Heartfelt Gratitude for Acuitas Therapeutics’ Support

Jul 30, 2024

Trigger Warning: The following article includes sensitive descriptions of suicide. Please read with discretion.

Our top team, Acuitas Therapecutics Inc. from the BMO Vancouver Marathon 2024 has a powerful reason for supporting mental health. As a returning team, their unwavering dedication to this cause means the world to us. We are deeply grateful to be the beneficiary of their support once again, allowing us to join forces in promoting the importance of mental health within our community. They have the following message to share with our community.

Team Acuitas Testimonial

“As scientists, we understand that raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting mental well-being are crucial for overall health and wellness. Added to the many reasons why we are committed to supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is one that is deeply personal and painful: two of our runners lost family members as a result of depression.

Mental health illnesses are incredibly difficult for the person dealing with the issue and, in a different way, for their family and friends. The more we can do to advance an understanding of the importance of mental health, demystify the causes and symptoms, and help to move research and support in this area forward, the better we all will be – as a community and as a country.

The past cannot be undone, but we are dedicated to making the future brighter. This is why we will continue to run and raise funds for the CMHA.”

Polina Blagojevic’s Personal Story

“Sandra was my favourite cousin, my role model and one of my best friends. When I was happy, when I was sad, when I was successful, when I was failing, she was always my safe arbor and support – always strong, always reassuring, always cheerful, and always a ray of sunshine. All until without any warning, for no obvious reasons, only several hours after laughing with me, she died by suicide.

We do not need to directly suffer from mental health issues to be hit hard by them. Her death left me heartbroken beyond words, helpless and angry. I hope that others will be spared from similar pain and heartbreak. That is why I support CMHA.”

– Polina Blagojevic, Research Scientist, Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc.

Ghania Chikh’s Personal Story

“Didi (Dihya), my beloved cousin, would be 32 on June 14, 2024. She was working, had a fiancé, and was preparing for her wedding for this summer. She died by suicide on March 10, 2024, jumping from the seventh floor of her home in Paris – leaving her parents, two brothers, and whole family disoriented. We miss her so much. She was a very caring, happy and cheerful, making others feeling good and no one ever suspected she would take such a desperate action! I wish there were signs we could have identified that would have avoided such a desperate ending.”

– Ghania Chikh, Senior Director, Vaccine Development, Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc.

Their commitment inspires us all and underscores the vital need to prioritize mental well-being.