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In just seven years, the Inspiration Gala has raised over $9 million for cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency. This year’s Gala took place on Thursday, October 27, at the Rocky Mountaineer Station and raised over $1.5 million to support the Personalized Medicine Project, a critical first step for science, for doctors and most importantly, for cancer patients in BC. The Project will begin by focusing on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and a number of rare pediatric cancers.
Research into personalized medicine through the BC Cancer Agency has the potential to revolutionize cancer care and make a dramatic impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families here in BC. Funds raised at our Gala are leveraged many times over by contributions from other large national and international granting institutions and a variety of other philanthropic sources. The Personalized Medicine Project is an investment in a new way of thinking about cancer care. It is a rare opportunity that cannot be overlooked.

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Inspiration Gala
Inspired by the opportunity to revolutionize cancer treatment in B.C. through personalized medicine, guests at the BC Cancer Foundation’s 2011 Inspiration Gala united to raise $1.5 million for the BC Cancer Agency’s Personalized Medicine Project.
The aspiration of a world free from cancer motivated gala chair and BC Cancer Foundation board member Monika Deol, who created an electric evening for the sold out crowd of 400.
The room was transformed into a majestic far-away destination, rich with the vibrant colours of saris and spices and lit with a glow from Moroccan lanterns, yet the goal stayed close to home—personalizing cancer treatment right here in our own backyard.
Each year the BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspiration Gala raises funds for a specific research project, and this year’s beneficiary, personalized medicine, is a research initiative that is poised to transform cancer care by personalizing treatment based on genetic profiles.
“Using comprehensive DNA sequencing we will diagnose patients and develop individualized treatment plans for each person’s cancer,” said Dr. Marco Marra, director of the BC Cancer Agency’s Genome Sciences Centre, during an on-stage interview with Peter Mansbridge. “Right here, right now, we are in a position, with a leading-edge cancer care organization and world-renowned genome sciences centre, to embark on a new way to treat cancer—a personal approach.”
Guests’ generosity shone in the magical environment of the BC Cancer Foundation’s 2011 Inspiration Gala. A highlight for all—Canadian media icon, CBC’s Peter Mansbridge swooped in to Vancouver on a rare evening away from his Toronto news desk to host the event, entertain guests with his witty humor, and most importantly, help change the face of cancer treatment for British Columbians.
The Foundation’s seven Inspiration Galas have raised over $9 million to-date for cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency and directly funded major breakthroughs in cancer knowledge.
Stay tuned for more information about our 2012 Inspiration Gala.
For more information call our special events department at 604.877.6040
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