Media advisory: Canada's first ever Rare Disease Strategy to be released on Parliament Hill May 25

OTTAWA, May 21, 2015 /CNW/ - A comprehensive strategy aimed at providing hope and treatment to present and future Canadians with rare diseases will be unveiled at a news conference on Parliament Hill May 25. Canada's Rare Disease Strategy was prepared by the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) with input from patients, health professionals, researchers, governments and policy makers across Canada.

Participants include:

• Durhane Wong-Rieger, President of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
• Kate White, a 24 year old woman who along with her sister Meghan White has Gaucher disease
• Dr. Alex MacKenzie, Co-Leader of the internationally renowned "Care4Rare" project at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
• Maureen Smith, CORD Secretary,also living with congenital Panhypopituitarism

WHEN: 10:00 a.m. EST, Monday, May 25, 2015

WHERE: Charles-Lynch Room 130S, Centre Block, Parliament Hill

Please note: Broadcast media unable to attend will be able to access video/audio clips via a FTP site following the news conference upon request.

ABOUT CORD:

CORD is Canada's national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders. CORD provides a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare disorders. CORD works with governments, researchers, clinicians and industry to promote research, diagnosis, treatment and services for all rare disorders in Canada.

SOURCE Hill and Knowlton Canada Limited (Ottawa)

David Rodier, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Office: 613 786 9945, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]