BC Cancer Foundation Raises Record $58 Million for Cancer Research in British Columbia
June 28, 2013
Found in News
VANCOUVER, B.C. – The BC Cancer Foundation raised a record $58 million for cancer research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency. The momentous total, announced at the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting, was made possible with contributions from 100,600 British Columbians this year.
“British Columbians have shown their commitment to cancer research this year, like never before,” said Jess Ketchum, Chair of the BC Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. “The incredible support of donors across BC means the BC Cancer Foundation can provide researchers and clinicians with the resources they need to continue on their path of discovery and advancing cancer care.”
The record funds are already working hard at the BC Cancer Agency, fueling world-class research that’s making a significant difference in the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. The BC Cancer Foundation invests in projects at the BC Cancer Agency with the most promise to enhance care for patients now and into the future.
When the BC Cancer Agency’s OVCARE team discovered FOXL2, a key mutation in ovarian cancer, their work continued with Foundation support as they designed a clinical test to detect this mutation. The clinical test shows promise to improve diagnosis in ovarian cancer cases.
Patient samples from B.C. and clinics across Canada and the US have been tested in the BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for Translational and Applied Genomics lab and the results are already contributing to clinical decision making. Through ongoing research, patients identified to have the FOXL2 genetic mutation with this home-grown test are candidates for targeted, personalized treatment approaches.
Continuing on a path to support the many world-class research initiatives taking place at the BC Cancer Agency, the Foundation has launched two new events for 2013 — Concrete Hero and Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer. Together, these events will enable more British Columbians to take-part in the effort to re-invent cancer care and ensure that more and more often treatments result in cure.
For more on the innovative research supported by the BC Cancer Foundation, view our Annual Report.
The BC Cancer Foundation’s annual board elections welcomed Dean Kirkham and Randy Smallwood as new directors to the board. Directors continuing on this year include: Chair, Jess Ketchum; Vice Chairs, Kevin Irvine, Greg D’Avignon; members, Dr. Sam Abraham, John Auston, Robert Conconi, Randy Bartsch, Dr. Max Coppes, Monika Deol, Gordon Diamond, Doug Holtby, Michael Kennedy, Joanne McLeod, Derrold Norgaard, Anna Nyarady, Andrea Shaw, Andrew Sweeney, Kirsten Tisdale and Jane Young.
The BC Cancer Foundation also thanks Lorne Wickerson, Joy MacPhail, and Sue Connaghan for their generous contributions to the BC Cancer Foundation in their time on the board.
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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 please contact:
Allison Colina, Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Foundation
t. 604.707.5934
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca
