Canadian landmarks light up in red and white, but the true brightness comes from stories of survival, support, and hope — like Michelle’s.
Michelle came to Canada from the Philippines, full of promise, only to be faced with one of the world’s deadliest infections: tuberculous meningitis, a drug-resistant form of tuberculosis (TB). With determination, a dedicated team of health professionals, and Canada’s world-class TB care system, Michelle survived. But her story isn’t just about luck — it’s about what’s possible when a community comes together to fight a disease that still kills over 3,000 people every single day.
At TB Vets, we know that it takes a village to save lives — and our community of donors is part of that village.
“Until controlled globally, TB will continue to impact us locally.” – Dr. William Connors
While TB might feel like a distant threat to some, it’s very real right here at home. Thousands of people in Canada are diagnosed with TB every year, the majority of them immigrants. It’s a clear reminder that TB anywhere is TB everywhere. And as cases rise again globally — driven by the ripple effects of COVID and funding cuts — the urgency to act has never been greater.
That’s why TB Vets supports some of the brightest scientific minds fighting this ancient disease. Among them:
Dr. Av-Gay and his lab at UBC, whose work on TB biomarkers and novel diagnostics is bringing us closer to earlier detection and more effective treatment.
Dr. James Johnson, who is uncovering how TB bacteria survive and adapt inside the human body — insights that are critical to defeating drug-resistant strains.
These are not just academic efforts; they’re life-saving breakthroughs in the making. Your donations help fuel this critical research. When you give to TB Vets, you help Canada stay at the forefront of TB innovation — both in treatment and prevention.
The reality is stark: we’re at a crossroads in the global fight against TB. But stories like Michelle’s — and the incredible work of Canadian researchers — show us that with the right support, we can rewrite the future.
Together, we can build a world where TB is no longer the No. 1 infectious disease killer.
