VANCOUVER, B.C. – Today, the BC Cancer Foundation celebrates a record fundraising year with an extraordinary $63.7 million raised, made possible by more than 100,000 generous British Columbians. These crucial funds are moving the dial in breakthrough research and world-class care, helping to change cancer outcomes and save lives.
“Changing the outcome takes passion. I’m moved by our community of donors who are making an impact in BC Cancer labs and clinics, where experts are igniting progress to break down cancer,” says Sarah Roth, president & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.
More than 77,000 British Columbians will receive cancer care in B.C. this year. Thanks to donors, funds raised allow the Foundation to support high-priority and promising research initiatives that will directly impact patients.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR INCLUDE:
- Funding supported the work of more than 342 researchers in B.C.
- B.C.-led, world-first prostate cancer clinical trial opens across Canada, using liquid biopsy technology to screen for genomic markers to match patients to treatment
- 309 active clinical trials offered at BC Cancer
- Donor funds helped underpin 524 published research papers
- 34,573 people accessed new treatment options through clinical trials
- $10 million campaign completed to bring PET/CT scanners to BC Cancer – Victoria and Kelowna thanks to 5,600 donors
- $4.3 million raised at the annual Inspiration Gala to fuel blood cancer research teams
- BC Cancer gene discovery leads to a new drug that targets 22 cancers
- Researchers at BC Cancer – Victoria progress a world-first approach to Adoptive T Cell Therapy to open new avenues for lymphoma treatment
Motivated by friendship, Victoria’s Patty Pitts honoured her two close friends with a generous gift of $250,000 to the Foundation in September. Patty’s friends Carol Lalonde and Marlene Palmer both passed away from the disease.
“I wanted to use this money to make a real difference,” says Patty. “I know it’s too late for Carol and Marlene, but it can impact someone else in the future.”
Patty’s gift established The Carol Lalonde/Marlene Palmer Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to bring new hope to British Columbians facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Her gift will support immunotherapy research at BC Cancer’s Deeley Research Centre in Victoria.
The Foundation is pleased to welcome its newly elected board director, Michael Borden.
Board directors include: Alex Blodgett Celeste Burgoyne, Patrick Drouin, Lynda Farmer, Neil Farmer, Geoffrey Glotman, Michael Heskin, Alice Laberge, Murray J. Leith, John McCarthy, Ju Ng, Carl Roy, Rachel Thomas, Dr. Frances Wong and Foundation Board Chair, Kirsten Tisdale.
The BC Cancer Foundation and board thank outgoing directors Dr. Malcolm Moore, Jatinder Rai, Randy Smallwood and David Zacks for their years of contribution to the organization and B.C.’s cancer community.
The Foundation and board wish to also recognize Immediate Past Chair, Andrew Sweeney, whose leadership has charted an ambitious course for the Foundation. Andrew served the Board for eight years, with two years as chair, inspiring many with his passion and efforts toward the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
-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 full 2019 Annual Impact Report and Audited Financial Statements are available online.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Hayley Judge
Communications Specialist
t. 604-707-5907
e. hayley.judge@bccancer.bc.ca
