Hope Couture raises more than $600,000 to bring world-class PET/CT to BC Cancer – Vancouver
September 19, 2018
Found in News
VANCOUVER, B.C. – The BC Cancer Foundation’s fifth annual Hope Couture presented by Legacy Senior Living – The Leo Wertman Residence today announces more than $600,000 raised to support world-class care at BC Cancer with the most innovative diagnostic and treatment planning tool available today: a PET/CT scanner.
Thanks to a sold-out room of 430 generous guests and a donation of $100,000 made by the owners of Capilano Audi and Capilano Volkswagen, funds raised at yesterday’s event will support the purchase of a new PET/CT scanner to replace one at the end of its lifespan at BC Cancer – Vancouver. This machine will provide patients with the world’s most accurate and efficient technology.
For people facing cancer today, swift access to the best diagnostic technology is potentially life-saving. Treatment is difficult, and can be a source of anxiety and uncertainty for patients and families. PET/CT is proven as the most effective tool for obtaining a complete picture of a patient’s cancer, with an ability to detect cancer cells at an early stage – even before a tumour has formed.
“Timely and accurate imaging tests are critical for families facing cancer who need answers now,” says Dr. Sharlene Gill, medical oncologist, BC Cancer. “I’m delighted to be able to serve my patients better with a superior piece of equipment that will help to alleviate the anxiety for families that come with the ‘unknowns’ when facing a cancer diagnosis.”
The Dhanoa family knows first-hand how crucial a PET/CT scan is for diagnosis and as a follow-up tool to at different points in rigorous treatment. Nav Dhanoa, 30, moved home early last year to take care of his mother, Pam, as she faces pancreatic cancer. Dhanoa is a medical student in the United States who put his third year on hold to care for his mother in South Surrey.
“Watching my mom struggle in pain and not knowing what the next step is was very tough,” says Dhanoa. “Whether it’s my mother or another family facing the disease – people are waiting far too long with questions unanswered to have an important test done. This upgrade should help to change that.”
The philanthropic funds raised at Hope Couture will help to change outcomes and bring hope to the 77,000 people facing cancer in our province each year.
“Our generous community is the reason we are well on our way to reaching our $1-million goal, which will directly impact patients and families in need today,” says Sarah Roth, president & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.
Held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, guests of the fashion show and luncheon were taken to the beautiful island of Santorini as the transformed venue boasted a Grecian-inspired space. The event featured a real-life painted Greek statue and live music from Mamma Mia! to set the runway stage. Vancouver boutique retailers Bacci's and Boboli wowed guests as they debuted fashions from the fall and winter collections of Chloé, Valentino, Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli and more.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Hayley Judge
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Foundation
604-707-5907