Myriad Canada Supporter Jim Thoms and the Thoms Family Honoured at CTF’s 2023 Gala

 Jim Thoms

Since 2019, Myriad Canada has been working closely with the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) on scientific research projects to support research into NF, which includes neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), and all other types of schwannomatosis (SWN).

It was a night of celebration and recognition at the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s 2023 National Gala, held on November 13th at the opulent Gotham Hall in the heart of New York City. Under the theme “The Time is Now”, CTF marked its 45th anniversary, recognizing the entire NF community and honouring Myriad Canada supporter Jim Thoms and the Thoms Family.

The event, dedicated to acknowledging the NF Community and collaborative efforts in advancing vital NF research, was also live-streamed globally, accessible for viewing on the Foundation’s YouTube channel, widely sharing this inspirational evening filled with hope and optimism.

Camille, Nicole and Roland Thoms at the 2023 Halloween Bash

Among the honourees, Jim Thoms and the Thoms family received the Humanitarian Award in recognition of their unwavering support for NF research. Their leadership and generous support of the Thoms Family Fund at Myriad Canada has had an incredible impact on advancing charitable activities in the context of CTF’s NF2-SWN Accelerator Initiative, a groundbreaking $2.3 million program focused on gene therapy and new drug development for individuals like Camille Thoms, who bravely faces NF2-SWN.

Without the Thoms family’s dedication, this pioneering initiative would not have come to fruition. Furthermore, the Thoms family has been hosting an annual Halloween Bash event, which, over the past 18 years, has raised more than $1 million to support vital NF research.

Jim Thoms’ son, Roland Thoms, who accepted the award on behalf of the family with a heartfelt speech, reflected on his father’s commitment:

“A few years ago, my father, Jim Thoms, approached me and expressed his desire to make a substantial contribution. With the invaluable support of Myriad Canada, he was able to make his

generous donation. I want people to understand that the true heroes in this story are my daughter, Camille Thoms, and my father, Jim Thoms.”

Attendees were also deeply moved by Jim’s granddaughter, Camille Thoms, who presented an original and heartfelt poem in a touching video.

Nicole and Roland Thoms accepting the CTF Award

To learn more or to support this fund, click here.

About NF

NF refers to a group of genetic conditions that collectively affect 1 in every 2,000 births. NF includes neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and all forms of schwannomatosis (SWN), including NF2–related schwannomatosis (NF2–SWN), formerly called neurofibromatosis type 2. These conditions cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, and can lead to deafness, blindness, deafness, disfigurement, bone abnormalities, learning disabilities, disabling pain, and cancer. NF is genetic, which means that it is not the result of anything a parent did or did not do, and it is not contagious. NF occurs in all populations equally and one in every 2,000 people is born with some type of neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis. There is no cure.

Myriad Canada and the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF)

Myriad Canada has been working with the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) since 2019 on charitable projects focused on scientific research into NF. CTF is the world’s leading organization dedicated to driving and funding innovative research that will result in effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide living with NF. CTF’s mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care for the NF community fosters their vision of one day ending NF.

For more information or to support this project, click here.

To learn more about CTF, visit their website at ctf.org.