What is PI?
The world of Primary Immunodeficiency can be daunting, check out our guides to help find your way.
Learn about primary immunodeficiency through one of CIPO’s education tools. Attend a Patient Education Event near you, read our Educational Materials, or sign up for our newsletter. Don’t know where to start? Try the Glossary of PI Terms, a great resource for everyone.
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Sick and tired of being sick and tired? You’re not alone. CIPO offers a variety of support programs. Our Patient Support Groups allow you to connect and share in a friendly and safe atmosphere. Newly diagnosed or looking for more personal support? CIPO’s new Peer Support Program offers the ability to connect with someone on a one-to-one basis.
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We are here to advocate for you! CIPO goes to all levels of government in order to have the needs of PI patients met. Currently, our advocacy work includes: SCID newborn screening, pay-for-plasma, comprehensive care, access to treatment and supplies, and earlier diagnosis through raising awareness.
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Whitney joined CIPO in 2014, identifying a need for support in Ontario. A PI patient herself, Whitney lends a strong personal voice to this role. With over a decade working in advocacy, she brings passion and drive every day.
Christine is a nurse educator and a CVID patient who brings a wealth of knowledge to the board and to the Ontario Chapter. Her journey with CVID has brought her all over Ontario – Thunder Bay, Sarnia, Toronto and now London.
Lee is a semi-retired Architect who has actively served on many professional and civic boards of directors over his career, several as president. He strongly believes in supporting his profession and his community in return for the support he has received from them.
Jazmin is a Respiratory Therapist in Campbellton, NB. As someone who suffers with brittle asthma and anaphylactic allergies, Jazmin has spent much of her life in hospital as well as now working with patients.
A mother of 2 with Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMC), Erin has been with CIPO since 2012. She has been an advocate for parents and children with PI, and hopes to implement a school guide in Canada.
A retired counsellor and CVID patient, Wendy runs support groups in Vancouver and is also CIPO’s Support Lead. Married, with two children and two grandchildren, she is as busy since she retired years ago as she was when working.
Elizabeth lives in Fredericton, NB and comes from an advocacy background and is affiliated with the NB Lung Association and the Canadian Lung Association. Prior to her PI diagnosis in 2014, Liz would spend over half of the year in the hospital.
Alex is an experienced social service professional with over sixteen years of frontline, and program management experience; he has been employed in a wide variety of service streams in both Canada and the United Kingdom.
Martine is a CVID patient, Secretary for CIPO, and Vice-President for APIQ. We don’t know how she does it! Martine lives in Quebec City and enjoys running and Doctor Who.
Gina is a university student studying psychology in Edmonton Alberta, with hopes of counselling people with difficult health diagnoses. She was diagnosed in 2018 with Common Variable Immunodeficiency, and is strongly devoted to helping primary immunodeficiency patients.
This year, CIPO’s goal is to be able to meet all requests made to us from those needing financial assistance, with this in mind we designed our “20th Anniversary Campaign: 20 Years, 20 Families”. Donate Now to help us reach our goal and help one of the many affected by primary Immunodeficiency diseases in Canada.
Our volunteers are who were are. Volunteer today and join a 20 year strong community. There are many ways your skills can be used, everyone is welcome.
Become a member and become part of the only patient group for PI in Canada. Membership is free, receive newsletters, support and so much more.
