On Saturday, May 7, more than 755 participants attended the IRCM Challenge, a race of activity and walk on Mount Royal, to raise the record amount of $107,000 for the biomedical and clinical research performed at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM). The funds will support the institute’s students and contribute to the launch of a research centre dedicated to rare and genetic diseases in adults, the first of its kind in Canada.
André J. P. Couillard, President of the IRCM Foundation, is proud of the outcome of this 7th IRCM Challenge: “Sports events encourage us to outdo each other,” he says. “The IRCM Challenge could not better embody this vision, since the event has once again outdone itself with a record number of participants and donations, thanks to our generous donors, partners and many sponsors.”
Tarik Möröy, President and Scientific Director of the IRCM highlighted the achievements that are made possible thanks to these funds: “I thank all those who participated in raising funds and every IRCM Challenge supporters who are attending this annual event. Your support will help the institute to carry out research projects that will transform medicine and hospital care.”
The money raised will be used to create scholarships for students of the institute. They also support the establishment of a research centre for rare and genetic diseases in adults. The IRCM’s centre will be the only one of its kind in Canada and will fill a substantial void in the healthcare system regarding the management, monitoring and care of adult patients with rare diseases. The services will include the care and monitoring of these patients who currently have no option to meet their needs.
We also thank our elite partner, New Balance Montréal, who gave a sweater to participants, and the Letko, Brosseau et Associés firm, who sponsored the 5 km course. Their involvement in the success of this event demonstrates the impact of the solidarity necessary to advance biomedical research.
The community is already looking forward to the next IRCM Challenge, on May 13, 2017, during which the IRCM’s 50th anniversary will be highlighted.
About the IRCM
The IRCM (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal) is a renowned biomedical research institute located in the heart of Montréal's university district. Founded in 1967, it is currently comprised of 35 research units and four research specialized clinics: nutrition, metabolism and atherosclerosis; hypertension; diabetes and obesity as well as rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis and familial hyperlipidemia. The IRCM employs nearly 425 people. It is affiliated with the Université de Montréal, and the IRCM Clinic is associated to the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). It also maintains a long-standing association with McGill University. The IRCM is funded by the Quebec ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation (Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation). For more information, visit www.ircm.qc.ca.
About the IRCM Foundation
Also created in 1967, the IRCM Foundation (www.ircm.qc.ca/fondation) is an essential partner for the institute. Thanks to individuals who hold dear the IRCM’s future, the IRCM Foundation is able to fulfill its mission and support scientific projects, technological development and training activities at the IRCM, thus contributing to the institution’s growth and success. Since 2010, the IRCM Foundation has been inviting everyone to participate in the IRCM Challenge (www.ircmchallenge.org) on Mount Royal.
Source :
Anne-Marie Beauregard, Communications Officer, IRCM
514 987-5555 | anne-marie.beauregard@ircm.qc.ca
Manon Pepin, Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations, and Acting Director, IRCM Foundation
514 987-5535 | manon.pepin@ircm.qc.ca
