The Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada (TVAC) celebrated its 20th anniversary! Members reunited in Montreal on November 7, 8 and 9, 2008 under the theme: 20 Years: You Are The Heart of it All!
This event was punctuated with moments of sharing and fraternal exchanges among members. Scientific conferences on the birth defects caused by thalidomide, the current use of the drug and England’s EDRIC database, also contributed to bringing our knowledge of the multifaceted thalidomide up-to-date. Finally, the emotion was at its peak during the Anniversary gala as we went over some of the highlights of our association’s history and paid tribute to Mr. Cliff Chadderton, CEO of the War Amps of Canada. Not only did Mr. Chadderton initiate TVAC’s creation in December 1987 but, along with his team, he implemented the only Task Force to represent and defend, at the time, the interests of the Canadian thalidomide victims before the federal government.
Thank you one and all, members, parents, lecturers, employees, partners and sponsors who, through your presence, contributed to the success of this unforgettable event!