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Improving Lives
One Breath at a Time
Annual Report 2012/2013
A Message From Our CEO
In 2011, in partnership with the Department of Health and Wellness,
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia led the creation of a Provincial
Lung Health Strategy. This seminal document would identify the
compelling need for action and how, we as Nova Scotians, tackle a
myriad of lung health issues. It has formed a blue print and road map
for future planning.
Informed by the Lung Health Strategy we have committed significant
resources towards Lung Cancer and Tobacco Cessation advocacy. After reviewing
current cessation activities within Nova Scotia it became clear to LANS that improvements
to our system were both possible and required. High smoking and lung disease rates and tight health care
budgets demand this. We are now poised to recommend a more optimal tobacco cessation system which we
believe will help more people who want to quit to do so while using our tax dollars more effectively. Regarding
Lung Cancer, LANS intends to impact the entire pathway of this, the most deadly of cancers. From awareness
and prevention, to diagnosis and treatment, to living with lung cancer and quality end of life we intend to bring
focus to a disease that has long required more attention. To date we have engaged a passionate group of lung
cancer experts who share our commitment to create positive change. There is now a great deal of lung cancer
activity underway and we are committed to playing a lead role going forward. It is indeed an exciting time.
Year round our staff continue to deliver a variety of programs including our Equipment Exchange Program, Lung
Transplant patient and family support, Camp Treasure Chest and our new partnership with Camp Brigadoon,
funding and administering the Legacy Research grant, managing our COPD and Lung Cancer Support Groups,
the Atlantic Respirology and Critical Care Conference and continuing the expansion of our Learn to Run for
Smokers program that now features programs in Alberta and PEI.
We are proud of our team as we continue to deliver on our mission is spite of challenging financial times. As our
traditional sources of funding decrease we diversify to ensure a stable future. Key additions include the Runway
Run and increased rental income. After two years of renovating our building this work is now near complete with
the building 100% occupied with high quality, long term tenants. We are thrilled to welcome Kinesio Sport Lab,
Thorasys, as well as Purl and WIllow Tree Massage to the building. Not only do they bring crucial rental income,
all three operations reflect very positively on the Lung Association. Completing the bulk of the renovations and
securing quality tenants has taken a significant amount of our time over the past two years. With the bulk of the
work complete we look forward to seizing new opportunities …and there are plenty.
In the future, we will continue to work hard to help Nova Scotians breathe easier each day. In partnership with
our Medical Advisory Board and governed by our Board of Directors, we continue to be focused on improving
the lung health of Nova Scotians. We are grateful for the generous support of our donors and volunteers.
Without their passionate commitment our success simply would not be possible. Together we have worked
hard, had a little fun along the way and are now positioned for a very successful year ahead.
Yours in lung health,
Louis Brill,
President and CEO
Dan Marcil
Chairman of the Board
Welcoming Our New
Neighbours
Thorasys Medical Systems Inc.
Thorasys Thoracic Medical Systems Inc is a Canadian medical
device start-up company that moved into the Lung Association’s
building in 2013. Thorasys makes the tremoFlo™, the world’s first
Airwave Oscillometry System (AOS) to measure lung function
without patient effort. Dr. Geoff Maksym, founder of Thorasys, is
also a past recipient of the Lung Association’s Legacy Ressearch
Grant. The grants Dr. Maksym received provided seed funding to
help continue his research and data collection into Airwave
Oscillometry.
Purl and Willow Tree Massage
Purl and Willow Tree Massage Therapy moved into the office space at the Lung Association in 2013. Purl
Massage, operated by Andrea Dennis, offers variety of services from those suffering from general tension
and stress to those affected by injury. Willow Tree Massage, operated by Sarah Perkins, offers treatments in
deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and MyoFascial release.
White’s Accounting
White’s Accounting Services has been a tenant of the Lung Association since our
purchase of the building in 2009. An accountant for over 25 years, Joe White and
his team provide personal and corporate tax services, business consulting,
small business accounting and other services and consider themselves to be
very happy tenants of the Lung Association.
Kinesio Sport Lab
Kinesio Sport Lab is the brainchild of Jeffery and Ashley Zahavich, both of
whom completed Master of Science degrees in Kinesiology from the
University of Calgary. Kinesio Sport Lab, better known as KSL, is an
endurance sport physiology lab, CompuTrainer MultiRider cycling centre and
high performance strength and conditioning studio. All programs and services are
tailored towards the endurance athlete. They are 100% sport science driven and focused on results.
