Ontario Division Impact Report 08-09

Connected...

Ontario Division Impact Report
2008 | 2009

Over his 38-year career with Canadian
Press, Ottawa-based photojournalist
Fred Chartrand shot everything from
Ev e r y p i c t u r e t e l l s a c a n c e r s t o r y foreign wars to Olympic games, election
campaigns to sports championships.
But one of his most meaningful projects
occurred last February, when he shot a

4
COntents
Connecting with the Chair and CEO
All of us have stories about how cancer has photo for PhotoSensitive’s Cancer
Connections exhibition, produced in
6-13
14
Prevention and Advocacy
Research
touched our lives. And while everyone’s story is partnership with the Canadian Cancer
Society, featuring black and white photos
16-23 Information and Support
24-27 Fundraising
different, together we represent a powerful force that illustrate how cancer affects the
lives of countless Canadians.
28
30
Planned Giving
Corporate Development
that can make cancer history. Each and every “I immediately felt like getting involved
and thought of my friend Dominique
32
34
Planned Giving Gifts Received
Corporate Recognition
day, in communities across the province, the Hebert, a breast cancer survivor,”
Fred explains. “Her horse, Calypso,
36 Report from the Chair,
Audit & Finance Committee Canadian Cancer Society connects with was great therapy for her and I thought
a shot of her and Calypso would make a
37 Financials
38 Provincial Board and Committees individuals who have been touched by cancer great photo. It was Dominique’s idea that
they both appear bareback.”

in some way. For those who need information “The photo demonstrates hope,” Fred says.
“It shows that life still has some beauty

or support, or who are ready to celebrate or fight and drama to it, even after cancer.”
“Cancer Connections took the stranger out
back – we’re here to help Ontarians engage in of cancer; people can see themselves in
it,” says Fred. “Photography brings cancer

meaningful conversations about cancer. right to the viewer’s heart, soul and mind.
Seeing it makes people a lot more

We are the voice that connects us all. sensitive to wanting to help fight cancer.”
PhotoSensitive

OuR mIssIOn
the Canadian Cancer society is a national, PhotoSensitive
community-based organization of volunteers
whose mission is the eradication of cancer This Cancer Connections photo by
and the enhancement of the quality of life Fred Chartrand shows his friend,
of people living with cancer. Dominique Hebert, a breast cancer
survivor, with her horse Calypso.

“Photography brings cancer right to the
viewer’s heart, soul and mind.
Seeing it makes people a lot more
sensitive to wanting to help fight cancer.”
Fred Chartrand

to view the hundreds of moving black and
white photos, or to submit your own, visit
www.photosensitive.com/cc.

Ontario Division Impact Report | 2008 | 2009 3

Connecting with the Chair and CEO

It has been said a picture is worth a We’re actively engaging people in under-funding of lung cancer research by community fundraising events, hundreds of
thousand words. Now imagine hundreds conversations about cancer and this report investing in seven new projects, thanks to a planned gifts from individuals and families and
of Canadians, of all ages, from coast to highlights more than a dozen Ontarians special $1.3 million infusion made possible generous contributions from corporations and
coast, captured in beautiful black and white with a personal connection to cancer, by the generosity of Ontario donors to help organizations across the province, we made
photography – sharing their very personal sharing their stories and describing how tackle the biggest cancer killer. important progress in fulfilling our mission.
and very touching cancer stories – saying so the Society has played a role in their lives.
Thanks to numerous advances in research, None of these accomplishments would have
much more than words ever could.
We know that at least half of all cancers can 62 per cent of people diagnosed with been possible without the generous support
In Ontario, we more than imagined it. be prevented through healthy living and cancer today will survive the disease. of our countless donors, the passionate
We helped make it happen as you’ve just we’ve been working tirelessly to ensure the To better understand their needs and to commitment of the 65,000 Ontarians who
experienced on page 2 of this report through best healthy public policies are established in disseminate the latest information and volunteered their time and the professional
Fred Chartrand’s story. By connecting with this province. In October, we held a unique resources, we hosted our first-ever dedication of our staff. We thank each of you
PhotoSensitive, a non-profit collective of gathering on the front lawn of Queen’s Park province-wide Survivors’ Conference in for making such impact possible.
photographers, we were able to launch a to thank the government for its recent November. We continue to provide Yet there is still so much more to do. It’s
two-year nationwide photo exhibit called accomplishments in cancer prevention – support to those battling cancer, including too early to know what effect the present
Cancer Connections in Toronto in May. such as the bans on the cosmetic use of rides to treatment, peer support and trusted economic situation will have on us, but just
The exhibit’s goal: to make meaningful pesticides and on smoking in cars when information about cancer. And once again, as cancer doesn’t stop during tough times,
connections and to ensure no one feels children are present – and to urge elected we hosted The Driven to Quit Challenge neither will we. The Society is aware, well
alone in their cancer experience. officials to continue making cancer history. that inspired over 26,000 smokers to prepared and strongly positioned to continue
We await the implementation of legislation make an attempt at butting out. fulfilling our mission. We are accountable in
And it’s these experiences and the very governing the marketing of cigarillos and
Through Relay For Life – which celebrated its our financial management, with reserves
real stories that continue to motivate the we continue advocating for regulation of
10th year last year and raised $17.9 million available if needed. We promise to continue
Society’s volunteers and staff to eradicate the artificial tanning industry.
– we enabled Ontarians touched by cancer making the best use of the financial and
cancer and enhance lives of people living
For more than 70 years the Society has to connect with one another, celebrate, human resources entrusted to us.
with cancer. Making a positive ‘impact’ on
funded leading-edge research that has remember and fight back. In addition, many
people’s lives is central to everything we do. Thank you once again for your generous
improved cancer prevention, produced supporters chose a range of ways to honour
The Society focuses on building relationships support. We look forward to continuing to
better treatments, boosted survival rates, their personal connection to cancer. As a
and demonstrates leadership in order to connect with you and together, we will
and enhanced the quality of life for those result of more than 1,400 independent
deliver results to make cancer history (which make cancer history.
living with cancer. In 2008-09, the Society
explains why we changed the name of this
contributed $27.2 million in the most
year’s Annual Report to ‘Impact Report’).
promising cancer research initiatives in
During 2008-09, we especially focused on Canada. In Ontario, 126 cancer research
our values of being courageous and projects were funded, including 39 new
progressive to lessen the burden of cancer. projects. In May, we addressed the
Marion Kirsh, Peter Goodhand,
Chair CEO
COnneCteD...Canadian Cancer society Ontario Division Impact Report | 2008 - 2009 5

