Very Common, Yet Virtually Unknown
Potentially Fatal, Yet Easily Treatable

Hemochromatosis - Canada's Most Common Genetic Disorder

Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HHC) is the most common genetic disorder affecting Canadians. It is a crippling, potentially fatal condition caused by a defect of iron metabolism that leads to iron overload in vital organs, joints and tissues. The complications caused by the disorder are preventable if a diagnosis is made before the excess iron causes irreversible damage, and effective treatment exists.

Our Purpose

The Canadian Hemochromatosis Society was established to create awareness about this little-known, but common disorder so that early diagnosis would become the rule rather than the exception and needless suffering and premature death from undiagnosed hemochromatosis would become a thing of the past. In the meantime, we are here to provide information and support to those adversely affected by iron overload.

Events

May is National Hemochromatosis Awareness Month

Come back to this site often for updates on activities during Awareness Month and throughout the year. See our Awareness Month page for a running list of events during May.

June 14: CHS Network Event in Richmond, BC

You are invited to attend a small group event which will connect hemochromatosis patients and their families to others afflicted with the disorder in the community.

View invitation (PDF)

Representatives of the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society (CHS) will provide information on the treatment and management of the disorder and updates on the activities of the Society locally, provincially, and nationally. Guests are welcome. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

As space is limited, please RSVP early. There is no admission charge for this event. Donations to defray costs are welcome.

Where: River Rock Casino Resort (Richmond), Whistler Ballroom A, 8811 River Road
When: Thursday, June 14th, 2012  7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
How: RSVP by Monday, June 11th, 2012 to Patrick Haney at phaney@toomuchiron.ca or Bob Rogers at 604. 279.7135

June 27: Annual General Meeting

Canadian Hemochromatosis Society 2011 AGM
Wednesday June 27, 2012
5:00 pm Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Richmond Caring Place
Room 320 – 7000 Minoru Blvd.
Richmond, British Columbia V6Y 3Z5

To participate in the Annual General Meeting, you must be a current member of the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society as of Thursday, May 31, 2012.

Please RSVP by email or phone no later than Thursday, May 31, 2012 and indicate whether you will attend in person or by teleconference. An AGM meeting package will then be forwarded to you.

Watch Our Video

Watch our 8 minute video, "What is Hemochromatosis?", comissioned by the CHS and directed by Jonathan Leduc.

Featured Resource

Medifocus Guide to Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a highly recommended resource for individuals affected by Hereditary Hemochromatosis. Each guide has current and relevant Hereditary Hemochromatosis research organized into categories for easy reading. Free updates are provided for one year. The Medifocus Guide also provides an international Hereditary Hemochromatosis physician finder. A must have!