The Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Foundation publicly launches its 50,000 Lives, One Unbreakable Spirit® Campaign at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Chicago

On Wednesday, April 10, The Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Foundation publicly launched its 50,000 Lives, One Unbreakable Spirit® Campaign* at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Chicago, the place where the first OI Clinic was established in 1969.

The campaign is a national effort to raise $10 million in four years to fund groundbreaking OI research and to expand valuable programs and services for people living with OI, their loved ones, and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

OI is a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 50,000 people in the United States and characterized by bones that break easily. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.” The disease causes fragile bones as well as other complications including respiratory issues, hearing loss and cardiac issues.  Presently there is no cure for OI.

Dr. Peter Smith, MD, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University School of Medicine and Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Chicago has been treating OI patients at the Chicago Shriners Hospitals for more than 20 years and is a foremost expert in pediatric OI treatment and research.

Current OI patients at Shriners Hospital for Children - Chicago, including 9 year-old Alec Cabacungan of Oak Park. Because of his treatment by Dr. Smith, Alec can now ride on his adapted bicycle that he received through the Special Bikes for Special Kids program at Shriners and play wheelchair basketball.

Under the leadership of Dr. Peter Smith, the Chicago Shriners Hospital currently runs one of the largest OI clinics in the US. The hospital is also where an advanced OI surgical technique was catalyzed and is currently used worldwide.

To learn more and make a donation please visit: http://www.oif.org/site/PageServer?pagename=50000