After returning home to the Maritimes, Jeff and Ashley realized there was an obvious gap in the quality of
coaching and training programs available to endurance athletes in the HRM. After looking at several other
locations, setting up shop in the Lung Association building only made sense. The location is perfect, as Lady
Hammond acts as a major access point travelling to and from major areas of HRM. The concept of the
building was exactly what KSL were looking for, with a private outdoor training space with access to tons of
parking, and shared facilities with a massage therapy clinic. The Lab is 1,600 square feet, complete with a
garage door and a beautiful view of the Bedford Basin. What more could a high performance training facility
ask for?
Annual Report 2012/2013
Lung Health Leaders
Board of Directors 2012/2013
Medical Advisory Board 2012/2013
Dan Marcil, Chair
Linda Gregory, Past Chair
Kelsey MacAulay, Vice Chair
Edwin Merry, Treasurer
Greg Crowell, Secretary
Dr. Dennis Bowie, Chair, Medical Advisory Board
Tim Brennan
Kris Foley
Trevor Umlah
Richard Whynot
Louis Brill President and CEO
Dr. Dennis Bowie, Chair, Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Drew Bethune
Dr. Paul Hernandez
Dr. Dan Hughes
Dr. Roger Michael
Dr. Debra Morrison
Dr. Nancy Morrison
Dr. Sandeep Kapur
Pat Steele, RN
Dr. Wade Watson
Provincial Staff 2012/2013
Louis Brill, President and CEO
Sue Tregunno, Manager of Finance and Special Events (outgoing)
Hamza Haneef, Manager of Finance and Administration (incoming)
Diane Grant, Coordinator, Executive Assistant
Emma Martin, Manager of Development (outgoing)
Ava Chen, Manager of Development (outgoing)
Justin Zinck, Manager of Development (incoming)
Lynette Hollett, Donor Relations Manager
Jonathan Dyer, Manager of Health Initiatives
Jayne Norrie, Manager of Health Initiatives
Robert MacDonald, Manager of Health Initiatives
Paige Hoveling, Manager of Communications
Annual Report 2012/2013
Celebrating Lung Health
Champions
William Fougere Double Lung Transplant Recipient
and Lung Health Champion
M
y illness began 6 years ago when I
contracted a lung disease that progressively
and aggressively worsened week by week. After
twelve hospital stays over 2 years, the longest
being three and a half weeks, the doctors
decided I would need oxygen at all times. I was
given 5 years to live and it was decided that my disease was progressing to
the point where I needed a double lung transplant. At first I thought “I cannot
go through with this; the risks are too high!”. However, after long thought and
deliberation, and to my wife and family’s relief, I changed my mind and decided on the surgery.
With clearance from the medical staff of Toronto General Hospital, my wife and I packed up and made
the move to Toronto. After a five month wait I was given “The Gift of Life”: A pair of pretty, pink, healthy
lungs were transplanted into my body, which received them with sheer delight.
My recovery was amazing and after another three months we headed back to Nova Scotia. It was when
we arrived home that I decided that I would now do some of the work I was intended to do, so I began to
volunteer with the Lung Association. I felt together we were really getting the
message out to thousands through social media and events: “Sign your donor cards and take care of
your lungs!”.
I have so many people to thank for their continued love and support that it is difficult to know where to
start; however, I do know that the pillar of strength that kept me going through this ordeal was my amazing wife!
I have been privileged to work with the amazing people at the Lung Association. They supported me
while in Toronto and back here in Halifax. They’ve kept me engaged with what is happening on the
“home front” with fundraising efforts, allowed me to come into their organization to assist where and
when possible, provided a means of transportation to various events, asked me to speak or present on
their behalf and have just made me feel like a better person. I feel positive that I will be able to help those
in situations similar to mine by continuing to get the word out and support the amazing work of the Lung
Association.
Annual Report 2012/2013
Supporting World Class
Education and Research
The 24th Atlantic Respirology and Critical Care Conference (ARCC)
had 82 registrants and speakers in attendance for 2012. The
conference, held on November 2 & 3 at the Westin Nova Scotian, featured
speakers on a variety of topics including lung cancer, outreach to COPD
patients and their families, decision making in medicine, immunization and more.
Overall feedback from the 2012 conference was positive with momentum building for the 25th Anniversary in
2013.
Legacy Research Grants
Legacy Research Grants provide seed funding to Nova Scotian researchers in support of high quality, leading edge respiratory health-related research that will control and prevent lung disease in our province. This
year, the Lung Association funded the following projects:
Dr. Christopher Richardson
Potential Treatment of Lung Cancer Using Oncolytic Measles Virus
Dr. Richardson’s research will test the tumor-killing properties of the measles virus and identify whether such
tendencies apply to lung cancer treatment. The findings could lead to identifying new lung cancer therapies.
