20
WHILE COVID CANCELLED MANY THINGS, IT DIDN’T STOP CANCER.
Fortunately, it also didn’t stop innovation or a commitment to making sure we have the very best right here at home.
You made the commitment to help others. We thank you. Albertans thank you.
At a Glance
April 2020 – March 2021
Fundraising events were cancelled all over the world, including Alberta. But people gave in other ways. Because of the diversity in our fundraising, people can support Albertans facing cancer in many ways.
HOW DID ALBERTANS GIVE ?
- They sent a one-time donation, like Tate and Reese who donated $58 from a fundraiser they had in tribute of their Grampa Stewart.
- They became a Monthly Donor, like Greg from Grande Prairie.
- They gave in memory of a loved one, like Kelly who gave in memory of Chrissy.
- They donated securities, like Ed and Irene from St. Albert.
- They left a future gift in their Will, like Keith and Lynne from Cochrane.
- They volunteered, like Kyle who generously gave 98 hours of his time, helping our fundraising and administration team.
- They participated in a virtual event, like Colette from Edmonton who walked in the 5k
- They sponsored, like Landmark Cinemas who sponsored the Movie Drive-In Event that brought people together, but safely apart.
- They bought a Cash and Cars Lottery ticket, like Alex who won the Calgary Show Home and $5,000 cash.
More Than a Number
It was a year focused on daily COVID numbers. At the foundation, these are more than numbers. These are Albertans, our family, our friends and loved ones.Their stories impact us all.
59852
Albertans visited one of the
17 cancer centres across the
province 729,012 times
7229
monthly donors
4456
times, in their time of urgent need,
Albertans accessed Patient
Financial Assistance
113
active cancer research projects led
by the brightest minds in Alberta
1022
patients enrolled in a clinical trial and 75 new clinical trials opened
4992
patients accessed the Alberta Cancer Foundation Patient Navigator Programs, including AYA and Indigenous Programs, with 15,475 interactions with nurse navigators
278
families have told us the Alberta Cancer Foundation is in their will
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
59,852
Albertans visited one of the 17 cancer centres across the province 729,012 times
In August 2018, Lorri Winship’s life changed completely when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The Drayton Valley-native was told that her cancer was incurable and that she should develop a palliative care plan. Through 2020 and to today, Lorri lives with appreciation for each day while receiving treatment at the Drayton Valley Community Cancer Centre. She looks back at those trying times saying, “I was able to overcome those challenges, and now I’m more appreciative than ever.”
2
7,229
monthly donors
Diana from Grande Prairie is a generous Alberta Cancer Foundation monthly donor. After losing her paternal grandfather to lung cancer 11 years ago, Diana decided to continue making a $5 gift each and every month to keep his memory alive and help find a cure.
3
4,456
times, in their time of urgent need, Albertans accessed Patient Financial Assistance
“My name is Amber and I am currently fighting the battle of leukemia at the Tom Baker Cancer centre. It has been a lot to take in as I was also diagnosed with diabetes at the same time. I was brought to Calgary and admitted on November 4,20 and have been receiving treatment ever since. Being from a small town in Alberta and not from Calgary, the costs of everything has put quite the burden on my family. The grocery vouchers I received from you have been a godsend at this time. Every little bit of help is so much appreciated and I wanted to give thanks and let you know just how grateful I truly am. From the bottom of mine and my family’s hearts we thank you.” A patient who received vouchers through the Alberta Cancer Foundation COVID-19 Psychosocial Emergency Response Program
4
113
active cancer research projects led by the brightest minds in Alberta
Dr. John Lewis, the Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research and APCaRI Chair, is leading the way in prostate cancer research. Since 2012, the Lewis Laboratory has been studying the critical steps of cancer progression, including the growth of new blood vessels and the gain of tumour cell movement that leads to the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer. In addition, Dr. Lewis and his team have developed a new blood test, ClarityDX Prostate, which differentiates between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancer – saving lives and preventing unnecessary prostate biopsies.
