Ken & Gloria Sargent Gift $1.5 Million to Revolutionize Cancer Care at BC Cancer – Kelowna

The BC Cancer Foundation is thrilled to announce a transformational $1.5 million donation from Ken and Gloria Sargent to launch the first ever Surgical Oncology Research Program at BC Cancer – Kelowna, led by surgical oncologist, Dr. Chris Baliski. This historical gift will transform surgical oncology research and enhance cancer care in the Interior and across B.C., and continue to position Kelowna as a provincial leader in this vital field of cancer research.

“This partnership furthers the BC Cancer Foundation’s commitment to expand groundbreaking research and increase access to cutting-edge care in the Interior,” says Sarah Roth, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation. “Ken and Gloria Sargent’s visionary support will have a profound and lasting impact on cancer care, benefiting patients and families throughout British Columbia.”

Pioneering Surgical Oncology Research

Surgical oncologists are highly specialized surgeons trained to diagnose, stage, and remove cancerous tumors. Traditionally, cancer surgery has often meant radical organ removal (the removal of the impacted organ and surrounding tissues), which, while effective in eradicating cancer, can lead to long, challenging recoveries and life-altering outcomes.

Today’s researchers are pioneering less invasive, more precise techniques, and establishing multidisciplinary approaches to better integrate surgery chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy to improve patient outcomes.

“Cancer care has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Where there were once limited options, patients now have numerous potential treatments,” says Dr. Chris Baliski, BC Cancer’s Regional Surgical Oncology Lead. “Thanks to the Sargents’ generosity, our new research program will allow us to ensure patients are receiving the best treatment – or combination of treatments – at the right time.”

Research to better understand disease biology and how cancer responds to treatment is critical. It could mean less invasive surgeries for patients by first shrinking tumours with drug therapies or radiation, or even avoiding surgery all together.

Under Dr. Baliski’s leadership, the Surgical Oncology Research Program will drive significant advancements in cancer care by:

• Launching surgical oncology clinical trials for highly prevalent cancers like breast, melanoma, and thyroid cancer
• Enhancing the standard of care regionally through health services research, with a special interest in patient-reported outcomes
• Bringing less invasive and more effective treatment options to patients, and creating leading-edge research opportunities at BC Cancer – Kelowna to attract and retain top talent

The Sargent Gift: A Legacy of Hope

Ken Sargent has always believed in giving back to his community, and he and Gloria have a long history of supporting the BC Cancer Foundation in Kelowna. Their contributions have been instrumental, from bringing a PET/CT scanner to the city in 2020 to supporting the Foundation’s recent $6.1 million campaign to establish a state-of-the-art Systemic Therapy Suite at BC Cancer – Kelowna.

In recognition of today’s announcement and their long-time dedication, BC Cancer – Kelowna’s Molecular Imaging and Therapy Suite will be named the “Ken and Gloria Sargent Molecular Imaging and Therapy Suite”.

“Over the years, we have watched BC Cancer – Kelowna grow into a centre of excellence, driving global advancements and providing exemplary care,” say Ken and Gloria Sargent. “It fills us with hope for the future, knowing that generations to come will continue to benefit from world-class care and research, right here at home.”