the ideator awards is an annual event held by the arthritis society of canada to recognize “ practical solutions to transform the lives of people living with arthritis ” and the creators behind them. this year, seven finalists pitched their products in various stages of development to panelists for one of three $50,000 grants from the arthritis innovation fund. a fourth people’s choice grant was awarded by online vote, also announced at the awards.
arthritis is an umbrella term covering more than 100 different forms of inflammation in joints and connective tissue that lead to pain and loss of mobility. osteoarthritis (characterized by the cartilage between the joints breaking down) and r heumatoid arthritis (characterized by inflammation and breakdown of the membranes or tissues lining the joints, including ligaments and tendons) are among the most common forms of arthritis.
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there is no cure for arthritis, however recent developments in medicine and technology can help limit pain and maintain mobility. biologics , for example, have had a significant impact for many patients living with rheumatoid arthritis.
editor’s note: read about one woman’s lifelong journey with rheumatoid arthritis .
“we’re a small, scrappy start-up company that’s having a lot of fun, so this is very exciting,” windsor native gertz told the windsor star before the event. “even if we don’t win, this has been so valuable for us … we’ve learned how to better communicate what we’re trying to do.”
emma jones is a multimedia editor with healthing. you can reach her at emjones@postmedia.com or on instagram and twitter @jonesyjourn .
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