Dr. Geoffrey Maksym
Regulation of Airway Smooth Muscle Contractile Phenotype and Function by the Biomechanical
Environment in a 3D Microtissue Culture Model
Dr. Maksym’s study will provide insight into the process changes of airway smooth muscle function in asthma patients. The understanding of these changes could set a precedent for finding new treatment options for
improving the health of patients with asthma.
Dr. Denis Dupre
Biased Agonism of COPD and Asthma drugs on WT and Polymorphic B2-adrenergic Receptor
Dr. Dupre’s research will attempt to test the effect of commonly used COPD and asthma drugs on patients
with different genetic compositions. The study is expected to provide insight on the reasons such drugs work
for some individuals more than others.
Dr. Paul Hernandez and Dr. James Ellsmere
Lung Function Following Weight Loss Surgery
Dr. Hernandez and Dr. Ellsmere’s research will attempt to help us better understand the impact of obesity on
airway narrowing, and the potential of weight loss surgery to increase sleep quality. The knowledge from the
study will assist clinicians in making decisions regarding the optimality of weight loss surgery to patients.
Annual Report 2012/2013
Supporting Nova Scotians
The Future of Lung Cancer in Nova Scotia
On November 24, 2012, the Lung Association and Capital Health held the Together We Can Find a Cure
for Lung Cancer forum. This initial meeting to discuss the future of lung cancer in Nova Scotia was
attended by over 30 people including patients, survivors, family members, and medical professionals.
Presentations were given by Dr. Drew Bethune, Chair of the Cancer Care Program and Chief of
Thoracic Surgery for Capital Health; Dr. Liam Mulroy, Co-Chair of the Thoracic Cancer Site Team at
Capital Health; Dr. Michael Johnston, Director of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute; and
Anne Marie Ceruto, a lung cancer survivor. Attendees were also invited to join us for an open forum
discussion that was webcast to participants outside the Metro Halifax area. This forum concluded that
there are not enough patient and family support systems in place in Nova Scotia and the Lung
Association of Nova Scotia would begin hosting Lung Cancer Support Groups in 2013.
The COPD Support Group supports people with serious lung diseases, including bronchitis, emphysema
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with chronic lung disease are often isolated due to their
condition, and lack the support and education they need. The COPD Support Group, initiated by the Lung
Association, is a monthly meeting for patients and their family or friends. During the 2012/2013 year your
Lung Association held 10 COPD Support Group meetings in Halifax and expanded to include two meetings
in Antigonish. Attendance has averaged 12 people in Halifax and five in Antigonish during this time. Some of
the topics discussed include coping with COPD, the INSPIRE Project, end of life care, and medications with
COPD.
Tobacco Advocacy
This year a major focal point for your Lung Association has been the tobacco cessation assessment. This
project, in partnership with the Department of Health and Wellness, aims to help achieve goals that were set
out in the Comprehensive Tobacco Control Strategy for Nova Scotia. The goal is to provide
recommendations for an evidence-based, comprehensive tobacco cessation system that is similar across
the province. The first phase of this project was to engage stakeholders outside of the District Health
Authority ream. The opportunity for input and collaboration was given to organizations such as Doctors
Nova Scotia, the Pharmacist Association of Nova Scotia, the Department of National Defence, the District
School Boards, etc. Also, an environmental scan of best practices was completed. Data was collected
through research and by contacting world leaders in the field such as Dr. Simon Chapman from Australia
and Dr. Peter Selby from the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health in Ontario. The next phase will focus on
the programming offered by the nine District Health Authorities, with a final report completed for the winter of
2014.
Another focus of advocacy was in tobacco control. We are proud to be a member of the Smoke Free Nova
Scotia coalition that has been actively pursuing a tobacco manufacturing licensing fee in Nova Scotia. The
aim of this fee is to enact legislation that will require tobacco manufacturers to pay a fee to sell their product
in Nova Scotia.
Annual Report 2012/2013
Helping Nova Scotians
Nova Scotia Spirometry Awareness Day
In October 2012 the second Annual Nova Scotia Spirometry
Awareness Day was held in locations in Halifax and Truro.
Over 100 people were tested and received spirometry
information from local Respiratory Therapists and Respiratory
Therapy students throughout the course of the afternoon.
Learn to Run for Smokers offered 9 programs in 2012/2013.
Locations included 4 in the Halifax Regional Municipality
(held in Halifax and Dartmouth), and one in each of the following
communities: Antigonish, New Glasgow, Bridgewater, Drumheller, Alberta and Brooks, Alberta. We had more
than 180 registered participants for these sessions. Our success rate, as reported by participants that
complete the post-program questionnaire, is approximately 23%. Antigonish was an excellent program
hosted by the health authority (GASHA) and the Bridgewater program was a partnership with the Nova
Scotia Community College. A video was also completed this year by an NSCC student in the Television
Production Program and will be an excellent resource tool for future Learn to Run for Smokers programs.
