Genetic Aortic Disorders Association Canada

01/28/2026

Save the Date!

The 4th Heritable Aortic Disorders (HAD4) Symposium is coming to Vancouver on May 22–23, 2026.

This two‑day, in‑person event brings together leading clinicians and researchers (Day 1) and offers dedicated learning and workshops for patients and families (Day 2).

📍 UBC Robson Square, Vancouver, BC
📅 May 22–23, 2026

🔗 Learn more via the HAD website: https://www.heritableaorticdisorders.com/

Registration is not open yet, but will be opening soon—mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.

01/27/2026

GADA Canada is deeply grateful to the family and friends of Elias Dourakis who came together to honour him through more than $3,500 in donations made in his memory.

This generosity supports vital research and education initiatives as well as improved care for individuals and families living with genetic aortic disorders. Thank you to those honouring Elias Dourakis, your donations support initiatives that improve outcomes for Canadians with genetic aortic disorders and help prevent the unnecessary loss of life.

01/15/2026

On January 22, 2026 GADA will host a special webinar titled ‘Healthy Living and Aortopathy’ led by

Attendees will learn about the contemporary evidence and recommendations for exercise and aortic disorders, while also gaining an understanding of the clinical guideline recommendations, gaps in evidence, and emerging data and considerations.

Register now to secure your spot and to submit your questions: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LFyA56_6SAeWBLy35p69KA

01/12/2026

While stress cannot always be avoided, small, intentional strategies can help reduce its impact over time. For individuals living with genetic aortic disorders, these approaches can support both emotional well-being and overall health.

Strategies may include:
• Gentle breathing or grounding exercises
• Creating predictable daily routines
• Connecting with trusted family members, friends, or support networks

These tools are not intended to eliminate stress, but to create moments of calm, stability, and a greater sense of control.

To learn more, watch GADA’s webinar with Genetic Counsellor Gretchen McCarrick, “Navigating Mental Health When Living with Aortic Disease.” The session explores the connection between physical and emotional well-being, ways to navigate anxiety, grief, and trauma, and practical, evidence-informed tools to build resilience.

On November 5th, GADA hosted a special webinar titled ‘Building Bridges: Navigating Mental Health when Living with Aortic Disease’ led by Genetic Counsellor,...

01/09/2026

As the New Year begins, conversations around well-being and self-care often take centre stage. For individuals living with genetic aortic disorders, self-care is not about resolutions or quick fixes—it is an important part of supporting long-term cardiovascular health.

Self-care can include staying engaged in routine medical follow-up, understanding your condition, managing stress, and building habits that support both physical and mental well-being. These everyday actions, guided by medical care, play a meaningful role in living well with a genetic aortic disorder.

Throughout January, GADA will be sharing evidence-informed content focused on patient-centred self-care, highlighting practical strategies and trusted information to support individuals and families affected by genetic aortic disorders.

Save the date for our upcoming webinar with Dr. Nathaniel Moulson, focused on exercise. This webinar will take place on January 22, 2026 at 7:00pm, registration details to be released in the coming weeks.

12/24/2025

As the year comes to a close, we wish you and your loved ones a warm and peaceful holiday season.

Your support—through learning, sharing, participating, and giving—has helped strengthen awareness, research, and care for individuals and families across Canada living with genetic aortic disorders. We are deeply grateful to be part of such a dedicated community.

As part of our 2025 Year-End Holiday Drive, we set a goal of raising $10,000 to support research partnerships, awareness initiatives, and improved patient care. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are now just $2,000 away from reaching this goal.

Every contribution helps move us closer to earlier detection, more precise care, and fewer preventable tragedies.

Help us cross the finish line before December 31.

12/18/2025

Learn about the vital role genetic testing plays in understanding and managing aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Presented by Andrea L. Rideout, a Certified Genetic Counsellor, this webinar covers key questions surrounding genetic testing for aortopathy, including:

-When is genetic testing appropriate?
-Who are the best candidates for genetic testing?
-What do test results mean for you and your family?
-How can you access genetic testing in Canada?
-What essential information do you need to make informed decisions?

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or a family member, this session will provide practical insights to help you understand and navigate genetic testing.

Click the link in our bio to watch.

This holiday season, your donation supports high-impact research that addresses these issues and advances the science that saves lives. Your gift supports the work we do to make webinars like this one possible. Please consider donating to GADA this season.

Watch our latest webinar recording to learn about the vital role genetic testing plays in understanding and managing aortic aneurysms and dissections. Presen...

12/17/2025

This holiday season, we’re sharing stories that remind us why research matters. Joan’s story shows the power of early detection and specialized care.

Donate today and help us fund Canadian research that saves lives.

12/15/2025

Francine Kopun’s recent The Toronto Star article covers the loss of Kathryn Pryla and her unborn son Callum James to undiagnosed Marfan syndrome. We share this article in solidarity with the families affected, while continuing our commitment to advancing research and care for individuals living with genetic aortic disorders across Canada.

GADA is honoured to be featured in this piece as part of the broader conversation on the urgent need for improved awareness, diagnosis, and coordinated care. These conditions, including Marfan syndrome, are significantly underdiagnosed. While traditionally estimated to affect 1 in 3,000–5,000 Canadians, emerging research shows the true prevalence is likely much higher. Stories like this reinforce the need for increased research, education, and advocacy.

Read the article here: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/death-from-marfan-syndrome/article_55a35998-a345-476a-bbca-1c87a31cbfbd.html