• Although considerable progress has been
THE NEED

made in provincial legislation supporting
cancer prevention, there is still more work
to do. Throughout the year, the issue of
cancer prevention needs to be kept ‘top
of mind’ with Members of Provincial
Parliament (MPPs) so that new policies
are implemented which will help prevent
cancer and build a healthier tomorrow
for all Ontarians.

• On October 6, 2008 – as the kick-off to
O U R AC T I O N S

Cancer Prevention Week – the Society
organized a unique advocacy event called
Celebration at Queen’s Park, with Olympic
medal-winner Adam Van Koeverden as
master of ceremonies.
• Some 200 Society volunteers and staff
from across the province travelled to Toronto,
joining together with their MPPs in an
event that incorporated key elements of the
Society’s signature fundraiser, Relay For Life:
a Survivors’ Victory Lap that celebrated
cancer survivorship, and a luminary
ceremony that remembered those who lost
their battle with cancer and honoured those
who have survived.
• Speakers at the event thanked elected
officials for their past legislative
accomplishments and encouraged them
to continue being courageous and proactive
in the fight against cancer.

• The fact that 40 MPPs took part in the
T H E I M PAC T

event demonstrates that the Society is a
valued partner and key player in the fight
to make cancer history. Less than two
months after the event, the government
passed a new law banning the marketing
of cigarillos to youth.
• The event raised awareness about the For ty Members of Provincial Parliame n t we re j o i n e d by 2 0 0 So c i e t y vo l u n t e e r s a n d
Society’s advocacy priorities, built new
connections among those touched by cancer staff on October 6 at Queen’s Park to celeb r a t e l e g i s l a t i ve s u c c e s s e s a n d p u s h f o r f u r t h e r
and served as a reminder that no one has
to face cancer alone. progress in ca ncer prevent ion.
6

Celebrating progress on cancer prevention

The air was crisp and the sun shone brightly
last October 6 when 200 cancer survivors,
was certainly horrible, and I tried then, as I
did throughout my teaching career, to
“hale and hearty grandfather – who used to
take me fishing – lying in the hospital with
The Society continues
caregivers, Society volunteers and staff from encourage my students not to take up brain cancer, unable to speak.” He told of
all parts of Ontario gathered on the front smoking.” Commenting on the Celebration his own experience “getting zapped in to lead the way
lawn of Queen’s Park to thank the provincial event, Elizabeth said she was “filled with several spots” as treatment for basal cell
government for its recent accomplishments hope and optimism and encouragement to skin cancer. “Really, cancer has come to in encouraging
in cancer prevention and to urge members see so many people here from different parts affect all of us. I thank the Canadian Cancer
of provincial parliament to continue making
cancer history.
of the province, all committed to the same
cause. I want to thank the Canadian Cancer
Society and all the others who continually
remind us [what needs to be done].”
governments to pass
Advocacy is a vital activity of the Society.
Thanks to our geographic reach and broad
Society for the tremendous work that you
do in raising awareness of what needs to
He named the ban on retail cigarette
displays as one legislative success, urging
public policies that
happen in the province. You are a leader.” further action on such issues as artificial
mandate in fighting all cancers, we continue
to lead the way in encouraging governments The Honourable Ted McMeekin is the Liberal tanning, contraband tobacco and toxic use help prevent cancer
to pass public policies that help prevent member for the riding of Ancaster-Dundas- reduction. The Society continues to lead the
cancer and assist those living with cancer. Flamborough-Westdale, the Minister of way in encouraging governments to pass and assist those living
Government Services – and a prostate cancer public policies that help prevent cancer and
The October 6 Celebration at Queen’s
Park event provided an opportunity for survivor. He recounted how his family doctor assist those living with cancer.
with cancer.
Ontarians touched by cancer to connect called him on a Friday afternoon at his
with one another and advocate for further constituency office, reminding him he’d
legislative action. During the event, MPPs missed several appointments for his PSA test.
from each of the three parties shared stories After getting the test done that afternoon,
about their personal connection with cancer. he learned four days later his PSA score had
tripled. The biopsy came back soon after,
Elizabeth Witmer, Progressive Conservative
confirming early-stage prostate cancer, and
MPP for Kitchener-Waterloo and a former
he was subsequently treated successfully.
health minister, first got involved in the
“Thankfully, there are people out there like
fight against cancer when she was a
you and I who care deeply and are prepared
secondary school teacher in London.
to do everything we can to be proactive and
“I remember sharing stories with my
get rid of this awful series of diseases.”
students about people who had lung cancer
or some kind of oral cancer yet continued to NDP member for Beaches–East York Michael
smoke. What happened to these smokers Prue spoke movingly about seeing his once


