Cancer patient gives back, spurring new hope for families impacted by cancer
July 8, 2019
Found in News
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Today marks the unveiling of the Carol and Leigh Pan 張理瑲, 潘立中 PET/CT Room at BC Cancer – Vancouver, celebrating the advancement of state-of-the-art diagnostic care, close to home for families impacted by cancer.
An immigrant from Taiwan, Carol Pan moved to Vancouver and became a successful businesswoman, having established a fruitful semi-precious stone company.
In 2005, she was leading a busy life with her business. One day, she noticed a tumour on her groin and was diagnosed with stage III melanoma, which later spread to her stomach.
Carol has faced stage IV melanoma for more than a decade. She’s alive today because of a tailored treatment plan and an innovative drug prescribed by her oncologist at BC Cancer. She knows firsthand the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a person and a family.
Carol’s experience and the care she received inspired her and Leigh’s incredible $1 million donation to replace an aging PET/CT scanner with a new, state-of-the-art machine at BC Cancer – Vancouver.
“My family and I are so very grateful for the care I received at BC Cancer,” she says. “This was our way of saying thank you and helping others at the same time.”
The Pan’s generosity helps ensure other families facing a similar situation will have access to the best in cancer care close to home.
“It is our pleasure to give toward this cause – it feels so good to know patients will have access to this latest technology here in Vancouver,” says Carol.
PET/CT is proven as the most effective tool for obtaining a complete picture of a patient’s cancer – to learn more, visit https://bccancerfoundation.com/why-give/urgent-needs/psma-pet/
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FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Hayley Judge
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e. hayley.judge@bccancer.bc.ca