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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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Victoria couple makes $100,000 Valentine’s gift to BC Cancer Foundation
Donation promises to advance cancer research on Vancouver Island
Victoria, B.C. – Danny and Sandy Jadresko have spent many memorable Valentine’s Days together over their 26 years of marriage, and this year they are celebrating with an extra special gift—rather than to each other—to the BC Cancer Foundation. The Jadreskos, owner-operators of Woodmere Holdings Corp., chose to make a $100,000 donation to establish The Danny and Sandy Jadresko Cancer Research Fund with the BC Cancer Foundation.
The couple wants to support leading-edge cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre, and honour Danny’s mother—an 11-year survivor of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “We were impressed and inspired by the level of dedication the researchers and the caregivers have,” notes Sandy, “And, we know it is only through research that discoveries can be made to help those facing a diagnosis of cancer.”
The late Alex A. Campbell Sr., philanthropist and dedicated supporter of the BC Cancer Foundation, was also a “dear friend and mentor”, says Danny. “He inspired our interest in the leading-edge cancer research happening here on Vancouver Island and showed me what could be done by supporting research, so we’d like to follow a bit in his footsteps,” explains Danny.
BC Cancer Foundation President & CEO, Douglas Nelson says, “From the bottom of our hearts on this Valentine’s Day, we thank the Jadreskos for their generosity and philanthropic leadership on Vancouver Island. Their donation will have a direct impact to improving cancer care for patients in their community.”
Chief Physician at the BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island Centre, Dr. Peter Watson says, “This generous donation from the Jadreskos is very much appreciated. Philanthropic support like theirs is what often seeds some of the most promising research projects here on Vancouver Island. It’s truly inspiring to see people supporting research that’s happening in their own backyard.”
The Jadreskos hope others will consider making a donation to BC Cancer Foundation on this Valentine’s Day. “This gift has special meaning for us,” says Danny, “And it feels good to give. Our hope is that others will be inspired and want to make an investment in their community, with the hope we can improve cancer care for future generations.”
To learn more about the BC Cancer Foundation visit www.bccancerfoundation.com or call 250-519-5550.
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For more information, photos, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Laura Walsh, CFRE, Senior Director
Development-Regional Major Gifts
t. 250.519.5554
c. 250.480.9617
e. lwalsh@bccancer.bc.ca
Jeanette LeBlanc
Communications Department
t. 604.707.5946
c. 778.828.8394
e. jeanette.leblanc@bccancer.bc.ca