• The Society believes that Ontarians should not
THE NEED
be exposed to cancer-causing substances at
home, at work or in their environment.
Wherever possible, exposure to substances
that are known, or believed, to cause
cancer should be identified and eliminated
by substituting safer alternatives. When
elimination is not possible, exposure should
be reduced to the lowest possible levels.
• Evidence from occupational studies suggests
a positive association between exposure to
certain pesticides and some types of cancer,
including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and
leukemia, brain cancer, kidney cancer,
Ann McGoey
pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and
lung cancer. played a key role in
• Strong evidence also exists indicating that
children may be more at risk than other
population groups due to their rapidly
advoca t ing for
developing bodies and their more direct
means of contact. T hunder Ba y’s
• A 2007 Oracle Poll of 1,000 Ontario residents
shows 71 per cent of Ontario citizens ban on cosmetic
supported province-wide restrictions on
pesticides.
pest icides.
• Since 2002, Society volunteers and staff
O U R AC T I O N S

worked tirelessly with governments and
community partners across Ontario to
prohibit the use of cosmetic pesticides.
• At the municipal level, this involved meeting
with and sending letters to local councillors
and mayors, attending city council meetings
and delivering deputations, writing letters to
the editor and calling community members
and other volunteers asking for support.
• Provincially, Society volunteer and staff
advocacy efforts included responding to
public consultations through the Environment
Bill of Rights (EBR) consultation periods,
meeting with MPPs and Ministers, sending
letters to MPPs, the Premier and Minister
of the Environment and writing letters
to the editor.

• On June 18, 2008, Queen’s Park passed the
T H E I M PAC T

Cosmetic Pesticide Act, which banned the
sale and use of cosmetic pesticides across
Ontario. This regulation matched the
toughest existing municipal bylaw in
Ontario, and will protect the health of
Ontarians with the strongest cosmetic
pesticide legislation in North America.

8

Mission accomplished on cosmetic pesticides

“I’ve always been somewhat of an sponsored a local survey of Thunder Bay The Society is currently advocating through its
environmentalist,” says 55-year-old Thunder residents and helped with media relations.” Take Charge on Toxics campaign for legislation
Bay resident Ann McGoey. In 2001 at age 47, Eventually, Thunder Bay passed its local to reduce environmental carcinogens.
she was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic pesticides ban on November 17, 2008. Learn more at www.takechargeontoxics.ca.
leukemia, a rare cancer affecting the immune
Thanks to the Society’s advocacy work and
system that leaves her open to frequent
support from other health and environmental
respiratory infections and serious fatigue.
groups, like the one Ann was involved in, this
Four years later, her illness forced her to
bylaw added to the 33 municipal bans that
give up her work as a nurse practitioner.
were already in place. These bylaws paved
“At my retirement party, I mentioned that I
wanted to help reduce the use of cosmetic
the way for strong provincial pesticide
legislation, passed in the spring of 2008.
“People are starting to question the use
pesticides in Thunder Bay,” Ann recounts. She
made a presentation on the issue to her city’s
“When I started, I hoped my goal was small of chemicals in our environment…
and achievable enough that I could help bring
chapter of the Registered Nurses Association
of Ontario, and in July 2006 held a meeting
it to fruition,” she says. “So, I was exhilarated
when the bylaw was passed!”
The pesticides ban may open that
around her dining room table of a dozen
representatives from environmental and
healthcare agencies in the city.
In Ann’s view, the immediate impact of the up a little bit and help us look
ban will be that parents can feel relieved
Ann’s group – which included staff from
their kids or pets can safely play in the park
or on a neighbour’s lawn. “Within 10 years,
at other issues.”
the Canadian Cancer Society – led public
I think having a dandelion-free lawn will no
education sessions, mounted displays at Ann McGoey
longer be a goal; people will think instead
community events, created ‘pesticide-free’
about having a healthy lawn.”
lawn signs and wrote letters to the editor.
“We also held many, many meetings with Overall, she believes that “people are
city councillors to educate them on the issue starting to question the use of chemicals in
and joined other stakeholders in working out our environment, such as cleaning products
the details of the bylaw,” says Ann. and personal-care products. The pesticides
ban may open that up a little bit and help
“The support and encouragement we
us look at other issues.”
received from the Society was wonderful,”
Ann explains. “They did printing for us,


• Children travelling in motor vehicles don’t
THE NEED

have a choice when it comes to exposure “ Yout h like us look upon t he Ca na dia n Canc e r So c ie t y as le ad e r s and innovat o r s.
to second-hand smoke. The health risk is
serious because of the confined space, and It ena bles us t o be more influent ia l.” – Sal An an ia, pic t u re d w it h fe l l ow s t u d e n t , Er ic S c u ra
because they breathe more air than adults
relative to their body weight.
• Even with the vehicle’s windows open,
concentrations of breathable, second-hand
particles from smoking are at least 13 times
higher than outdoor levels.

