Meet Our Board of Directors

Elaine Dicken was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) in September 2014, but feels that she struggled for 8 or 9 years prior to her diagnosis. Upon learning of her diagnosis, the neurologist advised that there was no drug available and the disease would progress. The neurologist did not know how quickly IBM would progress, but said eventually a wheelchair and daily living assistance would be required. He advised exercise was helpful, but no guidelines or recommendations as to what exercises, how often or how intensive was given. Elaine’s family doctor had another patient with the same diagnosis and that individual put her in touch with a support group in Calgary and MyoCan.

 

It is Elaine’s hope that in raising awareness and fundraising, MyoCan can inspire researchers to study and develop treatments to cure or control myositis cause and effects. 

Rod Jansen is a retired telecommunications professional. He worked in Canada, USA and the Middle East. An avid tennis player, he started falling for no reason on the tennis court and then at home.

 

In July 2021, after several years of falling and experiencing progressive weakness in his legs and arms, he was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). 

 

His desire to help others afflicted with IBM lead him to a director position at MyoCan.

Barb Power was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis in 2018 and feels very fortunate that a quick diagnosis allowed her to receive good treatment. Barb owned a retail establishment for 30 years and is currently selling online. 

 

She has sat on many boards in that industry and hopes to use her experience to bring awareness of myositis.

Dr. Eugene Krustev is a rheumatologist and clinician-scientist specializing in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). His research focuses on biomarker discovery, disease mechanisms, and novel therapeutics in IIM.

 

He completed his medical training at Memorial University, residency and rheumatology fellowship at the University of Calgary, and a clinical-research fellowship in myositis at Johns Hopkins University.

Sheldon Freelan is a retired Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and has served on the Canadian and Ontario Podiatric Medical Associations during his career

while maintaining practices in Mississauga, Brantford and Whitby Ontario.

 

Sheldon is married with 5 adult children, 5 granddaughters and 3 grandsons. He loves to travel, attend theater, and enjoys sports and reading. He wasdiagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) in 2018 and hopes to bring his knowledge and expertise in working with Boards and organizations to MyoCan.

Heather was dx with dermatamyositis in 2011. She was very sick and hit bottom when within a month went from working out daily to being told that her PT homework was to sit on a therapy ball for a minute (and couldn’t!). She has come a long way in 14 years and along the way had her dx change to antisynthetase syndrome. 

​

Heather started and co-ran the Calgary myositis group for a number of years before passing the torch. With her recent retirement from a career in pediatric speech language pathology and leadership, she is ready to put her new found time into Myositis again.

Heather is the mother of 2 grown sons and happiest when outside in nature. 

Tracy Lawrence learned about MyoCan after her fiancé was suspected of having Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) in October 2021 and had a confirmed diagnosis in October 2022. Since diagnosis, her fiancé has had some very difficult days and has been unable to work due to IBM and is currently on disability. Tracy is hoping to gain and give support to MyoCan.

 

Knowing she can make a difference in one person’s life makes volunteering worth it to Tracy. Tracy brings 43 years of volunteering experience with her and is thrilled to be a director for MyoCan. In her professional life she is an Accounting Clerk for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Laura has been the Communications and Fund Development Manager at Luke’s Place since January 2018.

 

A highly driven Communication Specialist with over twenty years of experience in the communications field. Areas of expertise include digital and print communications, media relations, advocacy, and public speaking. Laura has proven success in fundraising and brand and event marketing.

 

Before Luke’s Place, Laura spent ten years in public service as Executive Assistant for the MPP of Ajax, Joe Dickson, at Queen’s Park and his constituency office in Ajax. In this role, Laura set up and managed the daily operations of the Queen’s Park and Constituency offices, supervising six staff and overseeing all communication products and legislative responsibilities.

 

Laura has played an integral role in four provincial government campaigns as Communications and Fundraising Manager and Campaign Manager. She has held positions on several committees, including Director of the Ajax Provincial Liberal Association, Member of the Ajax Pan Am Games Committee, and a Co-Chair of Ajax Home Week for eight years.

 

Throughout her career, Laura has been dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment and remains committed to the fight to end gender-based violence.

 

Laura lives, works, and plays on land that is the traditional territory of the Mississauga’s of the Scugog Island First Nation.