BC Cancer Foundation

On World Mental Health Day, BC Cancer patients share advice on how they prioritized their mental health, and reduced stress and anxiety, during one of the biggest physical and mental health challenges of their lives. Learn the 10 ways they practiced self-care: https://bit.ly/4eWhs2d #WorldMentalHealthDay2024

“We are lucky to have the system and the people we have. It’s our duty to give back so that other people who come after us can benefit too.” Baljit Dhillon has been impacted by cancer more than once. Both his parents had cancer and he recently underwent his own diagnosis for colon cancer in 2022. Despite his challenging journey, Baljit’s positive perspective on life persevered and his health scans were clear by mid-2023, thanks to the care he received at BC Cancer and the support of his wife Jagir. Grateful for the experiences he and his parents had at BC Cancer, Baljit continues to make regular donations to the Foundation and has incorporated a planned gift in his will, to help fund the kind of care that has meant so much to him and his loved ones. Read Baljit’s full story here: https://bit.ly/3zFSkhv

October 6-12, 2024 is Make-a-Will Week in B.C., and British Columbians are encouraged to write a will or update an existing one. In honour of this week, we share the importance of having a will and how leaving a legacy gift in your will to the Foundation will support the life-saving work at BC Cancer and make a lasting impact. The future of cancer care can be your legacy. To learn more about leaving a legacy gift or to connect with our team, visit: https://bit.ly/4eyfGVi

“Every little piece of me knew I wanted kids, but that it came with an added risk.” Hayley Henry shares how the neurofibromatosis (NF) gene resulted in her cancer diagnosis in 2012 and weighed on her decision to start a family, as there is a 50/50 chance she would pass on this hereditary gene. Today, Hayley is 11 years cancer free and is a new mom to twins, and she credits BC Cancer – Victoria for the support she and her husband Aidan received before becoming parents. Both twins have tested positive for the NF gene, but Hayley and Aidan are prepared to plan for the boys’ futures. The new BC Cancer – Victoria Integrated Care and Research Pavilion will provide them with increased access to hereditary cancer care, genetic counselling and supportive care services on the Island. Read Hayley’s full story here: https://lnkd.in/guUBbGXP

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the BC Cancer Foundation is proud to support the vital role Indigenous art and culture is playing in making BC Cancer centres more welcoming and inclusive. In addition to the mural series on the six pillars outside of BC Cancer – Vancouver, Coast Salish artist Carrielynn Victor has recently completed three new murals at BC Cancer – Abbotsford that depict flora and fauna of the West Coast, focusing on plants that provide medicine. “From the sea bottom to the mountaintop and the sky, my intentions are about lifting the mood for people coming into the centre who may be having a difficult time,” says Carrielynn. Through the Indigenous Patient Relief Fund, the BC Cancer Foundation is also supporting the implementation of spaces for cultural ceremony and protocol and land acknowledgement plaques to ensure Indigenous patients feel safe, valued and seen at all six BC Cancer centres. To learn more: https://bit.ly/3N1S7YM

We’re honoured to introduce our Interior Transformation Council! Comprised of a passionate group of community and BC Cancer leaders, the Interior Transformation Council is devoted to elevating awareness and advocating for BC Cancer’s groundbreaking research and world-class care in B.C.'s Interior region. Under the leadership of Council Chair Clayton Gall, these key industry leaders and innovators are fostering strong partnerships in the community to drive forward advancements in cancer treatments. We look forward to seeing the Council transform stories of hope into community-driven action, ensuring continued investment in leading-edge research and care at BC Cancer.

Help bring a brand-new BC Cancer centre to Nanaimo by donating today. Travelling for essential treatment and care can take a toll on patients, and this was a challenge Joanne Falvai faced after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2020. She temporarily relocated with her family from Qualicum Beach to Victoria so she could receive treatment. Joanne received outstanding care at BC Cancer – Victoria but being away from home was difficult. This is why bringing cancer care closer to home for Vancouver Island patients residing north of the Malahat is so critical. When you donate to support the new BC Cancer centre in Nanaimo, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Mid Island Co-op. Now’s the time to double your impact! Click here to donate or learn more: https://bit.ly/3MYIc6o

Did you know? Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canadian men and among the leading causes of cancer deaths. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we're sharing five facts you need to know about this disease — including the symptoms, risks, and new advancements in research and care being made at BC Cancer. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4evTbjh

BC Cancer scientists have made a discovery that is bringing new hope to youth who are diagnosed with osteosarcoma — the most common bone cancer in children and teenagers, which has a high risk of metastatic spread to the lungs. Recently, Dr. Poul Sorensen and Dr. Michael Lizardo (pictured, left to right) have identified a potential drug, known as an eIF4A1 inhibitor, that could halt the spread of osteosarcoma and shrink both the primary tumour site and lung metastasis. Dr. Sorensen and his team are currently in discussions with clinical researchers to bring this groundbreaking drug into clinical trials for osteosarcoma patients. “With this drug we might be able to… give young people a much better chance at beating this disease,” says Dr. Sorensen. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMkJ5UTe

Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Terry Fox New Frontiers Program Project Grants, including two BC Cancer Research Institute teams led by Dr. Brad Nelson (Deeley Research Centre) and Dr. Aly Karsan (Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre). The Foundation looks forward to seeing the progress made in Dr. Nelson’s research on immunotherapy for ovarian cancer and Dr. Karsan’s exploration of the non-genetic mechanisms of leukemia, seeking to understand why these cancers don’t respond to current therapies. BC Cancer Foundation funding is a catalyst for BC Cancer’s groundbreaking research, including the work conducted by both Dr. Nelson and Dr. Karsan. Every donor dollar given to research, allows BC Cancer to attract four times that amount in total funding from other sources, and it provides the critical start-up funding to support early stages of research and innovation. To learn more, or to donate: https://lnkd.in/gYWZpv2D