News Release – Irons for Iron

Posted April 17th, 2014 by webadmin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Natasha Damiano
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society | Société canadienne de l’hémochromatose
ndamiano@toomuchiron.ca
Toll-free: 1-877-223-4766
www.toomuchiron.ca

IRONS FOR IRON FUNDRAISER FOR CANADA’S MOST COMMON HEREDITARY DISORDER

Richmond, BC, April 17, 2014 – This May, volunteers and supporters from across Canada will go golfing as a way of recognizing National Hemochromatosis Awareness Month in Canada. IRONS for IRON is a series of fundraising golf events to raise awareness about the most common genetic disorder in the country: hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC). HHC is an iron metabolism disorder that causes the body to absorb two to three times the normal amount of iron and is potentially fatal if undiagnosed and untreated.

In its second year, this event series is organized by the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society | Société canadienne de l’hémochromatose (CHS) with help from local volunteers. Executive Director and C.E.O., Bob Rogers, hopes to expand this year’s IRONS for IRON from two cities to seven: “Each golf event brings much needed attention to our cause. Our mission is to help individuals and families in Canada who may be affected by the disorder learn about their risks, and to prevent the needless suffering that can occur when the disorder remains undiagnosed and untreated.” The proceeds from the event are used to expand CHS public outreach and client support programs.

An estimated 125,000 Canadians have two copies of the gene that puts them at risk of iron overload. Over 3.5 million Canadians carry one gene (they are called “carriers”). This number is significant because when two carriers have children, the offspring are at risk of having both genes, and thus at risk for iron overload. It is extremely prevalent in people of northern European (e.g. French, German, Scandinavian) and Celtic (e.g. Irish, British, Scottish) descent, but others can also be affected. Left untreated, the excess iron builds up in vital organs, tissues and joints, where it can cause a number of debilitating and potentially fatal complications and diseases.

IRONS for IRON is a fun day of golf with friends and colleagues to help support CHS programs and build awareness about this under-recognized and often misdiagnosed disorder. IRONS for IRON events are being planned for Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Moncton, Halifax, Cape Breton, and Vancouver during the month of May. Information about Irons for Iron, National Hemochromatosis Awareness Month, and the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society | Société canadienne de l’hémochromatose is available at www.toomuchiron.ca.