LONDON, Ont. – Next Wednesday, See the Line will hold its second annual education, awareness and fundraising event that includes education sessions for medical professionals, a free community symposium, and a fundraising gala. Hockey legend Eric Lindros will reprise his role as Honorary Chair and Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada will emcee the gala.
The keynote speaker for both the medical education sessions and the community symposium is Dr. Bob Cantu, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery, Boston University School of Medicine who is also Senior Advisor to the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee and Founding member, co-founder, medical director, and chairman Medical Advisory Board of the Sports Legacy Institute.
See the Line was organized in response to the growing prevalence of sport-related concussion; every day athletes of all ages, male and female are suffering with these devastating and sometimes life-altering injuries. Based in London, Ontario, it is a collaborative effort between world-class health care and research partners that were already taking a leadership approach in the field with studies into concussion prevention, as well as concussion effects, finding ways to improve diagnosis and treatment, and raising awareness of this all-to-common injury.
“See the Line partners have become greater than the sum of our parts in tackling this problem,” says Dr. Michael J. Strong, Dean of Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. “Coordinating efforts and exchanging ideas in an academic, research and clinical centre like London has proven extremely beneficial.”
Eric Lindros believes that wide-spread collaboration is key and it’s a big reason for his endorsement of See the Line.
“Some fear the idea, others disregard the risk, and too many still simply don’t understand the crippling impact of this injury,” says Lindros. “Growing public awareness and understanding is crucial to the effort and together, we are going to change that.”
The community symposium, to raise awareness and educate the public and sporting community about concussion detection, treatment and research, will include a moderated panel discussion that will connect elite athletes with scientists in a conversation around the prevalence and consequences of concussion.
Later that evening, a $250/pp gala will also feature a Medtronic-sponsored armchair discussion with a similar panel, moderated by Hockey Night in Canada’s Ron MacLean. Sport notables attending the gala along with Lindros include: Hamilton TiCat Andy Fantuz, San Jose Sharks Logan Couture, Olympic alpine skiers Jan Hudec and Brian Stemmle, Olympic rower Marnie McBean, former Toronto Argonaut Jude St. John, former Anaheim Mighty Ducks captain Steve Rucchin, and former NHL Referee Don Van Massenhoven.
The gala will celebrate 40 years of sport medicine pioneered at Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic and proceeds will support concussion care and research at the clinic.
Founded by sport medicine pioneers Dr. Jack Kennedy and Dr. Peter Fowler, the clinic has been an integral part of Canada’s success on the international sporting stage. Through the years, the outstanding treatment and ground-breaking research of doctors and staff at this renowned facility have greatly contributed to the health of both elite and everyday athletes.
See the Line’s Community Information Symposium is now full to capacity however, members of the public interested in attending the Gala Fundraiser can find more information, and register, by visiting www.seetheline.ca
See the Line event schedule:
Wednesday, August 13
Education & Community Information Symposium
1 - 5 p.m., Arthur and Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building, Western University
Free, but pre-registration required through website – now at full capacity
Gala Dinner
6 p.m. London Convention Centre,
Tickets: $250/per person – tickets still available
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See the Line is a collaborative initiative between London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), St. Joseph’s Health Care London (SJHC), Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson), Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI), Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry including Robarts Research Institute and the Faculties of Health Sciences and Engineering. It combines the cumulative experience of world-class acute sport concussion clinical care and research leaders in London, with the aim of reducing the incidence of concussion, improving care through research, and educating athletes, coaches and parents about the serious impact of concussions.
Media are welcome to cover See the Line’s Education & Community Information Symposium at Western University on August 13. There is also a planned news conference with Eric Lindros, Dr. Bob Cantu, Dr. Robert Litchfield, Tim Fleiszer and Dr. Michael Strong on August 13, 12 noon – 12:30 p.m. at Western University.
For further information contact:
Crystal Mackay
Media Relations Officer
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
519-661-2111 ext. 80387 Crystal.Mackay@schulich.uwo.ca