5
1,022
patients enrolled in a clinical trial and 75 new clinical trials opened
Donnie Bernardo was 27 when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent years of treatment – from chemotherapy, radiation to immunotherapy – but cancer continued to spread, and he had no other treatment options left. In 2020, his doctors approached to take part in the CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial led by Dr. Michael Chu at the Cross Cancer Institute. Donnie was the second Albertan to receive CAR T- Cell therapy in Alberta on May 17, 2021. The clinical trial was an outstanding success and Donnie was the first Albertan to go into remission after receiving CAR T- cell therapy. “To me, CAR T is a lifesaver. It’s something that’s going to revolutionize cancer treatment and will help people like me who have no options left,” he says.
6
4,992
patients accessed the Alberta Cancer Foundation Patient Navigator Programs, including AYA and Indigenous Programs,
with 15,475 interactions with nurse navigators
Cara Bradfield from Edmonton was 23 years old when she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Cancer changes anyone’s life, but especially an adolescent or young adult’s Cara was referred to a patient navigator who helped answer her questions about treatment, transitioning from working full-time to being on medical leave and concerns about her fertility.
7
278
families have told us the Alberta Cancer Foundation is in their will
One of our generous, community philanthropists supported Albertans facing cancer in a significant way in 2020. Don and Donna Savard were both grateful patients of the Cross Cancer Institute. Sadly, Don passed away of lung cancer in 2009, and to honour his legacy, Donna and family established the Don & Donna Savard Family Endowment Fund, in support of Lung Cancer Research at the Cross Cancer Institute. The Savards truly cared about Albertans facing cancer, and chose to make impact through supporting cancer research. In the final days of Donna’s own cancer journey, her selfless and generous spirit again shone brightly – making another significant gift supporting Dr. Jennifer Spratlin’s research in pancreatic cancer. Thanks to the Savard family legacy, cancer patients and their families will continue to benefit from innovative research and life-saving therapies.
More Than a Number
It was a year focused on daily COVID numbers. At the foundation, these are more than numbers. These are Albertans, our family, our friends and loved ones.Their stories impact us all.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
59,852
Albertans visited one of the 17 cancer centres across the province 729,012 times
In August 2018, Lorri Winship’s life changed completely when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The Drayton Valley-native was told that her cancer was incurable and that she should develop a palliative care plan. Through 2020 and to today, Lorri lives with appreciation for each day while receiving treatment at the Drayton Valley Community Cancer Centre. She looks back at those trying times saying, “I was able to overcome those challenges, and now I’m more appreciative than ever.”
2
7,229
monthly donors
Diana from Grande Prairie is a generous Alberta Cancer Foundation monthly donor. After losing her paternal grandfather to lung cancer 11 years ago, Diana decided to continue making a $5 gift each and every month to keep his memory alive and help find a cure.
3
4,456
times, in their time of urgent need, Albertans accessed Patient Financial Assistance
“My name is Amber and I am currently fighting the battle of leukemia at the Tom Baker Cancer centre. It has been a lot to take in as I was also diagnosed with diabetes at the same time. I was brought to Calgary and admitted on November 4,20 and have been receiving treatment ever since. Being from a small town in Alberta and not from Calgary, the costs of everything has put quite the burden on my family. The grocery vouchers I received from you have been a godsend at this time. Every little bit of help is so much appreciated and I wanted to give thanks and let you know just how grateful I truly am. From the bottom of mine and my family’s hearts we thank you.” A patient who received vouchers through the Alberta Cancer Foundation COVID-19 Psychosocial Emergency Response Program
4
113
active cancer research projects led by the brightest minds in Alberta
Dr. John Lewis, the Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research and APCaRI Chair, is leading the way in prostate cancer research. Since 2012, the Lewis Laboratory has been studying the critical steps of cancer progression, including the growth of new blood vessels and the gain of tumour cell movement that leads to the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer. In addition, Dr. Lewis and his team have developed a new blood test, ClarityDX Prostate, which differentiates between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancer – saving lives and preventing unnecessary prostate biopsies.
