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Shane Bourbonnais Visits Site Of New Cancer Centre One Year After
Construction workers hold a one minute silence in memory of Michele Bourbonnais and all others who have battled cancer
October 08, 2003, Vancouver, BC - Almost one year ago, on October 10, 2002, five of Canada's leading recording artists joined forces to play a landmark charity concert in Vancouver. Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk and Sarah McLachlan all took to the stage to perform at General Motors Place to a sell-out crowd of 19,000 music fans. The proceeds greatly exceeded the projected $1 million target, raising $1.75 million in total. The show became the largest benefit concert in Canadian history in terms of money raised.
Today, Shane Bourbonnais, the man who was the driving force behind the milestone event, visited the construction site of the BC Cancer Agency's new BC Cancer Research Centre – the building that benefited from the $1.75 million raised through the BC Cancer Foundation Presents Concert. The event was staged in honour of Shane's late wife Michele, who fought cervical cancer for a year and half before passing away at the age of 31 on October 10, 2001.
"It is fantastic to see the concrete results of such an amazing and emotional night," said Shane Bourbonnais, executive vice-president of Clear Channel Entertainment, Canada. "I know Michele would share my view that this new research centre will benefit people across BC, Canada and around the world. Countless individuals and organizations pulled together to help stage the BC Cancer Foundation Presents concert and they should all be proud of what it has helped achieve."
Also visiting the site today, were Dr. Victor Ling, vice-president of research at the BC Cancer Agency and BC Cancer Foundation president and CEO Mary McNeil. At 2:00 p.m. exactly, construction workers downed tools and held an emotional one minute silence in memory of Michele Bourbonnais and all those who have lost their struggle with this disease.
When the $95 million research Centre is completed in late 2004, it will be one of Canada's largest freestanding cancer research facilities. The building will have the capacity for up to 600 scientific and medical personnel, an increase from the current 318 positions. It will house eight research departments, conducting research into more than 100 different types of cancer.
"I wish to thank Shane, the individuals who helped stage the concert and all the donors and supporters of the new BC Cancer Research Centre who are sharing the BC Cancer Foundation's vision of a world free from cancer," said Mary McNeil, president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation. "Cancer patients everywhere will benefit from the work that will be taking place inside this building. I am also delighted that Shane has joined our Board of Directors – his energy, creativity and dedication makes him an invaluable addition to our organization."
Once the new Centre is completed in late 2004 and the scientific and medical personnel move into the building, a special Tranquility Garden will also be constructed as a recognition site for Michele Bourbonnais and the concert. The garden will be built at the southeast corner of the research centre.
About the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency:
The BC Cancer Foundation is an independent charitable organization that raises funds to support breakthrough research and compassionate care through the BC Cancer Agency. The BC Cancer Agency provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia and conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.
Also available:
- Colour photograph of Shane Bourbonnais, Mary McNeil and Dr. Victor Ling outside the BC Cancer Agency's new BC Cancer Research Centre
- B-roll of the new BC Cancer Research Centre
- Building update document
- Building fact sheet
- BC Cancer Foundation fact sheet
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