“So grateful”: Mikael Backlund's wife Frida reacts to first-ever recipients of $280,000 "Achievements for Ann-Backlund ALS Fellowship"

Modified Dec 18, 2024 11:00 GMT

A new fellowship funded by Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund’s wife, Frida, is providing a major financial boost to Alberta-based ALS research. On Tuesday, the ALS Society of Alberta and Alberta Neuroscience announced the first-ever recipients of the Achievements for Ann-Backlund Fellowship.

The recipients are Dr. Evandro Jose Beraldi and Dr. Parastoo Razmara who will receive a total of $280,000, with each receiving $140,000, over two years to pursue research. The main objective of the two research is aimed at understanding ALS and finding potential treatments.

Frida Backlund reposted a section of an article covered by the Calgary Herald on her Instagram stories and added her own heartfelt words to it:

“So grateful. Achievements for Ann, her legacy lives on forever ❤️”

Backlund's story [via Instagram/@ffridabacklund]

Dr. Beraldi, one of the fellowship recipients, is conducting research at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. His study focuses on the role of gut bacteria in ALS, how these bacteria may differ between males and females, and whether certain types could help protect nerve cells.

Dr. Razmara, the second recipient, is based at the University of Alberta. Her research uses zebrafish to test existing FDA-approved drugs to correct protein issues that lead to nerve and muscle damage in ALS.

This is not the first time the Backlunds have donated to the cause. They have previously worked with the Calgary foundation to help the ALS Society.

The Backlund Fellowship was founded in memory of Mikael Backlund’s wife’s mother

The Achievements for Ann – Backlund Fellowship was created by Frida Backlund to honor her late mother, Ann Engstrom. Frida and Mikael Backlund were inspired by Ann’s battle with ALS and decided to contribute to advancing meaningful ALS research to find solutions for those impacted by the disease.

“Ann’s strength and hope inspired Frida and Mikael to create this initiative, which reflects their commitment to supporting meaningful advancements in ALS research,” the ALS Society said in a press release.

Frida expressed that the fellowship announcement was deeply personal for her family in the same press release.

“The (fellowship) was created to honour my mom, and supports groundbreaking research here in Alberta that reflects her strength and hope for a future free from this disease,” Backlund said. “We are proud to support these two exceptional researchers as they work toward advancements that could transform the lives of those affected by ALS.”

Frida mentioned how proud they were to be able to help two exceptional researchers whose work could make a real difference in the fight against ALS.