BREAKTHROUGH Fall 2021

We all have our own reasons for supporting cancer research and care.

Mine is my Aunt Leesa. My mother’s younger sister is a loving mother and grandmother, and one of my favourite people. And so six months ago, I was devastated to learn that she has pancreatic cancer.

Leesa has just undergone an innovative new treatment, which unfortunately was not successful. But one day, with advancements in precision medicine, which takes into account the genetics of each individual patient, that same therapy might save someone else.

This is why it’s so important that we continue to support the world-class talent at BC Cancer who fuel progress in science and medicine.

An example of which is PSMA-PET imaging, a state-of-theart new screening which allows oncologists to pinpoint recurrences of prostate cancer earlier and more accurately, enabling highly-tailored treatment.

With cancer affecting one in two of us in our lifetime, we’re all intimately motivated to work towards a cure. For Kelowna dad and Tour de Cure participant Kevin Witzke,  the impetus was his son Nicholas, who sadly passed away from colon cancer this past spring.

Alternatively, for East Vancouver philanthropist Sylvia Shelton, the push wasn’t her own well-being but that of her community, who will be greatly impacted by a gift to the Foundation in her will.

Your generous donations have the potential to benefit someone you love. Someone like my Aunt Leesa. And for that I am personally grateful.

Sincerely,

Sarah Roth
President & CEO
BC Cancer Foundation

When Nancy Cleveland made her first visit to BC Cancer in 2018, she was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer.

It was at this appointment that her oncologist told her of a clinical trial which would ultimately change the course of her illness.

The trial helped save Nancy’s life.

Today, Nancy is thankfully in remission, and has committed to championing gynecologic cancer research by fundraising for BC Cancer’s Ovarian Cancer Research (OVCARE) team, in support of their ambitious goal to reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer by 50% in the next 15 years.

“When I was undergoing chemo, I knew that someone before me had gone through a trial in order for me to be at this place,” says Nancy, “so I feel it’s important to give back.” Thank you Nancy for your ongoing support!

Kevin Witzke’s son Nicholas was his best friend. Since their first rides together, nearly 10 years ago, the two shared a passion for cycling.

Nicholas may have enjoyed uphill climbs more than his father, but Kevin cherished the opportunity to share an activity he loves with his child. The physical and mental strength it took to compete at higher levels had Nicholas hooked and, together the two challenged many races in B.C. over the past decade.

Their last ride together was to Nicholas’ chemotherapy appointment this past December.

In October 2019, as a fit and active 31-year-old, Nicholas was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had no previous symptoms, but by the time he received his diagnosis, it was already Stage 4.

“We were left shaking our heads,” Kevin recalls, “Asking, ‘What happened to Stages 1, 2 and 3?’”

Despite the progression of his illness, Nicholas wasn’t going to let the disease stop him from following one of his dreams – connecting with his southern Italian heritage.

With the help of his team at BC Cancer, he found a clinic in Siracusa, Italy where his chemotherapy could continue, and made the move to Sicily.

Nicholas responded well to treatment in Italy, where he was visited by his father Kevin, his mother Rita, and two sisters. With his father at his side, he was able to cycle the 25 km to his chemotherapy appointments. While not the races they once took part in, these rides allowed them to continue their father-son tradition.

In December 2020, Nicholas’ condition deteriorated and in April, he returned to B.C. The journey home was difficult, and he was admitted to hospital in Kelowna.

Five days later, on April 29, Nicholas passed away.

Nicholas’s journey with colon cancer is Kevin’s motivation for founding team Nicolavoca and joining the BC Cancer Foundation’s Tour De Cure, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals.

“I’m compelled to tell others that early detection can offer hope for better treatment and results,” Kevin says. “I encourage others who love their children, or have seen the suffering of friends and families struck by cancer at a young age, to support the Tour de Cure.”

On Aug. 28, only four months after Nicholas’ passing, Kevin got on his son’s bike and cycled 160 km in Kelowna. Though the scenic route he chose, he admits, was different than the one Nicholas would have taken.

“Nicholas would have filled the route with climbs.”

She lived in denial of the news for a few weeks until she fell ill and ended up in the ER. Her disease, she was told, was Stage 4B lymphoma and required chemotherapy right away, with no time to lose.

Unfortunately, Linda experienced an adverse reaction to treatment and was rushed to the ICU, where she was diagnosed with the rare Hemophagocytic Lymph Histiocytosis (HLH). This meant her immune system wasn’t working properly and some of her white blood cells were attacking her other blood cells.

“I hadn’t realized the severity of what was going on,” says Linda. “I knew one thing: I needed to live – to be alive for my son. I still had so many experiences and things I wanted to live for.”

In the care of BC Cancer experts, she was determined to get better.

Then, one week later, in an incredible turn of events, Linda’s condition improved dramatically and she was able to continue with her treatments, out of the ICU.

In January 2020, Linda’s scans showed no evidence of cancer.

Linda channeled her gratitude into participating in the Workout to Conquer Cancer, this past May.

As an ambassador of both BC Cancer expertise and the power of positivity, she was able to raise funds for other patients around the province.

Thank you Linda for inspiring us with your courage and Workout to Conquer Cancer participation!