• Through intense work with tobacco control
O U R AC T I O N S

advocates, meeting with MPPs and writing
letters to the editor in local newspapers,
Society volunteers and staff put this vital
health issue on the map.
• An Ipsos Reid poll, released in December
2007, showed that 86 per cent of Ontario’s
non-smokers supported this type of
legislation and that 66 per cent of
smokers in Ontario supported it.

• In June 2008, the Government of Ontario
T H E I M PAC T

passed legislation – first introduced as a
private member’s bill in December 2007 –
banning smoking in vehicles with children
under 16 present. The law, which imposes
fines of up to $250, took effect
January 21, 2009.
• By reducing youth exposure to second-hand
smoke, the Society is helping to reduce the
incidence of lung cancer, the biggest
cancer killer.
• The legislation also supports educational
efforts around the risks of smoking, and
further de-normalizes tobacco use, since
children now see their parents avoid
smoking while in a vehicle.

10

Pr o t e c t i n g k i d s i n c a r s f r o m s e c o n d - h a n d s m o ke

In the words of Eric Scura, a high school Eric and Sal also collected about 800 LeARn mORe AbOut the sOCIety’s
student at Chaminade College School in signatures on a petition that was delivered effORts In tObACCO COntROL
Toronto, “no child should be unwillingly to their MPP for presentation in the
exposed to second-hand smoke.” legislature. “Our goal was to help get the bill
passed, but also to empower the students
For last year’s Grade 11 leadership course,
and let everyone know that people at a
Eric, then age 17, and his classmate Sal
young age can make a difference,” says Eric.
Anania, then 16, were looking for a cause
that would benefit the community and The youth’s efforts paralleled the advocacy
help stop smoking, which claims the lives work of Society volunteers and staff, such
of 13,000 Canadians every year. “We heard as meeting with MPPs and writing letters
about the private member’s bill in the Ontario to the editor about the issue. Society
legislature to ban smoking in vehicles with representatives were proud to be present
children under 16 present, and we took up at Queen’s Park on June 16, 2008 when
that cause,” says Eric. the legislation was passed.

Sal’s cancer connection is very personal. On January 21, 2009, Eric and Sal briefly
“Both my grandfathers passed away from described their efforts at the Government
lung cancer, and smoking is quite prevalent of Ontario’s press conference marking the
in my family.” enactment of the legislation, attended by
Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best.
The youths created promotional materials
“It felt good to have all our hard work from
Last year, through the society’s work and through the
and presentations to raise awareness in their
over the last year finally being recognized,”
support of volunteers like 32-year-old Asifa sheikh,
school and in local elementary schools about
says Eric.
legislation was passed banning candy-flavoured cigarillos,
the negative effects of second-hand smoke which will help prevent children from smoking.
and smoking in cars. “Youth like us look upon the Canadian
Cancer Society as leaders and innovators,
The Canadian Cancer Society was a “great
enabling us to be more influential,” says Sal.
resource base” in the pair’s efforts. “We went
“Together, we can help stop people from
to the Society’s website a lot to gather facts
smoking and reduce the harm caused by
for our presentations and for our own
second-hand smoke.”
reference,” Sal explains.
Read Asifa’s story at www.cancer.ca/impact08.


• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, emitted from
THE NEED

artificial tanning equipment can cause skin K atie Armstrong,
cancer and emit rays that are five times
stronger than the mid-day summer sun.
a medical student and
• Skin cancer – which accounts for one in three
cancer diagnoses – is mostly preventable.
• Melanoma – the deadliest form of skin
former tanning bed user,
cancer – is the second most common cancer
in Ontarians aged 15 to 34. int ends t o a dvoca t e for
• In 2005, the World Health Organization
issued a statement calling for countries to the Society on the issue
place restrictions on the use of artificial
tanning equipment by children under 18. o f a r t ificia l t a nning.
• For more than two years, Society volunteers
O U R AC T I O N S

and staff have advocated for a ban on the
use of artificial tanning equipment by youth;
a provincial government registry of artificial
tanning equipment; provincial standards for
salon-staff training; and an end to the
marketing of artificial tanning targeting
youth.
• In October, the Society released a research
study showing that artificial tanning facilities
in Toronto are not following Health Canada’s
voluntary safety guidelines, reaffirming the
need for provincial legislation. The study
revealed:
• 60 per cent of tanning facilities did not ask
the age of under-age researchers.
• 99 per cent of facilities did not recommend
against tanning for patrons who had type
1 skin - a skin type that always burns and
never tans.
• 83 per cent of tanning facilities visited
did not provide any type of information
or warnings about the risks of tanning to
their customers.

