Benko Family Donates $1 Million to Transform Cancer Care in Surrey

Gift will help establish the province’s most advanced BC Cancer centre, expanding treatment and research for thousands of patients 

The BC Cancer Foundation is honoured to announce a transformational $1 million gift from the Benko family to support a new second BC Cancer Centre in Surrey. The Benko family’s generosity will accelerate access to life-saving care, cutting-edge technology and breakthrough research, ensuring more British Columbians receive timely, best-in-class treatment. 

“Our family is deeply committed to advancing cancer care for families in Surrey and the Fraser region,” say Shelly Appleton-Benko and Tim Benko. “We hope this gift inspires our community to join us in building a future where every patient has access to world-class treatment, close to home.” 

Since 2022, Shelly has served on the BC Cancer Foundation’s Board of Directors. Her expertise has helped drive significant progress in cancer research and care, including the recent success of the Foundation’s historic $500 million Beyond Belief campaign. Together, the Benko family is dedicated to making a difference in their community.  

Future‑Ready Cancer Care 

With cancer diagnoses in B.C. projected to rise by 33% over the next decade, the need for expanded, innovative care has never been greater. The new BC Cancer centre in Surrey is set to become the province’s most advanced and second-largest cancer centre, designed to meet the needs of B.C.’s rapidly growing and diverse population.  

For families in the South Surrey and the surrounding communities, the new BC Cancer centre means reduced travel times and improved access to cutting-edge treatments, easing the burden on patients and their loved ones. 

Key features of the new BC Cancer centre in Surrey: 

• Expanded Capacity: 54 new chemotherapy spaces, more than doubling current capacity in the Fraser region 

• State-of-the-Art Technology: Advanced imaging labs, precision radiation treatment suites and the province’s first MRI-guided brachytherapy program 

• Precision Medicine Research: Serve as a hub for clinical trials, precision oncology and theranostics, attracting top experts and fuelling new discoveries that will benefit patients throughout B.C. 

“With this generous gift, the Benko family is helping BC Cancer redefine what’s possible in cancer care, bringing cutting-edge innovation and hope to families in the Fraser region and across B.C.,” says Sarah Roth, president & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.  “The new BC Cancer centre in Surrey will serve as a hub of innovation and excellence in care,” says Dr. Sylvie Bourque, executive medical director, BC Cancer – Surrey. “Support from donors like the Benko family empowers our teams to deliver the best possible care and hope to our patients.” 

The BC Cancer Foundation is fundraising $30 million in support of the new BC Cancer centre in Surrey, which will open its doors to patients in 2030. Shelly encourages her community to consider joining this transformative effort.