5
1,022
patients enrolled in a clinical trial and 75 new clinical trials opened
Donnie Bernardo was 27 when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent years of treatment – from chemotherapy, radiation to immunotherapy – but cancer continued to spread, and he had no other treatment options left. In 2020, his doctors approached to take part in the CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial led by Dr. Michael Chu at the Cross Cancer Institute. Donnie was the second Albertan to receive CAR T- Cell therapy in Alberta on May 17, 2021. The clinical trial was an outstanding success and Donnie was the first Albertan to go into remission after receiving CAR T- cell therapy. “To me, CAR T is a lifesaver. It’s something that’s going to revolutionize cancer treatment and will help people like me who have no options left,” he says.
6
4,992
patients accessed the Alberta Cancer Foundation Patient Navigator Programs, including AYA and Indigenous Programs,
with 15,475 interactions with nurse navigators
Cara Bradfield from Edmonton was 23 years old when she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Cancer changes anyone’s life, but especially an adolescent or young adult’s Cara was referred to a patient navigator who helped answer her questions about treatment, transitioning from working full-time to being on medical leave and concerns about her fertility.
7
278
families have told us the Alberta Cancer Foundation is in their will
One of our generous, community philanthropists supported Albertans facing cancer in a significant way in 2020. Don and Donna Savard were both grateful patients of the Cross Cancer Institute. Sadly, Don passed away of lung cancer in 2009, and to honour his legacy, Donna and family established the Don & Donna Savard Family Endowment Fund, in support of Lung Cancer Research at the Cross Cancer Institute. The Savards truly cared about Albertans facing cancer, and chose to make impact through supporting cancer research. In the final days of Donna’s own cancer journey, her selfless and generous spirit again shone brightly – making another significant gift supporting Dr. Jennifer Spratlin’s research in pancreatic cancer. Thanks to the Savard family legacy, cancer patients and their families will continue to benefit from innovative research and life-saving therapies.
Thank You
We are proud to be the fundraising partner for 17 cancer centres across this province. You, our donors show us the importance of supporting excellent care in your community, close to home. You have enabled us to make significant investments in the system, all leading to impact for Albertans.
When they need it and where they need it. We are privileged to support Alberta innovation, discovery and compassionate care with your help.
COVID DIDN’T STOP CANCER. IT DIDN’T STOP YOUR GENEROSITY, EITHER.
Especially now, we need to make sure Albertans continue to have access to the best possible treatment and care. Thank you for creating more moments for Albertans facing cancer.
Our Board
Dr. Chris Eagle, Board Chair (Edmonton)
Rory J. Tyler, Vice Chair (Calgary)
Cathy Allard-Roozen (Edmonton)
Brian Bale (Edmonton)
Dr. Stanford Blade (Edmonton)
Dr. Heather Bryant (Calgary)
Dr. Charles Butts (Edmonton)
Rajko Dodic (Lethbridge)
John Donald (Red Deer)
Brenda Hubley (Edmonton)
Dianne Kipnes (Edmonton)
Chris Kucharski (Calgary)
John Lehners (Grande Prairie)
Brian McLean (Calgary)
Dr. Don Morris (Calgary)
Barb Munroe (Calgary)
Dr. Matthew Parliament (Edmonton)
Gelaine Pearman (Calgary)
Sandra Lau (Edmonton)
Tom Valentine (Calgary)
Heather Watt (Edmonton)
Mark Zimmerman (Edmonton)
Our Board
Dr. Chris Eagle, Board Chair (Edmonton)
Rory J. Tyler, Vice Chair (Calgary)
Cathy Allard-Roozen (Edmonton)
Brian Bale (Edmonton)
Dr. Stanford Blade (Edmonton)
Dr. Heather Bryant (Calgary)
Dr. Charles Butts (Edmonton)
Rajko Dodic (Lethbridge)
John Donald (Red Deer)
Brenda Hubley (Edmonton)
Dianne Kipnes (Edmonton)
Chris Kucharski (Calgary)
John Lehners (Grande Prairie)
Brian McLean (Calgary)
Dr. Don Morris (Calgary)
Barb Munroe (Calgary)
Dr. Matthew Parliament (Edmonton)
Gelaine Pearman (Calgary)
Sandra Lau (Edmonton)
Tom Valentine (Calgary)
Heather Watt (Edmonton)
Mark Zimmerman (Edmonton)