• Public awareness about the dangers of sun
T H E I M PAC T

exposure and artificial tanning continues
to grow.
• A commitment was made from the Minister
of Health and Long-Term Care to explore the
issue further with the Society.

12

Tu r n i n g o f f t h e t a n n i n g l i g h t s t o h e l p p r e v e n t s k i n c a n c e r

Second-year University of Toronto medical younger population and is the most lethal
student Katie Armstrong admits that, back form of skin cancer. When you’re young and
in high school, she and her mom used to may not know the harms of UV exposure,
visit a tanning salon “to get a good base tan you’re putting yourself at an increased risk
before we’d go away on vacation. Most of that you can’t reverse later on.”
my friends did it too; we called it ‘fake and
Late last year, Katie saw some newspaper
bake.’ It was in style… everyone’s tanned in
articles about the Society’s campaign against
Hollywood, right? At a younger age, you’re
artificial tanning and got in touch, asking if
more impressionable and think you’re
she could help. “I can relate a lot to tanning
invincible,” she says.
beds and sun exposure, and I think young
Now, through her involvement with the
dermatology clinic at Toronto Western
people are not being given enough
information to make an informed
“When you’re young and may not know
Hospital, she has seen first-hand the decision about artificial tanning. I believe
effects of sun-related skin damage, such it’s important for physicians – which I will the harms of UV exposure, you’re putting
as pre-cancer skin changes and actual skin be in the future – to get involved in
cancers. “Many people associate these advocating for their patients’ well-being yourself at an increased risk that you
changes with aging, but they’re actually on multiple levels, including legislation.”
related to sun damage,” she explains.
Katie intends to get involved in advocating can’t reverse later on.”
Several members of Katie’s family have been with the Society by sending letters to MPPs,
diagnosed with cancer, but she says the and talking to friends – especially her Katie Armstrong
experience that touched her most involved med-school colleagues – about the issue.
her grandfather; he was diagnosed with lung
cancer at age 67 and died two years later,
despite having stopped smoking a decade
earlier. “My papa’s fate was already sealed
because so much damage had already been
done by the time he quit,” she explains.
“That connection makes me passionate about
preventable cancers in general, and
Learn more about Katie’s reason for getting
especially melanoma, which can touch a involved in advocacy at www.cancer.ca/impact08.


• Research is essential in helping to eradicate
THE NEED

the more than 200 different types of cancer
and enhancing the lives of those living
with cancer.
• The Society supports research into all
types of cancer, but it has become
increasingly apparent over the last several
years that lung cancer research is seriously
under-funded relative to the burden of this
disease in our population. Lung cancer is the
leading cause of cancer deaths in Ontario and
about 10 to 15 per cent of lung cancers are
attributable to causes other than tobacco use
– it’s not just a smoker’s disease.

• Last year, on behalf of our donors, the
O U R AC T I O N S

Society, invested $27.2 million in the
most promising cancer research initiatives
in Canada; spanning cancer prevention,
early detection, new treatment options
and support.
• In Ontario, 126 research projects were funded,
including 39 new projects and 55 clinical trials
were enrolling new patients.
• In May 2008, the Society addressed the
under-funding of lung cancer research by
announcing $1.3 million to support seven
new lung cancer research projects, providing
either full or supplemental support.

• Our ongoing research investment continues
T H E I M PAC T

to yield new discoveries in cancer prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and support that help
reduce the toll that cancer takes on Ontario
families and communities. To read about
some of the 2008 breakthroughs and
innovative research the Society is funding,
visit www.cancer.ca/impact08.
• Our lung cancer research investment will
leverage new scientific knowledge in such
areas as cancer detection, identifying those at
risk, and improving treatment, thus helping Lung cancer sur vivor Sue B othwell say s h e r re l a t i o n s h i p w i t h g r a n d s o n Da v i d
lessen the burden of this form of cancer.
helped her keep fight ing during her six mont h s o f c h e mo t h e r ap y.
14

D i s c o v e r i n g t o m o r r o w ’s l u n g c a n c e r b r e a kt h r o u g h s

