{"id":719,"date":"2025-06-09T10:34:30","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T14:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fondationduchum.com\/?p=719"},"modified":"2026-03-25T14:00:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T18:00:23","slug":"the-first-edition-of-chum-medical-community-initiative-aura-was-a-smashing-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fondationduchum.com\/en\/news\/the-first-edition-of-chum-medical-community-initiative-aura-was-a-smashing-success\/","title":{"rendered":"The first edition of CHUM medical community initiative AURA was a smashing success!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On May 22, the restaurant Hiatus played host to the first edition of AURA<\/strong>: a fundraiser launched by CHUM neurosurgeon Dr. Sami Obaid<\/strong> and his colleagues in the Epilepsy Group to support breakthroughs in epilepsy research. This initiative benefitting the CHUM Foundation, spearheaded by the CHUM\u2019s own medical community, was a smashing success!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An evening where commitment to the cause exceeded expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fine dining and medical advancements were on the menu at the cocktail reception, enticing 170 guests<\/strong> and making for a packed house. Their generosity helped raise an incredible $179,406<\/strong>\u2014far exceeding the initial fundraising goal of $100,000 for the very first edition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting the important cause of epilepsy research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The funds raised will fast track research, development and innovation in epilepsy<\/strong> in order to offer better treatments and prospects to epilepsy patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cAs a CHUM neurosurgeon who specializes in epilepsy and a principal scientist at the CHUM Research Centre, I spend my days with patients whose lives are turned upside down by this debilitating disease. Epilepsy affects nearly 50 million people around the world, and behind each diagnosis is a story, a family, a daily struggle. AURA is more than just a benefit: it\u2019s an act of kindness, a message of hope, a concrete way to change the lives of epilepsy patients.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Dr Sami Obaid, AURA organizer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Touching highlights from the night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the standout moments of the benefit was the story of an epilepsy patient and her mother. By sharing their story, they reminded everyone in attendance just how much research can change lives. In honour of this important cause, artist Francorama painted a piece of art live at the event and put it up for auction, while host Denis Fortin made sure things stayed exciting and inspirational all evening long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The CHUM Foundation would like to sincerely thank Dr. Obaid and his team for their inspirational efforts to support healthcare\u2014a cause that affects us all.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Want to make a difference too? Donate today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make a donation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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