Ontario, Canada – June 2, 2021 – Preeclampsia Foundation Canada announced that applications are now being accepted for its 2021 Vision Grant program, including a new award designated specifically for HELLP syndrome research.

Preeclampsia Foundation Canada will award up to two medical research Vision Grants to study preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. One of the awards will specifically fund HELLP Syndrome research thanks to generous support from the Cara HELLPs research fund, recently established at Preeclampsia Foundation Canada. Grant award amounts are up to $20,000 USD however, applicants with proposals specific to HELLP syndrome may submit a budget up to a maximum of 30,000 USD.

Grant award amounts will be paid in Canadian funds and will be equivalent to $USD based on the Bank of Canada currency exchange at the date of issuance.

Vision Grants are intended to provide initial funding for novel, innovative research by promising junior investigators that will advance progress towards detection, prevention, or treatment of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Post-doctoral, Clinical Fellows, or Early-Stage Investigators only are eligible to apply. Projects with potential to alter clinical management and improve patient outcomes will receive priority, but any well-considered research proposal will be accepted for review. International applications are welcome; however, submissions must be in English.

Application deadline is Wednesday, July 28. Awards will be made in 2021. Instructions can be found at www.preeclampsia.org/research/research-funding (US) or www.preeclampsiacanada.ca (Canada). Cara HELLPs, a newly established research fund created in memory of Cara Kernohan who at 29 years old lost her life tragically and suddenly to HELLP syndrome at 35 weeks.  Founded by Cara’s mother Jillian Young, Cara HELLPs seeks to educate through public awareness and to fund research.

“I am so pleased to see Preeclampsia Foundation Canada emerge as a significant force for positive change in the fight against this dangerous disease affecting pregnant women. Canadian researchers are committed to this cause and are making important strides towards fostering higher standards of care. HELLP syndrome continues to present challenges for both early diagnosis and preventions, but recent progress, especially with the implementation of the new maternal angiogenic growth factor blood test, is very encouraging. So, in memory of Cara Kernohan, we trust that the award winners will be successful in their research, and thus contribute to safer outcomes for pregnant women,” says Dr. John Kingdom, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists and Chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto and member of the Preeclampsia Foundation Canada’s Medical Advisory Board.  

“It's exciting for Preeclampsia Foundation Canada to have the opportunity this year to support globally ambitious and innovative research that will lead to improved maternal and infant health and someday a cure.  We are very proud to partner and invest in research that will impact and make a difference for all expectant women and their babies,” said Violet Mateljan, President of Preeclampsia Foundation Canada Board of Directors.