In September 2004, as she lay in bed taking
antibiotics for yet another cold, 30-year
her cancer most of all by her oldest grandchild,
David, then age 6. “He and I have a very close
“We must keep
“Progress towards effective lung
smoker Sue Bothwell, then 56, decided, relationship. I just wanted to live!”
“this is ridiculous. I have a wonderful life fighting until cancer treatments has been
frustratingly slow, but by
Sue was enrolled in a clinical trial, which was
and a beautiful family. It just seemed like
working on unexplored aspects
my time to quit smoking, and I did.”
funded in part by the Society. After her first
chemo, the main tumour in her lung began
everyone who is of lung cancer it is easy
After quitting, she and her husband Peter to shrink and she was declared cancer-free to remain hopeful that a
remained busy with leisure and community by August. She continues to be monitored touched by cancer breakthrough is still possible.
activities. Sue expected to feel better after monthly by the lung cancer specialist, has It is highly motivating to work
quitting, but continued to experience a CT scans every two months and takes an is a survivor. After on a disease so in need of
shortness of breath and lack of energy. On a experimental drug to prevent a recurrence breakthroughs.”
regular basis, she saw her family doctor, who
prescribed puffers, antibiotics and cough
of her cancer. all, where would Dr. Doug Gray, Grant Recipient,
As part of her commitment to giving back, Ottawa Health Research Institute
suppressants, and also ordered chest x-rays,
which all came back fine.
Sue supports others on their cancer journey I be without
through the Society’s Peer Support program, “Lung cancer is the leading
She asked for a referral to an Ottawa lung and is on the steering committee for her cancer research?” cause of cancer death among
Canadian men and women, but
specialist, who ordered a CT scan. In May of local Relay For Life. (You can read more about
2007, she received the dreaded news: she the Peer Support program on it receives only about three
Sue Bothwell
had a one-centimetre tumour in her lung page 20 and Relay For Life on page 24.) per cent of cancer research
(behind her heart and thus not detectable funding. this investment
Recognizing that lung cancer research is
by x-ray). “I was devastated,” Sue remembers. by the Canadian Cancer society
seriously underfunded, the Society recently
“I thought I had escaped the c-word, but I is an opportunity to make
announced a strategic investment in this area.
hadn’t. You really look your own mortality in new advances.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled the Society is doing
the face. What about my family, especially
more about lung cancer,” Sue says. “We must Dr. Ming-Sound Tsao, Grant
my three grandchildren. I had so many plans
keep fighting until everyone who is touched by Recipient, Princess Margaret Hospital
for the future.”
cancer is a survivor. After all, where would I be
Shortly after, she began “six long rounds of without cancer research?”
chemo treatments, which I chose to view as Read more about how the society
a social thing… I chatted up the nurses and is funding innovative cancer research
other patients.” She was motivated to fight at www.cancer.ca/impact08.


• The great news is that 62 per cent of people
THE NEED
diagnosed with cancer today will survive the Nusra t Fa t ima a nd her da ught er Zeba Tayabe e – w h o suc c e ssf ully bat t le d
disease. In fact, there are now more than
800,000 cancer survivors in Canada – a Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006 – a t t ended t he So c ie t y’s ‘ Sur viving Canc e r and L iving
number that will surely increase as the
population ages and as research uncovers Well Conference’ la st November.
new cancer treatments.
• As the number of survivors grows, the
Society needs to understand how it can
best serve and support these individuals
and their families.

• In November 2008, the Society held
O U R AC T I O N S

the ‘Surviving Cancer and Living Well
Conference’ – its first-ever, province-wide
event for cancer survivors and caregivers
to support them on their cancer journey
and beyond.
• In one location, the two-day conference
brought together a wide range of speakers
and topics of interest, ranging from nutrition
to fitness, workplace issues to relationships.

• The conference enhanced the lives of the
T H E I M PAC T

more than 200 participants, who shared
their stories and connected with one
another in a caring and open environment,
while gaining new techniques and tools for
living with cancer.
• Attendee surveys indicated high levels of
satisfaction with the conference sessions
and formats and post conference follow-up
indicated that a strong sense of engagement
was achieved between participants and the
Society as a result of attending.
• The Society gained valuable insights into
the needs of survivors and caregivers that
will help enhance our services and support
in the future.

16

Conference connected and empowered patients,
sur vivors and careg ivers
Zeba Tayabee had just started Grade 9 in Based on Zeba’s experience receiving rides Nusrat explains that the conference
October 2005 in Markham when she began to treatments arranged by the Society, empowered her “in a big way. They made
experiencing neck pain. Thinking it was just and her own use of other Society support us feel that survivors and caregivers have
muscle strain from carrying a heavy school services, Nusrat became a Society volunteer so much to share with the world, and that
knapsack, her mother Nusrat Fatima, in 2006, which is how she first heard about we are not alone.”
suggested Zeba use a hot-water bottle the Society’s ‘Surviving Cancer and Living
to ease the discomfort. Well Conference’. “This is something I have
to attend with Zeba! It will be a wealth of
By the end of November, Zeba could feel a
knowledge for both of us,” she remembers,
bump in her neck, so Nusrat took her to the
immediately enrolling Zeba as a survivor
family doctor. Various tests found nothing
and herself as a caregiver.
wrong, but within a couple of weeks the
bump had grown, so her doctor ordered a Nusrat hoped to learn about the latest
“[At the conference], they made us feel
biopsy. advancements in cancer treatment, and to
enable Zeba to connect with other survivors. that survivors and caregivers have so much
The pediatric surgeon at North York General
“I believed hearing their stories would give
Hospital in Toronto called Nusrat five days
later, asking her to come with someone
her more confidence and strength,” to share with the world, and that
she says.
else and with Zeba to get the results of the
biopsy. Says Nusrat: “All I heard the doctor Walking in the door at the conference, we are not alone.”
say was, ‘it’s cancer.’ I didn’t even hear what Nusrat says she and Zeba felt right at home.
type of cancer it was. I just started crying.” “We knew we were in the right place. Nusrat Fatima
The surgeon explained Zeba had stage 2 The atmosphere was very welcoming and
Hodgkin lymphoma, then called Zeba into accepting. Everyone there knew they had
the room. “She didn’t really understand the something in common,” she says, adding
significance of the news until she saw my that the conference’s keynote speakers
face,” Nusrat recounts. gave so much hope to the audience, and
that it was very hard choosing which
After two cycles of chemotherapy and a
workshops to attend.
month of radiation, Zeba’s cancer thankfully
disappeared by early July. In September 2006,
nearly a year after the first symptoms, her
cancer was in remission.


