Historic $2.7 Million Gift from Krysko Family Helps Establish BC Cancer – Kelowna Research & Development Hub

The BC Cancer Foundation is proud to announce the creation of a groundbreaking Research & Development Hub at BC Cancer – Kelowna, fuelled by $3 million in philanthropic support, including a transformational $2.76 million donation from the Krysko Family Foundation, led by local businessman and philanthropist David Krysko. This gift marks the largest contribution the Foundation has ever received in the Interior, reflecting the family’s long-standing commitment to advancing cancer research and care in the Okanagan.

The first of its kind outside Vancouver, the Research & Development hub will spearhead groundbreaking precision oncology cancer research, accelerating the development of more targeted, effective treatments for cancer patients.

“Helping realize BC Cancer Foundation’s ambition to create a Research & Development Hub was an opportunity to invest in a transformational moment in cancer research,” says David Krysko. “We are deeply inspired by the groundbreaking work of BC Cancer – Kelowna’s world-class clinicians, whose efforts are shaping the future of cancer treatment and offering hope for our loved ones who will face this disease.”

Innovating in Cancer Care

The new hub will drastically increase BC Cancer – Kelowna’s precision oncology research capabilities, help recruit more world-class staff to the Kelowna, and offer patients across the Interior enhanced access to the leading-edge treatments closer to home.

Key Features of the Research & Development Hub:

• Expanded Research Team: The hub will bring together over 20 BC Cancer – Kelowna clinical researchers, supported by an expanded team of medical fellows, graduate students, a project manager and other research support staff, all dedicated to advancing innovative research
• Empowering World-Class Clinicians: BC Cancer – Kelowna’s top clinicians will be given the time and resources to lead pioneering research projects and clinical trials
• Fostering Collaboration: The hub will integrate the multi-disciplinary expertise of radiation oncology, medical oncology and surgery to develop more precise, minimally invasive and less toxic treatments

“Over the past two decades, we have gained incredible insight into cancer biology – how cancers grow, spread and evade our immune systems; and how each cancer possesses unique mutations and genetic features,” says Dr. Islam Mohamed, BC Cancer – Kelowna radiation oncologist and clinical researcher. “We can now use this knowledge to deliver highly effective, less toxic, more personalized therapies. The Research & Development Hub will position BC Cancer – Kelowna as a leader in precision oncology, ensuring our patients have access to cutting-edge care.”

Donors Fuelling Research

“We are grateful for the Krysko family’s forward-thinking generosity, supporting the Foundation’s vision of expanding the BC Cancer’s innovative and entrepreneurial research and increasing access to cutting-edge care for more British Columbians,” says Sarah Roth, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.

The first gifts to the Research & Development Hub were made in tribute to Shannon Gall, a passionate local advocate for cancer research and BC Cancer Foundation board member who passed from Stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year. Her husband, Clayton, continues her legacy as the chair of the Foundation’s Interior Transformation Council.

The Research & Development Hub leverages more than $20 million in investments from BC Cancer Foundation donors since 2019 to solidify BC Cancer – Kelowna as a centre of excellence in cancer care and research. This funding is driving advancements across multiple areas of cancer care, including the establishment of the Brachytherapy Research Chair, held by Dr. Juanita Crook, and a state-of-the-art systemic therapy suite to facilitate Phase 1 clinical trials in the Okanagan. Most recently, it has supported the launch of British Columbia’s first Surgical Oncology Research Program, led by Dr. Chris Baliski.