Choose Your Language:
Posted by: The Sumaira Foundation in Community, Events, News & Announcements
On October 20, 2026, we welcomed close to 200 clinicians, researchers, patients and industry partners from all over the world to TSF’s Research Update & Award Ceremony at SickKids Patient Support Centre in Toronto. This event was organizing in collaboration with the International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group (IPMSSG).
Our event was hosted the night before MSToronto kicked off where ~7,000 delegates from all over the world convened for research updates, networking, science, advocacy and more.
We are grateful to all who supported and attended our event. It is events like this that has enabled the Foundation to support over $1.4mn in research, fellowships, diagnostic efforts, medical conferences and journal publications since 2018.
TSF’s 2026 Global Rare Trailblazer Award honored Prof. James F. Howard Jr., a world-renowned neurologist and leading authority on myasthenia gravis (MG). As a Professor of Neurology, Medicine, and Allied Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this complex autoimmune neuromuscular disease.
Prof. Howard has played a pivotal role in transforming the treatment landscape for MG through his groundbreaking clinical research and leadership in the development and evaluation of novel therapies. His work has helped advance targeted treatment approaches, improve disease management, and expand therapeutic options for patients living with this often debilitating condition. Through his contributions to clinical trials, medical education, and patient care, Prof. Howard has profoundly influenced modern MG treatment and continues to shape the future of care for the global MG community.
Collaborators: Dr. Ann Yeh & Dr. Cheryl Hemingway
Sponsors: Amgen, Alexion, UCB and Roche
Volunteers: Sai, Michael, Cayally, Oviya
