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Early detection of cancer gets second $1 million boost from U.S.-based Canary Foundation with gift to BC Cancer Foundation
Donation announced as Record-Breaking $1.9 million total raised in one evening at BC Cancer Foundation Inspiration 2007 Fashion Gala
October 23, 2007, Vancouver, B.C. - The Canary Foundation, a U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to funding early detection of cancer, has announced its second $1 million dollar donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, to be used by the BC Cancer Agency for research into early detection of cancer.
“We are thrilled to contribute once again to the promising early detection research conducted by the BC Cancer Agency,” said Don Listwin, who established Canary Foundation and dedicated it to the early detection of cancer after he lost his own mother to ovarian cancer in 2001. Listwin announced the gift while visiting Vancouver from California to attend the BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspiration 2007 Fashion Gala at the Rocky Mountaineer Station last night.
Listwin issued a challenge to Gala guests, promising to match their donations four to one, up to $1 million, resulting in a further $589,000 raised for early detection of ovarian cancer at the BC Cancer Agency during a spirited live auction. The proceeds for the Fashion Gala itself were over $300,000 to be used for both breast and ovarian cancer research, bringing the grand total for the evening, including the Canary donation and challenge, to an incredible record breaking over $1.9 million.
“Early detection of cancer is critical, particularly in ovarian cancer, which is one of the most deadly cancers today, yet is highly curable with current treatment methods if found early,” said BC Cancer Agency president Simon Sutcliffe. “Funds for early detection research are not readily available, which is why this donation from the Canary Foundation is so important. With one in three British Columbians developing cancer in their lifetime, early detection and prevention must play an integral role in our cancer control strategy. We are deeply grateful to the Canary Foundation and to Don Listwin for their generosity and commitment to early detection research.”
The BC Cancer Agency is a pioneer and world leader in early detection of cancer. It was the first in the world to introduce the Pap smear for detection of cervical cancer into the population, resulting in dramatic reductions in death and incidence of this cancer, and was the first in Canada to introduce a screening mammography program for breast cancer.
Fourteen-year ovarian cancer survivor and Inspiration Fashion Gala committee member Lucy Lukens, wife of the U.S. Consul General in Vancouver, said, “I am incredibly lucky that my cancer was found early. All women with ovarian cancer deserve the chance I had.”
Nick Locke, interim CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation said, “We are deeply grateful to the Canary Foundation and Don Listwin for their extraordinary generosity of two separate gifts of $1 million.” The first donation from the Canary Foundation to the BC Cancer Foundation was in 2006, for ovarian cancer early detection research conducted at the BC Cancer Agency’s Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria.
The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency. The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.
The Canary Foundation, named for the “early detection” role canaries once played by alerting coal miners of hazardous fumes, is the United States’ only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to the early detection of cancer. All administrative and overhead costs are underwritten by the Listwin Family Foundation, allowing 100 percent of contributions to go entirely to early detection research activities.
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For information:
Penny Noble APR, Senior Director Public Affairs,
BC Cancer Foundation: 604 707 5902, cell 604 805 5637
or
Patricia McCowan, Foundations and Northwest Development Director
Canary Foundation: 604.539.7179
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