• In addition to the profound emotional issues
THE NEED

of facing cancer, patients often have to deal
with practical logistical challenges, such
as getting to and from their treatment
appointments.

• Through our roster of dedicated volunteers,
O U R AC T I O N S

coordinated by the Society’s province-wide
network of 35 community offices, we make
life a bit easier for cancer patients by
providing rides to and from their treatment
appointments.
• In 2008, the Society commissioned the
Centre for Behavioural Research and Program
Evaluation (CBRPE), located at the University
of Waterloo, to identify improvements to our
transportation service that will enable it to
meet the growing demand caused by our
aging and growing population.

• In 2008-09, 2,800 volunteer drivers drove
T H E I M PAC T

close to 17,000 patients to more than
130,000 treatment appointments.
• About 20 per cent of transportation clients
said they would be forced to miss their
treatment appointments if the service was
not available, according to the CBRPE study.
Ninety-three per cent of clients said the
program made them feel supported.
• Thanks to Society volunteer drivers who
make this vital service possible, client
satisfaction with the transportation program
is extremely high, scoring 11.8 out of 12.

Da v id Greenbla t t frequent ly relied on t h e

Societ y’s t ra nspor t a t ion ser v ice during his t re at me nt .
18

D r i v e s t h a t m a ke a d i f f e r e n c e

At his annual physical in the spring of 2008, Before learning about the service, he often
69-year-old David Greenblatt of Toronto took taxis to his appointments. “The cost can
reported to his family doctor that he was really add up when you’re not earning any
having difficulty swallowing food. Soon income,” he says.
after seeing a specialist, a thoracic surgeon
“Since my partner Suzan was working six
performed a visual inspection and biopsy that
days a week and my youngest daughter
confirmed David had a malignant tumour
was at university in another city, it was
at the base of his esophagus and top of his
wonderful to know I could rely on the
stomach. At the end of April, he began
Society for assistance. It meant one less
chemotherapy and later, radiation treatment.

After some complications along the way, he
thing for me to worry about,” says David.
“It was wonderful to know I could rely
“The drivers are just amazing!” David says,
underwent major surgery on October 15 that
extensively shortened the esophagus and
noting that many of them are retirees. on the Society for assistance [in getting
“I am very grateful to people who donate
removed half the stomach. Thankfully, a CT
scan in December showed that there were
to the Society and thus make this service
possible, and to the drivers themselves for
to my treatments]. [The volunteer]
no traces of the cancer left.

Driving cars has been a recurring theme in
volunteering their time.”
drivers are just amazing!”
David continues to steadily recover from his
David’s varied career: he raced sports-cars
treatment and has even resumed driving David Greenblatt
during the 1960s, ran an independent
his car close to home. David is just one
car leasing business in Montreal in the 1970s,
of the 17,000 patients in Ontario that the
and more recently spent a decade driving
Society helped get to and from treatment
and coordinating ‘picture cars’ used in movie
appointments last year.
shoots. So it’s somehow fitting that he began
using the Society’s transportation service in
early summer to help him get to his cancer
treatments.


• Those battling cancer frequently have
THE NEED

concerns and questions and benefit Cal Patterson –
from talking with others who have
‘been there before.’ a colon ca ncer sur v ivor
• Those caring for cancer patients need
someone to listen who can normalize a nd caregiver during his
the way they feel and provide practical
suggestions for coping and staying strong. daughter’s battle with

• The Society’s Peer Support program connects Hodgkin lymphoma –
O U R AC T I O N S

recently diagnosed cancer patients and/or
their caregivers with specially trained regula rly sha res his
volunteers who have had a similar
cancer experience. e x periences wit h ot hers.
• After conducting research on caregiver
information and support needs, the Society
developed and delivered role-specific
caregiver training materials. The goal of
the research is program enhancement,
promotion, awareness and recruitment.

• On a daily basis, the Peer Support program
T H E I M PAC T

brings understanding, comfort and hope to
those dealing with cancer.
• In 2008-09, the Society arranged 2,876
one-to-one matches for its 650 peer
support volunteers in Ontario, while its
50 active support groups held more than
250 group Peer Support sessions across
the province.
• A recent Society survey showed that over
90 per cent of clients say that the program
lessened their anxiety, helped them
understand their cancer experience
and increased their ability to cope.

