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BC Cancer Foundation Produces Largest Single Fundraising Event in British Columbia's History to Fund Critical Breast Cancer Research at the BC Cancer Agency
August 21, 2004, Vancouver, BC - Today, the BC Cancer Foundation announced that 2,101 walkers raised $7,027,000 in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, a two-day, 60-kilometre walk to raise funds for breast cancer research in British Columbia. The second annual Weekend to End Breast Cancer is already planned for August 19-21st, 2005.
The 2,101 walkers began their walk today after an emotional opening ceremony at Plaza of Nations. Tonight, the walkers will camp at Killarney Park, as they rest up for the final 30 kilometres taking them through more of Vancouver's scenic neighborhoods on Sunday. Sunday's journey will end with an inspiring closing ceremony in BC Place Stadium, at 4PM, where walkers will be greeted by cheering family and friends.
"Today is a powerful day in the fight to end breast cancer," said Mary McNeil, president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation. "Thousands of courageous women and men have come together in Vancouver to raise funds and awareness for a disease that devastates the lives of millions. On behalf of the entire Foundation, I would like to welcome all of the walkers and thank them for their dedication. We are excited to be a part of their efforts to end breast cancer, and we wish them the best of luck over the next 60 kilometres!"
Nicholas Locke, VP of Development and Strategic Planning for the BC Cancer Foundation, said "As one can imagine, it requires months of planning to organize a walk that safely guides such a large number of people over 60 kilometres. We have taken precautions such as communicating with local authorities to make sure the streets are safe; providing plenty of pit stops for walkers to re-hydrate and refuel; and working with a medical response team that is always on hand to help with blisters, dehydration, or any other medical issues."
"Proceeds from The Weekend to End Breast Cancer will fund new exciting initiatives at the BC Cancer Agency," says Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, president, BC Cancer Agency. "We're finalizing the recruitment of a world class scientist to head up a bold new research program built on the Agency's unique strength in genome science. This research will develop new gene-based approaches to prediction, early detection, and more effective and less harmful therapies to patients. Research will also be directed to evaluating the effectiveness of PET scan technology in the early diagnosis of breast cancer and response to therapy, thereby improving survival rates."
Each walker raised at least $2,000, with the net proceeds funding critical breast cancer research and services at the BC Cancer Agency. The BC Cancer Foundation is retaining over 60% percent of the proceeds for the Agency's important work in breast cancer, which is within the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy's fundraising net return guidelines for an event of this nature. In addition to the funds raised, this event is important in generating awareness for breast cancer. The Foundation also hopes to create awareness for the organization and expand its donor base. This year over 75,000 donors made contributions to The Weekend to End Breast Cancer.
The BC Cancer Foundation supports research at the BC Cancer Agency. BC Cancer Agency is the organization responsible for providing cancer control for the province. This includes: prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.
The BC Cancer Foundation is grateful for the support of the event sponsors and their phenomenal commitment to the cause: CIBC, Global Television, The Vancouver Sun, The Province, JACK-FM, CLEAR-FM, and French Dressing Jeans.
For more information about the event, or to register as a participant for next year, please contact
604-684-WALK (9255), or sign up online at www.endcancer.ca.
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