The University of Calgary received a significant donation to Scoliosis research Saturday night.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles presented a cheque for $135,000 to the university to be used by the Alberta Children's Hospital to fund research into the disease.
The order has contributed to the project for several years and raises money by holding casinos across the province.
This is the largest single contribution to Scoliosis research at the U of C.
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved or rotated and is most prevalent in young girls.
Treatment options depend on the patient but the conventional treatment for scoliosis is by bracing or surgery.
Scoliosis patients usually have an x-ray every six months to check the curvature of the spine.
Doctors at the U of C will use part of the money to develop a 3D body imaging system to monitor curvature so patients don't have to be exposed to radiation as often.
The rest of the money is being used to perfect custom made plastic braces which will be tailored to fit each individual.
"I think that a more comfortable brace helping them through this difficult time, or reduction of the maximum dose of radiation to their bodies over the years while we've been trying to manage their Scoliosis, I think is a huge step forward," said Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. James Harder.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles provided the seed money to develop the brace which is used to control the curve of the spine during the growing years.
"When we came on board with the project, the young children that suffer from scoliosis had to go in a brace off the shelf which became very, very uncomfortable for them," said John Potter of the Fraternal order of Eagles.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles raises money for several charities as well as disaster relief and has a million members across North America.
For more information on the Fraternal Order of Eagles click on the link
