Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide and Related Diseases Inc. (Canadian MPS Society)

The Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide and Related Diseases Inc. (The Canadian MPS Society), founded in 1984, serves all Canadians affected by MPS and related diseases through support, education, advocacy and by advancing research.

When families learn that their child has been diagnosed with MPS, a rare, progressive and incurable disease that may potentially take their child's life, it places on them a heavy emotional, physical and financial burden that few can relate to or understand. Most newly diagnosed families have never even heard of the disease and struggle to find adequate information or resources to guide them through the process of seeking treatment. Despite their astounding strength, resilience and optimism, many families struggle to readjust their lives to the overwhelming new reality presented by this disease.

The Canadian MPS Society helps ease the burden by directing families to important sources of information, research and medical help, and by connecting them with other families experiencing similar situations to expand their network of support. We also provide financial support to families through our Family Assistance Program—to date, we have funded over $100,000 in grants to offset the many costs incurred with a diagnosis, such as travel to treatment facilities, medical aides and wheelchair accessible home remodelling. We make sure families know that we're there for them through grants that help them focus on their children rather than on financial hardships.