Radon Awareness
During 2012/2013, 235 home radon testing kits were sold to people across Nova Scotia. In the fall of 2012,
the Lung Association partnered with Health Canada to attend the Ideal Home Show. During this two day
show the Lung Association sold 50 radon kits. We also began working in partnership with a small company,
Radon Metrics, to add quality assurance to the radon testing kits that the Lung Association sells. Through
these continued partnerships the Lung Association and Health Canada hosted a press event at a Halifax
home where radon remediation had been completed.
This year, for the first time, your Lung Association partnered with Brigadoon Children’s Camp Society to
provide Camp Treasure Chest, a camp for kids with asthma. Twenty four children from across Nova
Scotia joined us for a 3-day camp in August. Children were treated to world class facilities as they
enjoyed new activities, education and adventures while being supervised by trained councillors and
medical staff.
Annual Report 2012/2013
Helping Nova Scotians
Equipment Exchange
An increasing number of Nova Scotians are being diagnosed with sleep apnea and require night time
breathing machines to relieve their symptoms. The Equipment Exchange program assists those individuals
who do not have the means of acquiring a sleep apnea (CPAP/BiPAP) machine and are forced to stay in
hospital or suffer further medical complications. In 2012/2013 the Lung Association provided 75 refurbished
CPAP and BiPAP machines to Nova Scotians in need.
Direct Mail
Direct mail has historically been the largest type of donor-driven fundraising in North America. In the past
few years your Lung Association has seen a decline in our direct mail campaigns. The Lung Association
sustains our organization on contributions from our generous donors and this new reality will necessitate an
evolution of our business planning. We anticipate direct mail remaining as our largest fundraiser; however
we have continued to diversify our fundraising by adding new events such as the Runway Run and the
planning of our major gifts campaign.
For the past 20 years the Lung Association of Nova Scotia has received generous support from golfers
across Nova Scotia through their purchases of our Lung Book. This member booklet offers amazing
discounts at golf courses across Atlantic Canada and Maine. All funds raised by the Lung Book benefit lung
health in Nova Scotia. This year, we’ve have seen increased competition in the marketplace and are working
towards creating new, sustainable partnerships to further increase our market shares and distribution
networks for the Lung Book.
Annual Report 2012/2013
Running for Lung Health
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2013 HALIFAX
The 7th Annual Credit Union Atlantic Lung Run saw over 700
runners, walkers, and people who support lung health take
to the streets of Halifax for the fastest and flattest 5k in
Atlantic Canada. Our participants enjoyed a beautiful
course, situated on the Halifax Waterfront, and raised over
$67,000 to support lung health in Nova Scotia. This year,
the Lung Association was also thrilled to be recognized by
Run Nova Scotia members as the Best 5k in Nova Scotia.
The first Annual Runway Run 5k road race was held, in partnership with
Halifax Stanfield International Airport, on October 28, 2012. Over 360 people attended this unique, first-time
event to raise over $16,000 for your Lung Association. Participants enjoyed a cool 5k walk, or run, down the
newly extended runway at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and a reception and awards ceremony at
Gateway Facilities. Many partners came together to make this first-year event a success including Halifax
Stanfield International Airport, Gateway Facilities, NAVCANADA, Transport Canada, Cougar Helicopter, and
more.
Annual Report 2012/2013
Fundraising and Allocation
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia is a 100% donor-funded organization. We value every generous gift
we receive from our donors. We work hard to turn every $10 donation into $100 worth of value. All support
received by your Lung Association stays right here, in Nova Scotia, to help people in our community breathe
easier through world class research, education and advocacy.
How Funds are Raised
Direct Mail ............................................ 48%
Special Events...................................... 25%
Grants and Sponsorship....................... 18%
Bequests & Memorials........................... 6%
Rental..................................................... 2 %
Interest................................................... 1%
How Funds are Spent
Fundraising.......................................... 27%
Support................................................. 25%
Programs & Services........................... 24%
Special Events..................................... 12%
Research.............................................. 12%
Annual Report 2012/2013
The Lung Association provides lung health information, education, advocacy and
support to Nova Scotians.
Asthma
•
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
•
Healthy Air
Lung Transplant Support • Lung Cancer Support • Healthcare Professional Education
Research • Smoking Prevention and Cessation • Advocacy
To learn more or to donate, please call:
(888) 566-LUNG (5864) or visit www.ns.lung.ca
Also find us on:
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia
@NSLung
Provincial Office - 200-6331 Lady Hammond Road, Halifax
Annual Report 2012/2013