Your generosity will positively impact the future of thousands of people who live with inherited red blood cell disorders
Thanks to the support of its philanthropic community, the CHUM Foundation is investing $2 million in SANGRE, the CHUM’s inherited red blood cell disorders clinic. This major commitment will accelerate research, innovation and the training of experts in a field that has not yet been sufficiently studied; ultimately helping to advance the development of future treatments.
A serious, yet overlooked group of diseases
Sickle cell disease comprises a group of inherited genetic disorders that affect red blood cells. Although still largely unknown, they are in fact the most common serious genetic disorder in the world, with the highest prevalence among people of African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian descent.
These conditions can cause chronic anemia, severe pain episodes and progressive damage affecting multiple organs. Their impact on health, quality of life and life expectancy can be profound.
Considered relatively rare in Quebec, the prevalence of sickle cell disease continues to rise as the province’s population becomes increasingly more diverse. It is estimated that approximately 50 children per 100,000 births in Quebec are affected.
SANGRE: A unique program in Quebec
Developed and led by the CHUM’s Hematology-Oncology Department, SANGRE is now the largest program in Quebec dedicated to inherited red blood cell disorders. With the momentum created by the CHUM Foundation’s $2 million investment, it has the potential to become a national and international leader in the field.
For more than 25 years, CHUM specialists have observed significant gaps in scientific knowledge surrounding these diseases, particularly regarding their long-term complications and underlying biological mechanisms, as well as the factors that influence treatment response. Their work has also highlighted the need to strengthen education and knowledge sharing across the healthcare network to improve understanding of these conditions and better serve affected populations.
An integrated platform fuelling research, innovation and education
To address these challenges, SANGRE has developed an integrated platform dedicated to research, innovation, and education relating to inherited red blood cell disorders.
The vision of this program is built on precision medicine that harnesses health data, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and clinical research to better understand disease progression and predict complications, as well as accelerate the development of new therapeutic solutions.
Thanks to the support of the CHUM Foundation and its community of donors, SANGRE’s teams will be able to generate new knowledge, train the next generation of experts, accelerate innovation and contribute to the development of treatments that can potentially transform the lives of people living with these diseases.
Philanthropy accelerates discovery
The CHUM Foundation’s $2 million investment in SANGRE demonstrates the powerful impact of philanthropy. Every gift, large or small, helps create the conditions needed for more equitable and inclusive healthcare.
Together, we are building a future in which inherited red blood cell disorders will be better understood and more effectively treated, consequently benefiting thousands of patients. Because behind every discovery, there are people, families, and communities who can look forward to living longer, healthier lives thanks to research made possible by your philanthropy.