COIS History
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Organizations ….
A global community with mid-20th century beginnings
While formal scientific studies of OI began in the late 18th century (some say that the condition was even identified in a 1000 BC Egyptian mummy), individuals with OI had no organized support systems until the mid-20th century. That’s when two visionary women, seeking a better life for OI individuals and their families, established the first two organizations. In 1968, Dr Margaret Grant MBE, who herself had the condition, founded the Brittle Bone Society in the UK. In 1970, Gemma Geisman, whose son had OI, founded the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF) in the USA. These two determined women consulted and collaborated with each other.
In 1972, families in British Columbia got together to create the COIS. In 1977, families and friends of OI individuals created the OI Society of Australia. In 1993, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Federation Europe was established as a network of European and other OI organizations around the globe.
Since its origin in 1972, family support of the Canadian OI society went through many stages and was, unfortunately, dormant for several recent decades. In 2018, at the request of the Shriners Hospital, Montreal, COIS was reactivated.
COIS and The Shriners Hospital in Montreal
When it comes to understanding and researching both the cause and treatment of OI, the Shriners Hospital in Montreal is one of the most critical research centres in the world. Under the dedicated leadership of Dr Francis Glorieux and his ground-breaking research team and Dr Francois Fassier and his revolutionary orthopaedic surgical and rodding procedures, Canada has become a renowned global centre of excellence for OI. We are proud and honoured to have their encouragement and support.
A NEW PARTNERSHIP
In 2020, the American Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF) celebrated a half century of outstanding service and support to OI individuals and families. COIS has been a proud partner of OIF since 2018. We have been fortunate to benefit from their research and resources and, as we build a robust organization in Canada, we will always look to OIF as an exemplary role model. We are grateful to OIF for sharing their information and publications and look forward to continuing our close association.
In 1972 to commemorate the founding
of COIS, Dr. Margaret Grant wrote a beautiful and heartfelt poem
Theme on the birth of a new society
With Thanks
From the rocky banks of Newfoundland
To Vancouver's western shore
We raise our voice in unison
Above the ocean's roar.
Our gratitude arises
From the great Pacific coast
And picks up its momentum
As it scales the Rocky's slopes.
It's windblown 'cross the prairies
Through the standing fields of grain,
Across the greatest inland lakes
And loud Niagara's domain.
Past historic old Quebec
The volume reaches to its peak
As in the Eastern Maritimes
Canada's voice is now complete.
Our thanks go out to Margaret
And to all the B.B.S.
For allowing us your symbol
The Wishbone-your special crest.
We shall place it on our Maple Leaf
Emblem of our nation's pride
And it shall become our connecting link
Across the ocean deep and wide.
We shall treasure it now as our very own
And handle it with care,
A reminder of our common goal
Strong bones everywhere.
With heartfelt gratitude.
The C.O.I.S.
With Hope
From Dundee here in Scotland,
Across the ocean wide,
I give you my permission,
I give you it with pride.
So as you mount the Wishbone,
Upon the Maple Leaf,
That we may work together,
To suffering bring relief.
With the sharing of the knowledge,
We have on Brittle Bones,
And assuring one another that we are not alone.
With exchanging of the letters,
From many different lands,
We can work together,
In the preparing of the plans.
The wish that's made so often,
Throughout all the world,
By the many different people,
Who know the common grief,
Of living with a rare disease,
That causes bones to break with ease.
But we must go on working,
For the future children's sake,
And go on re-assuring,
That we are not alone,
And work to help the experts find a cure
For BRITTLE BONES.
Dr. Margaret Grant, MBE
(United Kingdom, 1933 - 2020)