BC Cancer Foundation’s 2015 Discovery Luncheon—Abbotsford Raises $28,000 to Support Next Evolution in Cancer Care

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – The BC Cancer Foundation’s 2015 Discovery Luncheon—Abbotsford raised an amazing $28,000 to support the BC Cancer Agency’s Personalized Onco-Genomics (POG) Program.

The third annual Discovery Luncheon celebrated the importance of research happening each year at the BC Cancer Agency Abbotsford Centre and the future of cancer care through the latest advancements in treatment options.

“While over 26,000 British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone, breakthroughs in research continue to increase our knowledge and provide new hope for patients,” said Erik Dierks, Vice President, Development, at the BC Cancer Foundation. “Support from today’s event will help further propel the BC Cancer Agency’s POG program, with new treatment solutions waiting to be unlocked.”

The first and only program of its kind in the world, POG is leading the way to personalized medicine for patients in B.C. Philanthropic support from the 2015 Discovery Luncheon will enable the program, one of the BC Cancer Agency’s most promising research initiatives, to uncover new treatment options that could greatly improve the quality of life of life for patients in Abbotsford and across the entire province.

David Holmberg Sr., well-known member of the Abbotsford business community, and his wife, Lee, lost their son David Jr. to brain cancer five years ago.

Throughout the years, the Holmberg’s unwavering support of cancer research has helped fuel the latest advancements at the BC Cancer Agency’s Abbotsford Centre, including those in clinical trials, the High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy program, and the acquisition of cutting-edge radiotherapy equipment.

At yesterday’s event, the Holmbergs continued their streak of generosity with a donation of over $5,000.

“The researchers at the BC Cancer Agency are so dedicated to what they do,” said Holmberg Sr., a two-time cancer survivor himself. “Making a donation and supporting their work is absolutely vital in moving research forward.”

Funds raised this year will ensure local patients benefit from continued advancements through the POG Program.

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Media enquiries please contact:

Melissa Serraglio
Communications Coordinator
BC Cancer Foundation
e. melissa.serraglio@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 604.707.5946   

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.

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.