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“I speak about cancer. I ride my bike. I do these things because I want to change the story. I want a different ending.”
In 2008, Patrick Sullivan lost his young son Finn to an extremely rare form of cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. A few months later, he was approached by two close friends: “They told me about this fundraising bike ride to Seattle, the Ride to Conquer Cancer. They wanted to put a team in it – and do it in honour of Finn. That was the start of Team Finn.”
Every member of Team Finn is inspired by a little boy who lived every moment of his short life to the fullest. Their distinctive pink jerseys read “Run. Jump. Bounce. Dance. Sing. Love. Smile. Ride,” words that celebrate Finn’s approach to every day.
Finn showed how to live life with courage and joy, and his example has helped Team Finn achieve extraordinary success in raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation. In just three years, they have raised over $1 million to support cancer research. As Finn’s father says, “Doctors couldn’t change Finn’s story. ‘Incurable’ was his ending. If I could change that for somebody else, then every moment of time is worth it.”
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“I speak about cancer. I ride my bike. I do these things because I want to change the story. I want a different ending.”
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A little Jingle plus a little Mingle equal over half a million for cancer research on Vancouver Island
December 08, 2011
VICTORIA, B.C. December 8, 2011 – The BC Cancer Foundation’s swanky Jingle Mingle and brand new Jingle Soirée secure a staggering $510,000 for invaluable cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre.
A generous crowd of 275 Vancouver Islanders gathered at the Fairmont Empress Hotel to enjoy delectable drinks and hor d’oeuvres while bidding on fabulous silent and live auction items. Beneath the shimmer and chic attire of the holiday event, guests were keenly aware of the evening’s goal to improve cancer outcomes for Vancouver Island patients through leading-edge immunotherapy research taking place in Victoria.
Local prostate cancer survivor Dean Clarke reinforced the evening’s mantra of research being key to achieving a world free from cancer. Clarke attributes his positive cancer outcome to the breakthrough cancer research that’s taken place over the past decade at the BC Cancer Agency and believes that further research will lead to better treatments and more stories of triumph like his.
“What a magical evening!” says Jingle Mingle Chair, Bonnie Campbell. “I’m so humbled by the generosity of each Jingle Mingle and Jingle Soirée guest. Thank you to all of our donors and supporters for making this an outstanding evening.”
Jingle Mingle guests also raised their paddles high in philanthropic spirit for the event’s first Equip-a-Need—a way to raise funds for in-demand scientific equipment. Proceeds from this year’s Equip-a-Need are going toward a state-of-the-art robotic microscope as well as other high priority research equipment at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre. The microscope will help scientists find answers that will transform immunotherapy research on Vancouver Island—benefitting patients in the community first.
The sold-out Jingle Soirée was brand new for 2011 and an overwhelming success. The intimate four course dining experience at Prime Steakhouse & Lounge wowed guests’ taste-buds all while being serenaded by Carnegie Hall performer Ken Lavigne’s opera vocals.
President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, Douglas Nelson thanked guests for the overwhelming support of cancer research in their own community. Nelson says, “Over half a million dollars raised at last night’s Jingle Mingle and the Jingle Soirée will benefit patients here on Vancouver Island and across B.C.”
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Event photos are available. For more information or to arrange an interview with Bonnie Campbell or a BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island Centre scientist, please contact:
Danyael Weintraub
BC Cancer Foundation, Vancouver Island
e. dweintraub@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 250-519-5552
c. 250-896-9015
Allison Colina
BC Cancer Foundation, Communications
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 604-707-5934
c. 604-802-6984