VANCOUVER, B.C. – Today, the BC Cancer Foundation celebrates a historic fundraising year with an extraordinary $72.6 million raised, made possible by more than 95,000 generous British Columbian donors. Funds raised propel innovation in research and enhance world-class care for patients in B.C. and beyond.
“Our generous donors are having an immediate impact on the cancer community, helping to drive innovation and save lives now,” says Sarah Roth, president & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation. “Together, we won’t stop until cancer does.”
This year, more than 77,000 British Columbians will receive care at BC Cancer.
Carmen Hou, 35, is a young mother who has faced Stage IV breast cancer for three years. As a patient, she has been able to access the full spectrum of care at BC Cancer – Vancouver, from art therapy and patient support groups, to chemotherapy, radiation and a life-changing clinical trial. Donors are directly impacting the patient journey by supporting critical research that informs new treatments, giving patients like Carmen precious time with their families.
“Looking to the future of cancer research and care, I’m very hopeful for a cure,” says Carmen. “I’m so grateful for the amazing care I’ve received at BC Cancer.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR INCLUDE:
- Record $72.6M raised for BC Cancer Foundation
- Funding supported the work of more than 302 cancer researchers in B.C.
- Funding helped advance 337 active clinical trials at BC Cancer
- Donor funds helped underpin 655 published research papers
- $3 million raised at the annual Inspiration Gala to fuel genomics
- A new PET/CT opened to patients in Victoria
- BC Cancer’s Leukemia and Myeloma Program (LaMP) launches
- World-first, novel radiation treatment for metastatic cancer patients developed by BC Cancer – Prince George team
- Donors raise $2 million to bring new mass spectrometer to BC Cancer – Vancouver
The Foundation is also pleased to welcome its newly elected board director, Jessica O’Brien Cameron.
Board directors include: Board Chair Kirsten Tisdale, Vice Chair John McCarthy, directors Alex Blodgett, Michael Borden, Neil Burns, Dr. Kim Nguyen Chi, Lynda Farmer, Neil Farmer, Geoffrey Glotman, Lana Kirk, Alice Laberge, Murray J. Leith, Benoit Morin, Ju Ng and Rachel Thomas.
The BC Cancer Foundation and board thank outgoing director Michael Heskin for his years of contribution to the organization and B.C.’s cancer community.
-30-
ABOUT THE BC CANCER FOUNDATION
The BC Cancer Foundation is the fundraising partner of BC Cancer. Together with our donors we are changing the outcome for people affected by cancer in B.C. and beyond by connecting personalized care, innovative research and opportunities to contribute. We are the largest funder of cancer in B.C. and every dollar raised stays right here at BC Cancer to advance research, enhance care and break down cancer to benefit the people of B.C.
The BC Cancer Foundation’s digital 2020 Impact Report is available online along with audited financial statements here: www.bccfimpact.com
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Hayley Judge
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist
t. 604-764-0666
e. hayley.judge@bccancer.bc.ca
