Brenda Dixon
President
I was born in Montreal and moved to Vancouver, BC in 1968, when I was 10 years old. I have Friedreich's Ataxia. I knew of Claude St. Jean's foundation in my last years in Montreal, and I had the pleasure of meeting him when he visited Vancouver in the 70's. I did not realize what a great foundation he had formed, until I read this website. I am very proud to be part of the team that forms the western branch of CAFA.
About CAFA West
CAFA West is excited to bring the message of CAFA to the western provinces of BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Our mission is to provide information and resources to people with ataxia where they live and to continue to fund the best possible research. Supporters can now feel confident knowing research dollars will go to projects screened by an esteemed national organization and be eligible for a Canadian tax receipt. Where possible, CAFA West advocates on behalf of individuals with ataxia, and for ataxians in the community and within the health care system.
CAFA West does not host support groups but you can find information about ataxia support groups in your community here (link).
Fiona Jackson
Vice-President
Fiona Jackson’s family has SCA1. She was tested in 1998 and does not have the gene. She is committed to the goals of CAFA and funding the best research to improve understanding about the ataxias, and giving hope to everyone affected and touched by it.
Elaine Willis
Treasurer
Elaine's career as a teacher was interrupted by an injury exacerbated by a hereditary ataxia. Although her family's gene has been isolated, no research has yet been conducted so she remains in the SCA? at this time. She volunteers her time and skills within her community and is proud to be part of the new CAFA WEST team.
Neil Dobson
Member-at-Large
Neil is originally from the UK.
After getting a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry in late 2001; he left in 2002 to move to Seattle to take up a position at the University of Washington and then in 2007 relocated to Vancouver, where he met his fiance and has 3 stepchildren.
Neil tested positive for SCA III (Machado Joseph Disease) in 1999 and has been fairly asymptomatic since. He now works as an RNA biochemist at Simon Fraser University
Glenn ter Borg
Member-at-Large and Web Maintenance
Glenn was born and raised in Alberta, but has been living in BC for over 20 years. He was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia in 1996. Media and design are just one of his many passions, and he uses his talents to bring awareness to Ataxia.
