Dr. Soheila Karimi, Founding Director of the Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre
Manitoba leading the way in MS research
How community and donor support is powering the path to a cure
Each day in Canada, 12 individuals are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS)—a chronic, often debilitating neurological condition that impacts young adults, typically between the ages of 20-50 years, at the height of their lives. MS has long-term effects on the quality of life for affected individuals and their families and poses major economic impacts for social services and healthcare systems. Nearly 80 per cent of Canadians with MS have reduced work hours or are prematurely disabled from employment, and it is projected that MS-related Canadian health care costs will exceed $2 billion annually within the next 10 years.
In Manitoba, where MS prevalence is among the highest in the country, the urgency to advance research, care, and advocacy is deeply personal and acutely felt. At the heart of this mission stands the Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre (MMSRC), a collaborative hub of researchers, clinicians, trainees, and community members working together to change the future of MS.
A mission of collaboration and discovery
The MMSRC was created to amplify Manitoba’s voice in the national and global MS research landscape. Its mission is rooted in building connections—between disciplines, institutions, and individuals—through cutting-edge research, clinical innovation, knowledge translation, and mentorship. As MS remains a complex and evolving disease, the MMSRC embraces interdisciplinary collaboration to explore every facet of its pathogenesis, treatment, and impact.
In recent years, Manitoba has become a growing center for MS research excellence. The MMSRC is a reflection of that momentum—bringing together basic scientists and clinicians to address the urgent needs of people living with MS, especially those affected by progressive forms of the disease that remain challenging to treat.
The transformative impact of donor support
Behind every scientific breakthrough is a foundation of generosity and belief. For MMSRC, community and donor support are not just helpful—they are essential. Funding from donors is vital for enhancing research and clinical trials, developing new MS treatments, and supporting training of the next generation of MS researchers, ensuring a pipeline of expertise for future MS research and health care delivery.
To support the next generation of MS researchers in Manitoba, Brian Lerner and Dr. Arnold and Barbara Naimark, along with family and friends, created the Hilary Kaufman Lerner Award in memory of Brian’s wife Hilary who died from complications arising from MS.
“Hilary faced MS with dignity, resolve and defiance. She never gave up hope that one day a cure for MS would be found,” said Lerner. “She never let her challenges prevent her from living her life to the fullest and giving her children, Rebecca and Jonathan, as much as she could to ensure they had the same experiences that other kids have. The inspiration to honour her memory comes from her love of life and her determination to overcome anything that stood in her way.”
Since its inception, the award has funded multiple graduate students at the University of Manitoba, including five trainees in Dr. Soheila Karimi’s program.
“These funds have been transformative,” says Karimi. “They supported critical aspects of our research—from electron microscopy used to assess myelin repair, to transcriptomics and proteomics identifying cellular mechanisms of MS. In MS research, trainees are a driving force. Investing in their development is investing in the future of MS care in Canada.”
The award has also helped students attend conferences and workshops, produce leading publications, and transition into careers in health care, academia, and industry.
The power of awareness and action
For MMSRC researchers, MS Awareness Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a catalyst for connection. Public engagement and philanthropy are important for bridging the gap between research discovery and patient impact.
“MS Awareness Month provides the opportunity to bring MS to the forefront and discuss its impact on individuals, families, and communities,” said Karimi. “It also allows us to share the exciting, home-grown research taking place right here in Manitoba.”
Facing the future together
Despite recent progress, the challenges in MS research remain significant. Developing effective therapies for progressive MS is particularly challenging, as many existing treatments have not shown efficacy in these forms of the disease. Additionally, limited availability of MS specialists and health professionals further hinder timely diagnoses. More personalized strategies to care are also required to address the diverse symptoms and treatment needs of people living with MS.
“Those who loved Hilary hope that her legacy will contribute tangibly to finding a cure for MS. The work to do so is ongoing and challenging, and the support for this hard work is vital,” said Lerner. “Governments can only do so much. There are endless priorities, all of which are important, and limited funds. It is vital to have a supportive community that understands that philanthropy is necessary to move the needle in finding a cure for MS.”
“Together, we’re not just studying MS—we’re shaping a future where MS is no longer a life-altering diagnosis,” said Karimi. “That future starts here in Manitoba—with research, with community, and with support from donors like the Lerner family.”
For more information on MMSRC, please visit their website. To support the next generation of MS researchers in Manitoba, donate online or contact Priyanka Singh, Senior Director, Major Gifts, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at priyanka.singh@umanitoba.ca.