We are thankful for the kind gifts that individuals and foundations are making at this time toward our research. These much-needed donations have allowed us to make real advances in how we treat Canavan disease and related brain conditions. The physicians and scientists need your help if they are to continue the rapid progress that is being made.

During the past 7 years we have relentlessly worked on unraveling the molecular and metabolic characteristics of Canavan Disease. We have discovered that some of the degenerative mechanisms are shared with other brain diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. Indeed we believe that the research work we are undertaking, day after day eventually will provide a real cure for people with brain diseases such as Canavan, and it is only by completing a clinical trial and continuing this research that this knowledge will be applied and perfected to Canavan Disease and other brain diseases. In parallel to the gene therapy project for Canavan Disease we are also working on novel pharmacological and stem cell therapies for Canavan Disease and other brain disorders.

The groundwork currently being laid is certain to pay off in the future for many other sick patients, both young and old. With YOUR support we are proud to be a part of promoting the next generation of medical treatments, such as gene therapy, which will improve the lives of future generations.

Again, we thank you very much for your generosity in support of these important medical research projects.

Donations are tax deductible.
Write check to UMDNJ [memo: CGTC] 401 Haddon Avenue, Room 390, Camden, NJ 08103 For more information please contact

Melissa Casas:

phone (856) 757-9788
fax (856) 757-9647
e-mail casasme@umdnj.edu

A message from Canavan Research Illinois - The 6th Annual Charity Ball

On October 16 2004, Canavan Research Illinois hosted The 6th Annual Charity Ball. Dr. Andrew Freese was presented with the "Physician Scientist of the Year" award for his work with Dr. Leone to develop therapeutic treatments for children battling Canavan disease. All proceeds from the event will be directed to CGTC and will be used towards the advancement of Canavan disease research. $100,000 was donated in memory of Briana R. Petrovic. Briana lost her courageous 8 year battle with Canavan disease on August 5, 2004.

Jacob's Cure - Charity Bowling Event (2004)

Jordana Holovach and volunteers at Jacob's Cure organized a very successful fundraiser, the Jacob's Cure Charity Bowling Event. Photos from this event are shown below. Supporters of Jacob's Cure enjoyed a day of bowling, and from the proceeds of their efforts, a very generous donation was made to the research Center. The continued support of Foundations such as Jacob's Cure is greatly appreciated.

Brahman Capital and Bass Trading support Canavan research

Brahman Capital and Bass Trading showed their support for research on Canavan disease by making possible a Charity Day Donation in 2004. This generous funding is greatly appreciated by the Center and will allow us to further develop our translational research program on Canavan disease.

Canavan Research Illinois - 5th Annual Charity Ball - (October 25th 2003)

On October 25th Dr. Paola Leone was presented with the Scientist of the Year award by Canavan Research Illinois in recognition of her achievements in the field of Canavan disease research. These achievements were helped made possible with the support from this Illinois based charity. Canavan Research Illinois was founded with the mission to fund pioneering medical research to treat and cure Canavan disease.

All photos by Lawrence Larsen

Mike Randell, Max Randell, Dr Paola Leone, Ilyce Randell, Bunnie Dewar, Peggy Shapiro-Nyeholt	Guests enjoying the dancefloor
Dinner guests bidding on items at the silent auction	Max Randell with Bunnie Dewar
Ilyce Randell and Dr Paola Leone present Max Randell with an award for "inspiring the fight against Canavan disease"	Ilyce Randell, President and Director of Canavan Research Illinois, presents the "Scientist of the Year" award to Dr Paola Leone
Max Randell dancing in his motorized wheelchair with his Occupational Therapist Bunnie Dewar	Peggy Shapiro-Nyeholt, Vice President of Canavan Research Illinois, with Ilyce Randell
1st Prize winner in the raffle	Max Randell with Dr Paola Leone

Dedication of the Molecular Biology Laboratory to donor Mr. Scott Sklar (June 11th 2003)

On June 11th a reception was held in the Cell and Gene Therapy Center (CGTC) to honor Mr.Sklar´s efforts in raising funds for Canavan research by dedicating one laboratory of the CGTC to him.

The plaque in honor of Mr. Sklar was placed outside our main molecular biology laboratory so that with each passing day we are reminded of Mr. Sklar´s dedication to support our tireless research efforts towards a cure for Canavan Disease and other brain disorders.

All photos by Mr. Carl Hopf

Reception Hall	Dr. Shonola Da Silva, Dr. Paola Leone, Associate Dean Prof. Paul Mehne, Mr. Stuart Sklar
Dr. Paola Leone, Andria Sklar, Scott Sklar and Stuart Sklar	String Trio
Jacob Sontag with Jordana Holovach	Jacob Sontag with Gareth Holovach
Scott Sklar and Andria Sklar	Stuart Sklar, Scott Sklar, Diane Sklar
Visit to the laboratories /1	Lab Photos /1
Lab Photos /2	Visit to the laboratories / 2
Visit to the laboratories / 3	Scott Sklar, Jacob Sontag, Jordana Holovach next to the plaque
Scott Sklar Plaque