Applicant: Ms Jacquie Ripat
Organization: Occupational Therapy, Health Sciences Centre, MB
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $53,300
Title: "Assistive technology access and resource centre enhanced service"

MANITOBA AWARD TOTAL, REHABILITATION PROJECTS: $72,600


ONTARIO REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Applicant: Dr. N. Bharatwal
Organization: Department of Medicine, Toronto Rehabilitation
Institute, The Lyndhurst Centre, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $14,400
Title: "Development of an integrated community-based service delivery model for the prevention and management of skin complications"

Applicant: Dr. Clare Brandys
Organization: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute/Toronto Acquired
Brain Injury Network, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $54,000
Title: "Brain injury best practices phase II: outcome measurement in the toronto ABI network"

Applicant: Ms Patricia Cleland
Organization: Assessment & Follow-Up Services, Addiction Program,
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $80,000
Title: "Developing, disseminating and evaluating an educational package to cross-train TBI and substance abuse clinicians"

Applicant: Dr. Nora Cullen
Organization: NeuroRehab Program, Abi Service, Toronto
Rehabilitation Institute, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $66,500
Title: "Evaluation of the traumatic brain injury model systems for Ontario"

Applicant: Mr. Gary J. Gerber
Organization: West Park Hospital, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $47,700
Title: "Outcome evaluation of a new outreach behaviour service for persons with acquired brain injury in Toronto"

Applicant: Ms Nathalie Lapierre
Organization: Nursing Department, The Rehabilitation Centre, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $22,100
Title: "Access to primary health care services for SCI persons: search for a new service delivery model"

Applicant: Mr. Shawn Marshall
Organization: Acquired Brain Injury Program, The Rehabilitation
Centre, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $17,500
Title: "A pilot project to develop consumer driven outcome measures for the evaluation of an acquired brain injury community integration program"

Applicant: Dr. K. Shankardass
Organization: St. Peter’s Hospital, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $87,800
Title: "Improving access to health care for persons with spinal cord injury living in central west Ontario"

Applicant: Ms June Trevoy
Organization: Neurospinal Service Leader, The Rehabilitation
Centre, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $24,700
Title: "Respiratory care protocols for clients with spinal cord injury and disease"

ONTARIO AWARD TOTAL, REHABILITATION PROJECTS: $414,700


PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Applicant: Ms Joan Coffin
Organization: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Queen Elizabeth
Hospital, PEI
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $25,000
Title: "The Community Reintegration Program of Prince Edward Island"

Applicant: Ms Janice Ellis
Organization: Community Health Services, West Prince Health
Authority, PEI
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Project
Amount: $25,000
Title: "Use of currently accepted community development/community building strategies to provide directed vocational/employment
opportunities for a group of persons with neurotrauma injuries"

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND AWARD TOTAL, REHABILITATION PROJECTS: $50,000


REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

NOVA SCOTIA REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Applicant: Dr. John F. Connolly
Organization: Dalhousie University
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $10,000
Title: "Innovative electrophysiological assessment methods in traumatic brain injury"

Applicant: Dr. Rene J.L. Murphy
Organization: Acadia University
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $9,800
Title: "Combined effects of exercise training and creative supplementation on skeletal muscle after spinal cord injury"

NOVA SCOTIA AWARD TOTAL, REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: $19,800

ALBERTA REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Applicant: Ms Donna Dryden
Organization: Dept. of Public Health Sciences, University of
Alberta, AB
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Spinal cord injury in Alberta: a longitudinal study of health care utilization"

Applicant: Mr. Justin Yong Jeon
Organization: Physical Edu. & Rec., Rick Hansen Centre, AB
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Effects of exercise training with FES-Rowing on insulin sensitivity, body composition and plasma leptin in people with spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Ms Aiko Kido
Organization: Physiology/Rehab Neuroscience Group, University of
Alberta, AB
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Enhanced mobility for persons with spinal cord injury"

ALBERTA AWARD TOTAL (FUNDED BY THE ALBERTA PARAPLEGIC
FOUNDATION), REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: $60,000


BRITISH COLUMBIA REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Applicant: Dr. Gary E. Birch
Organization: Research and Development, Neil Squire Foundation, BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $164,600
Title: "Research and development of a brain computer interface for persons with high-level spinal cord injuries"

Applicant: Ms Anne-Caroline Dupont
Organization: Physiology, Queen’s University, BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Fellowship
Amount: $105,000
Title: "Effects of FES systems on gait in persons with SCI using orthoses"

Applicant: Dr. Marcel Dvorak
Organization: Division of Spine, Dept. of Orthopaedics,
University of British Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $34,900
Title: "A comprehensive assessment of physical impairment, disability, health status, and subjective well-being in patients greater than two years following an acute central spinal cord injury"

Applicant: Mr. Patrick McCrea
Organization: Mechanical Engineering, University of British
Columbia, BC
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Studentship
Amount: $40,000
Title: "Measuring functional recovery in the upper extremities in persons with traumatic brain injury"

BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARD TOTAL, REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: $344,300


MANITOBA REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Applicant: Dr. Karen Ethans
Organization: Department of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, MB
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $25,000
Title: "The effect of sildenafil (Viagra) on the cardiovascular system in men with a thoracic (T)6 or higher spinal cord injury: a randomized double-blind trial"

MANITOBA AWARD TOTAL, REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: $25,000


ONTARIO REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Applicant: Mr. Michel Bedard
Organization: Research Department, Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital,
ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $39,900
Title: "Pilot evaluation of a novel intervention to improve status of brain-injured individuals"

Applicant: Ms Lora Giangregorio
Organization: Kinesiology, McMaster University, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Studentship
Amount: $60,000
Title: "Body-weight supported treadmill training after SCI: effects on bone density and micro-architecture"

Applicant: Ms Jo-Anne Howe
Organization: Dept. of Physiotherapy, Toronto Rehabilitation
Institute, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $33,800
Title: "Measuring balance and mobility after a traumatic brain
injury: further validation of the community balance and mobility scale"

Applicant: Ms Shari Hughes
Organization: Physiotherapy Services, Sunnybrook Health Sciences
Centre, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Amantadine to enhance readiness for rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury"

Applicant: Dr. Neil McCartney
Organization: Kinesiology, McMaster University, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $177,600
Title: "Body-weight supported treadmill training after SCI: effects on functional abilities and important health outcomes"

Applicant: Ms. Charlene O’Connor
Organization: Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development, Studentship
Amount: $20,000
Title: "Predictors of community integration in acquired brain injury: a description of handicap"

Applicant: Dr. Paul B. Pencharz
Organization: Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition,
Hospital for Sick Children, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $49,300
Title: "Energy needs and body composition of persons with chronic paraplegia"

Applicant: Dr. Rebecca Renwick
Organization: Graduate Dept. of Rehabilitation Science,
University of Toronto, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $120,000
Title: "Getting on with life: meeting consumers’ social adaptation needs"

Applicant: Dr. Donald Stuss
Organization: Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for
Geriatric Care, ON
Type of Award: Rehabilitation Research & Development
Amount: $20,180
Title: "The investigation of functional changes in brain activity following cognitive rehabilitation"

ONTARIO AWARD TOTALS, REHABILITATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: $540,780

(Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation funding from Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, through the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF). Information on the 2000 Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative grant recipients is submitted to the Rick Hansen Institute by the Provincial Neurotrauma Committees and was current as of July 26, 2000. If there is a discrepancy in the information printed in this article from actual award information received by applicants, the provincial award letter will prevail.)