Sheila Marner, a member of CFUW Orillia, will be featured as the guest speaker at the January 25th General Meeting, via Zoom.

Sheila will elaborate on her journey through her diagnosis of a rare blood disease called Amyloidosis and the ensuing treatment. A rare disease affects fewer than 5 in 10,000 people, only about 6% of the population.

Sheila has been a resident of Orillia since 2017 and has been very active in community service since. She was a Board member of Barrie and Orillia Dress for Success from 2017-2018 and is presently a Board member of Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital. She is also a Board member of CFUW Orillia.

Starting in 1982, and with a degree in Chemistry, Sheila was employed at Apotex. She spent 27 years in Clinical Research/Bioequivalence and nine years in Global Product Launch, most recently as Vice President of that division. This experience gave her insight into the global pharmaceutical sector and clinical research.

Sheila was diagnosed with Amyloidosis in February, 2018, and has undergone multiple treatments in the last four years. She has indicated that, drawing on her science background, her pharma experience, and her journey with a multi-system disease, she will discuss what she has learned in navigating healthcare challenges, with emphasis on advocating for care for those suffering from a rare disease.

CFUW Orillia offers amazing social connections, life-long learning opportunities, a

commitment to advocacy, new friendships, and is dedicated to promoting education.

Currently, we are gathering online until such time that we can meet in person again.