Local Survivor Gives Cancer Care in Abbotsford a $100,000 High-Tech Upgrade

Abbotsford, B.C. – Home-grown philanthropist Dave Holmberg made a $100,000 gift to the BC Cancer Foundation in support of cutting-edge radiation therapy equipment at the BC Cancer Agency Abbotsford Centre.

Cancer has deeply impacted the Holmberg family. A year-and-a-half after losing his eldest son, David Jr., to brain cancer, Holmberg received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma—a cancer of the plasma cells. After 27 rounds of radiation therapy from BC Cancer Agency specialists, whom Holmberg describes as highly skilled and compassionate, he has now completed his treatment.

Having been a community leader in the agricultural equipment business for 45 years, Holmberg says, “I know how important it is to have the best equipment,” which motivated him to make a gift that will advance life-saving radiation therapy in Abbotsford.

He also recognizes the world-leading advancements in cancer knowledge and care happening in B.C. and believes in the value of research. A clinical trial gave David Jr. 17 months of added time with his family until he passed away at age 48. “I have no doubt that the clinical trial treatments gave David extra time,” says Holmberg, adding, “Anything we can do as a public to help move research forward is truly important.”

Over 1,000 patients are treated with radiation therapy at the Abbotsford Centre each year. Dr. Nisar Ahmed, Radiation Oncology Leader at BC Cancer Agency Abbotsford Centre, says, “Radiation therapy is a critical component in cancer care, which is ever-advancing. This generous gift from the Holmberg family will help ensure we have the latest, most technologically advanced systems for our patients in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley.”

“The BC Cancer Foundation is truly grateful for Mr. Holmberg’s generous gift, which will provide long-lasting enhancements to patient care for those being treated in Abbotsford, and will open the door to more research opportunities in radiation therapy,” says Douglas Nelson, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.

Thanks to research advances and improvements in care through the BC Cancer Agency more and more patients are surviving cancer each day.

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Media enquiries please contact:
Patsy Worrall
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
e. pworrall@bccancer.bc.ca