You can check out the full Education & Awareness Day Agenda & register virtually here.
Andrea – Patient Storyteller, Patient Panelist
Debut author of the children’s book, In My Magical Bubble, Andrea is a screening officer by day and a blogger by night. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Communication from Autónoma de Occidente University. In addition to working on her son´s blog and being a dedicated mother, she has recently fought her personal battle with cancer. Most recently, Andrea has been a host for Season two and three of our Slice of PI, our podcast surrounding living with immunodeficiency. She is also a strong SCID Advocate and enthusiastic ImmUnity Canada Board Member. Born in Colombia, and now living in Canada, Andrea is a lover of naps, music, and all types of projects.
Dr. Bruce Ritchie – Adult Care Spotlight
Bruce Ritchie is a Professor of Medicine and Haematology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where he is active in both clinical and basic research. His clinical interests include primary immunodeficiency, hereditary angioedema, hemoglobinopathies, and blood borne pathogens. Dr Ritchie developed specialty clinics in Edmonton to provide comprehensive care including home treatment with blood products to these groups. He is also intimately involved in surveillance of the blood system in Canada among other important endeavors.
Dr. Sneha Suresh – Pediatric Care Spotlight
Dr. Sneha Suresh completed her pediatric residency and pediatric infectious disease fellowship at the University of Alberta. She received a Stollery Children’s Foundation Fellowship to complete a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Transplantation at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. Dr Suresh currently works at the Stollery Children’s Hospital as the clinical lead for the Pediatric Immune Deficiency clinic, serving patients in Northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. By combining her expertise in Infectious Disease and Immunology, her research focuses on vaccination and protection of immunocompromised hosts, both with primary and secondary immunodeficiency. She is also involved in the postgraduate and undergraduate education of residents and medical students in the field of Clinical Immunology.
Hon. Matt Jeneroux, Edmonton-Riverbend MP – Men’s Mental Health Awareness Presentation
Matt is the Member of Parliament representing Edmonton Riverbend and currently the Shadow Minister for Supply Chains. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta and recently obtained his Public Leadership Credential at Harvard University.
Matt has been a strong advocate for both compassionate care and mental health supports, even launching his foundation, Hi Dad Foundation, in support of raising awareness for mental health in young men and dads. This was an extension of his work as founder of Father’s Day on the Hill, an annual event on Parliament Hill.
Matt is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly and the youngest government provincial politician prior to May 2015. He’s only the 2nd elected official to pass private members’ legislation in both a provincial legislature and the House of Commons, when he passed Compassionate Bereavement Leave in 2021. This law now doubles the leave of an individual when facing the death of a loved one.
As an MLA, Matt passed a private members’ bill entitled Compassionate Care Leave Legislation, the first of its kind in the history of Alberta. The law now provides a leave of absence for an employee from their employer while taking care of a terminally ill loved one.
Becky Rock, RN – Nursing Spotlight
Becky Rock is a registered nurse with over 30 years of practice spanning Canada and the United States. She began her career in critical care, in the areas of surgical, trauma, and cardiovascular ICU, in which she also held roles in leadership, education and mentorship.
For over 15 years, Becky led the Patient Blood Management Program for Alberta Health Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Between AHS and volunteer efforts within the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management, she’s worked to support a broad range of PBM initiatives locally and beyond.
In 2022, Becky joined the AHS Collaborative Immunology Program as Nurse Clinician with the SCIg Home Infusion Program. As part of a multidisciplinary team, Becky supports overall programming including patient training to learn SCIg self-infusion, provider education, development of promotional and learning materials, youth to adult transitioning, and more.
Becky fills her remaining spare moments in the great outdoors, as much as she can.
Michelle – Patient Panelist
Michelle is a volunteer for ImmUnity Canada; currently facilitating the Online Older Adult Community Connect Group. Originally, she volunteered with CIPO as a 1:1 peer support person and Michelle really enjoyed helping guide and support people through their journeys. Professionally, Michelle is a Registered Nurse who has been working within an Oncology setting. On a more personal note, she is a Mum to 3 boys (all adult men now), and loves to host family gatherings. She is happiest when enjoying the outdoors, being an avid snowmobiler, gardener and lake swimmer. Michelle also enjoys skating, DIY projects and reading (researching) for personal growth and learning.
Her goal is to help people navigate through their diagnosis and support them along their journey.
Yvonne – Patient Panelist
Yvonne was born and raised in Edmonton, and grew up playing on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River – which is still her favourite playground and happy place. She has had careers in both neonatal nursing, and in mental health counseling. Yvonne reads voraciously, nurtures her creativity, and is learning to speak French. She was diagnosed with PID 12 years ago.
You can check out the full Education & Awareness Day Agenda & register virtually here.