ABOUT
DBA CANADA
Supporting families. Advancing research.Working toward a cure.
DBA Canada is a national patient organization supporting individuals and families affected by Diamond Blackfan Anemia Syndrome. We connect families with information and resources, support research, and work toward better treatments and a cure.
Story of how DBA Canada started
DBA Canada was founded in 2010 by two dedicated moms, who met at a conference shortly after their young children were diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. Faced with the challenges ahead and realizing the lack of support in Canada for this condition, they decided to take matters into their own hands.
United by their shared experiences and fueled by the desire to make a difference, these two moms joined forces to establish DBA Canada. Their mission was clear - to provide essential support and resources for families navigating the complexities of the rare blood disorder and to fund critical research for improved treatments.
Since its humble inception, DBA Canada has achieved significant milestones. One of the founding members has gone on to pursue other equally important ways to support the cause, making valuable contributions in their unique capacity.
Through unwavering dedication and passionate advocacy, the charity has collectively raised over $500,000, funding significant research and initiatives. This funding has made a profound impact on the lives of those affected by the disorder, offering hope and fostering a strong sense of community.
As the charity has grown, it has expanded to include more board members, all driven by the same passion and commitment to the cause. Together, they continue to inspire positive change, proving that even in the face of adversity, remarkable progress can be achieved through determination and compassion. The journey of DBA Canada stands as a testament to the power of collective action, the significance of their efforts in transforming lives, and the enduring spirit of support and research in pursuit of a brighter future.
Meet The Directors
JANET GEIBEL
Executive Director
Janet Geibel is the co-founder of DBA Canada and the current Executive Director. She is the founder of “Jack’s Fight For a Cure” Fundraising Gala. Janet has been married since 1996 to her husband Nel and is the proud mom of five beautiful children: Makayla, Lucas, Mya, Jack and Ben. Their second youngest son Jack was diagnosed with Diamond Blackfan Anemia 12 weeks after birth. This life altering moment changed the family in so many ways. Prior to Jack’s diagnosis Janet had earned a BA in Sociology at York University and was working towards a degree in Holistic Nutrition. Since his diagnosis, her focus has changed to being a full time stay at home mom and focusing on Diamond Blackfan Anemia Canada, and her passion “Jack’s Fight For a Cure.”
CAROL MANFINI
Managing Director
Carol Manfini is the Managing Director for DBA Canada. She is a life long friend of Janet Geibel And Glynda Rabak. When she found out about Jack being diagnosed with Diamond Blackfan Anemia she immediately wanted to jump on board to help out.
She started out volunteering with 'Jack's Fight For A Cure" and eventually accepted the managing director position of DBA Canada. She has been volunteering with the foundation now for 10+ years.
MYA PEREIRA
Secretary & Social Media Manager
Mya Joined the board as a voting member in 2020 and is now our social media manager and secretary. Her interest in joining the board stems from having a younger brother living with Diamond Blackfan Anemia Syndrome. She is currently attending Western University, working towards a BA in Kinesiology. Her future plans are the apply to an accelerated nursing program and eventually a Masters in Nursing. She would one day like to be an Nurse Practioner. Mya is committed to fundraising, research and ultimately finding a cure for DBA
BETH DENNING
Treasurer
Joined the board as a voting member in 2020 and is now our board treasurer. Beth has a daughter, Kyna (born April 16, 1988) who was diagnosed with DBA at 3 weeks old. Beth is a retired teacher who worked in the secondary panel with the Thames Valley District School Board in various positions.
Since her daughter\s diagnosis, Beth has kept abreast of the research and new developments in the treatment of DBA. Now with more time available, Beth would like to help in any way the progress towards a cure.
Meet The Members Of DBA Canada
ELIZABETH VADUVA
BRITTANY SMITH
PAUL ADAMSON
LAURIE TURCOTTE
LOUISE DINEEN
Meet The Medical Advisor
YIGAL DROR
Yigal Dror - MD, FRCP(C)
Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Director, Marrow Failure and Myelodysplasia Program, Scientist, Program in Cell Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, The University of Toronto