Our Team

Jida El Hajjar is a scientist with cumulated expertise in clinical and patient care. After having completed her PhD in molecular biology in 2013 at the University of Montreal, she joined the clinical research unit specialized in phase 1 and “first-in-human” oncology clinical trials at the Jewish General Hospital. She subsequently worked at the Rossy Cancer Network, a long-term collaborative initiative between McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Jewish General Hospital, and St. Mary’s Hospital Center, that aims to improve the quality of care provided to cancer patients, to increase survival rates and to decrease the burden of cancer. She also served as Vice-President of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation from April 2018 to June 2021, where she established the investment strategies to support the mission of the Foundation. She directed the Foundation’s research program, the community support services offered to patients and caregivers, as well as the patient education and awareness program. In her current position as Executive Director of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Canada, Jida will lead the development and growth of the organization. In 2020, she was awarded the ARISTA young executive prize organized by the Jeune Chambre de Commerce de Montreal, as well as the 2021 “Leadership au féminin” prize by the regroupement de jeunes chambres de commerce de Québec.

Lindsay Parsons is a dedicated patient advocate who brings her lived experience as an LDS Family Member and her passion for change in the Heritable Aortic Disorder ecosystem to her role as Project Coordinator. Since graduating from Western University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree and honours specialization in Kinesiology, Lindsay has completed additional courses in Public Health and Executive Coaching. She is also working towards a certificate in Non-Profit Management at Western University. From 2011 – 2017, Lindsay worked in Physiotherapy and Exercise Science. In 2015, she began volunteering with the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Canada to create the Foundation’s LDS research database, the Global Research Inventory Program. Lindsay has contributed significantly to the development of many of the Foundation’s current programs, including the unique Planned Giving Donation model. Currently, Lindsay’s primary responsibilities are developing and managing Patient Support and Research programs.