Farewell from Douglas Nelson, President & CEO

This past weekend, 2,087 cyclists joined us on the seventh annual Ride to Conquer Cancer, raising an incredible $8.4 million for cancer research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency. The Ride is a true example of the power British Columbians have to change the way the world thinks about cancer – thank you to all our participants and supporters for your incredible commitment!

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It has been my pleasure and privilege to lead the BC Cancer Foundation over the past six years, through seven inspiring Rides, many research breakthroughs, countless fundraising goals achieved, and tens of millions of dollars raised in support of cancer research in British Columbia.

It is with mixed emotions that I will be leaving the BC Cancer Foundation this month, to take on a new challenge as the President of the California Pacific Medical Foundation in San Francisco.

As I leave the Foundation and reflect on the past six years, I couldn’t be more proud of all that we have accomplished together, of our partner the BC Cancer Agency, and what our collective work has meant for families across B.C.

Looking forward, I am assured by the strength and commitment of our Foundation team under the leadership of Interim President & CEO, Lou Del Gobbo. As Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Foundation for the past six years, Lou has played an integral role in our organization and I feel confident leaving the leadership of our exceptional team in his capable hands.

The strength of the BC Cancer Foundation comes from this team – it always has. In the coming weeks and months, the Foundation will continue to steward donor dollars toward cancer research projects of the highest priority to achieve the best results and bring hope to patients and families in this province and beyond. It is an exciting time for cancer research in B.C. and I can’t wait to see what the future will bring.

To my colleagues and our nearly 100,000 donors and supporters across the province, thank you. I have been fortunate to be a part of the BC Cancer Foundation for the past six years, to watch it grow and evolve into a truly world-class organization.

Wishing you all the best for the future,

Douglas Nelson
President & CEO