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$10 Million in Philanthropic Support Transforms Cancer Centre on Vancouver Island

March 5, 2013

Found in News

Victoria, B.C. – The newly-transformed BC Cancer – Victoria opens after an extensive 10,000 square foot expansion.

The new space, funded by the BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspire the World Campaign, houses vital support services that will provide patients and their families with enhanced care. Patients receiving care at BC Cancer – Victoria will access services that range from genetic counseling to nutrition to spiritual guidance. Each aspect of supportive care is critical, and the ability to offer these services in a cohesive and comforting space will provide the smoothest road possible for each patient’s journey.

“We are so proud to see the Alex & Jo Campbell Patient and Family Support Centre come to life,” said Douglas Nelson, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation. “Thanks to over 1,000 generous men, women and businesses who supported Inspire the World, today cancer patients on Vancouver Island will receive the gold standard of care across the continuum from diagnosis to recovery.”

The Alex & Jo Campbell Patient and Family Support Centre honors the commitment of Inspire the World Chair Alex A. Campbell and the family’s $1 million gift to the campaign. Campbell, along with fellow campaign cabinet members inspired Vancouver Islanders to make gifts, big and small, reaching the $10 million goal within two years.

“I am so thankful to those who have supported this campaign,” said Jo Campbell “Alex always believed in the power of the community and this new support centre would not have been built without your help. He also believed that the BC Cancer Foundation will be instrumental in finding a cure for cancer and my family is proud to continue our support in his memory.”

“Patient support and research are as integral to a patient’s wellbeing as the actual treatment,” said Dr. Max Coppes, president, BC Cancer Agency. “This expansion has helped the BC Cancer Agency improve services on Vancouver Island to provide a better experience for our patients with the goal of also improving their quality of life. I sincerely thank all those who supported the Inspire the World Campaign for their vision and commitment to supporting patients through their entire journey.”

Advances in care will stem from the transformed Centre as new research opportunities grow under the Centre for Innovative Technology, housed in the new space, where researchers and clinicians will focus activity around radiation therapy advancements. In addition, the systemic therapy clinical trials program will expand as scientists develop new treatment solutions at BC Cancer – Victoria and lay the groundwork for patient trials with home-grown immunotherapy vaccines.

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Media enquiries please contact:
Allison Colina, Communications Specialist
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca

The BC Cancer Foundation is the bridge that connects philanthropic support and research breakthroughs in cancer knowledge.  As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in this province, we enable donors to make contributions to leading-edge research that has a direct impact on improvements to cancer care for patients in British Columbia. We fund with the goal of finding solutions. Visit www.bccancerfoundation.com to make a donation or to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.ca.