WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
During this year, in which we will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the thalidomide tragedy, I have the great pleasure, on behalf of the board of directors, to welcome you to the Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada (TVAC) web site. For over twenty years, TVAC has been pursuing its mission to support and accompany Canadian Thalidomide victims and inform the public on this devastating medical tragedy.
An important point to note, the repercussions of this tragedy, which occurred in the late 50's and early 60's, were felt throughout the entire medical profession, the pharmaceutical industry as well as all the decision-making bodies involved in the marketing process and the evaluation of drugs innocuousness. The Thalidomide tragedy revolutionized our behaviour towards the use of medication, especially in the treatment of pregnant women and, as a result, still today, protects unborn children against birth defects caused by certain drugs.
At the dawn of their 50th anniversaries, the Canadian Thalidomide survivors are facing important challenges, such as premature physical degeneration, loss of autonomy, the appearance of new functional limitations, increasing need for accompanying services, specialized technical aide, remaining employed, just to name a few. The Board of Directors and the employees at TVAC work with heart and assiduity to address these challenges with the goal of ensuring a quality of life for the members.
In the same vein, our report on the current living conditions of Canadian thalidomide survivors that was accomplished thanks to the invaluable assistance provided by partners from the medical and legal communities and adopted by our board of directors in March 2011 is an exceptional tool to represent the current and specific needs of our members before all authorities concerned by the Canadian Thalidomide tragedy in Canada.
During our national meeting in October 2012, we will of course be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the thalidomide tragedy, that is, the moment on the 2nd of March 1962 when the drugs Kevadon and Talimol (Thalidomide)were taken off the market, drugs that had at the time been prescribed for pregnant women without any contraindications. As TVAC is a mutual support and self-help community of people, we will be taking this opportunity especially to celebrate the unique path our association and members has traveled and to talk about our successes and our challenges.
I sincerely wish to thank the past and current members of the Board and committees, the executive director and employees, funding parties, volunteers, valuable donators and partners who, since the creation of TVAC, have generously contributed their time and knowledge to the work and the mission of the Association. Thanks to you, the Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada can be proud of its accomplishments and can continue its humanitarian work and public awareness objective.
Whether you are a member of TVAC, a health care professional, a student or a visitor, I hope that you will enjoy exploring our web site and invite you to send us your comments and questions via the "Contact Us" link.
Enjoy your visit,
Theresa Vachon
President
