1st Annual Anita Cochrane Memorial Awards Bring Hope to Breast Cancer Patients in BC

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The first competition for the Anita Cochrane Memorial Awards were held earlier this year. Applications were received from leading experts in breast cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency and reviewed by a committee. Five successful applicants were awarded funding for pilot studies in the field of breast cancer research and education.

These awards are made possible through the Anita Cochrane Memorial Endowment Fund. Anita Cochrane was an inspiring young woman who, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, spent the final decade of her life raising awareness and participating in the BC Cancer Foundation’s Weekend to End Breast Cancer in support of breast cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency.

To continue her legacy of raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, Anita’s family and friends generously set up an endowment fund in her name and hold an annual golf tournament, Saving the Girls, in her honour. The proceeds from this event, as well as interest from the Anita Cochrane Memorial Endowment Fund, support the Anita Cochrane Memorial Awards.

The Anita Cochrane Memorial Awards will enable researchers at the BC Cancer Agency to expand their knowledge of breast cancer, and point to new, more effective ways of prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

“As Anita’s oncologist, I had the pleasure of knowing her for many years, and saw first-hand the passion with which she approached fundraising for cancer research,” says Dr. Stephen Chia. “On behalf of the awards recipients, my thanks goes out to Anita’s family and friends who have continued to support her mission to improve breast cancer outcomes in B.C. and beyond,” Chia adds.

Over 3,300 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Anita’s legacy will ensure that new solutions for breast cancer are found and bring hope to future generations of women affected by the disease.

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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.

For more information or to arrange an interview:

Monica Bisal
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Foundation
monica.bisal@bccancer.bc.ca
604.707.5934