20

Supporting those who g ive support

Cancer has been part of Cal Patterson’s life Besides offering informal support within his
for even longer than his 18-year career in local community, Cal began providing peer
politics in the Town of Wasaga Beach. support through the Society in 2005,
Presently the town’s mayor, Cal, 61, lost his talking with patients and caregivers alike.
44-year-old sister to colon cancer in 1992 Like other caregiver peer support volunteers,
and his mother, 69, to the same cancer five Cal understands the challenges that caregivers
years later. He himself fought colon cancer face in having to be strong and supportive of
for three years, beginning in early 2000. their loved ones while still taking care of
their own needs. “My conversations with
But Cal’s cancer story began further back
caregivers enable them to connect with
in 1989, when his daughter Carly, 15, was
someone who understands what they’re
diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
going through. Peer support gives them
“She battled it for eight years, including
going into remission for about a year,
a way to talk openly about their feelings
and their fears, which I know can be very
“Peer Support gives [caregivers] a way to talk
before passing away in April 1998,” he says.

Cal explains that on a couple of occasions,
reassuring.”
openly about their feelings and their fears,
Cal describes one match where he talked
he took advantage of peer support services
at the hospitals where Carly was being
with the wife, while the husband with which I know can be very reassuring.”
colon cancer listened in on another phone.
treated. “I needed to keep things in
“I explained what he was going through with
perspective. Quite frankly, I didn’t really Cal Patterson
the chemo, and reassured her that my wife
prepare myself that Carly might die.”
faced the very same challenges she was
When caring for Carly, and during his own dealing with about the treatment process.
treatment journey, Cal spent a lot of time I know she gained some useful information,
sitting in hospital waiting rooms, talking and felt more at ease hearing that others
with others who were feeling down and have been in the same boat.”
trying to cheer them up. He vowed: “Once I
get through this thing, I’m going to pass on
those positive thoughts to other people.”


• Patients facing cancer, as well as caregivers
THE NEED

and healthcare professionals, often have
questions about cancer, its treatment and
local support services, but often feel
overwhelmed by the amount of information
that’s out there. They’re looking for an easy
way to get reliable answers to their questions.

• The Society continues to use various means
O U R AC T I O N S

of delivering trustworthy information about
all types of cancer: by telephone in English
and French and in 100 other languages
through live interpreters; by e-mail; through
our online encyclopedia, cancer.ca; and
through printed brochures and other
publications produced in a number of
languages beyond English and French.

• Last year, the Cancer Information Service
T H E I M PAC T

made life a little bit easier for Ontarians
who wanted information about cancer
by answering 26,000 inquiries by phone
and e-mail.
• By providing the very latest and most
reliable information about prevention,
treatment and support, the Society helped
patients, caregivers and healthcare
professionals make the best decisions
regarding cancer treatment and care.

Susan Oliver is one of the Society’s cancer information specialists who answers questions

about all types of cancer and can connect callers to a live interpreter in their language.
22

The trusted source for cancer answers

Last fall, 56-year-old Annette Ferrante of
Brantford was experiencing a mild cough
they need online at cancer.ca. On the
Society’s website, people can source
“The Society was the first place I turned to in
that didn’t respond to antibiotics or other information about many types of cancers.
medication. Finally, a chest X-ray and then Its online encyclopedia contains up-to-date, order to get credible information [about my
a CT scan in early December revealed the detailed information, available in English and
unexpected and devastating news: Annette
– a lifetime non-smoker – had stage 4 lung
French and selected material is offered in a
number of additional languages including
mother’s lung cancer] and to help guide our
cancer. “It was like a bomb fell over our
family,” remembers her son Peter, 37,
Chinese, Persian, Punjabi and Italian. As well,
the Community Services Locator is an in-depth
family in making the right decisions.”
a commercial banker living in Toronto. database that is easily searched to find help
with cancer-related needs. Like all the Society’s Peter Ferrante
Immediately, Peter set out to learn
activities, its information services would not be
everything he could about lung cancer.
possible without the generous contributions
He quickly found the Canadian Cancer
of our donors.
Society’s website, and after spending a few
hours browsing, he also called the Society’s “The material I found on the Society’s website
toll-free Cancer Information Service. was very, very informative, and I had 100 per
cent confidence in its accuracy compared to
The Service is one of the Society’s key
other online sources,” Peter explains. “When
means of providing Ontarians with reliable
I called the toll-free number, I spent more
information about cancer prevention,
than a half-hour talking with an information
diagnosis and treatment. By calling the
specialist named Sue who was extremely
toll-free number or through e-mail,
compassionate and understanding. She In addition to providing information about cancer, the society
cancer patients, caregivers and healthcare
helped me think through the various issues helps people in their attempts to quit smoking by providing
professionals can obtain confidential answers
we needed to consider regarding my free information and support through Smokers’ Helpline,
to their questions – in English and French –
mother’s care.”
five days a week. The Service is accessible to 1 877 513-5333 or www.smokershelpline.ca, and through
callers who are deaf, deafened or hard of Annette is currently nearing the end of her the Driven to Quit Challenge. One hundred per cent of the 2008
hearing and provides an interpreter service, chemotherapy, and is determined to recover Driven to Quit Challenge winners remain smoke-free.
giving callers near-instant access to live so she can spend time with her young
translation in more than 100 other languages. grandchildren. Says Peter: “The Society was
the first place I turned to in order to get
Callers can also receive printed information Learn how the society’s Driven to Quit Challenge inspired grand-prize winner, Dianna
credible information and to help guide
about cancer or help with accessing what Watson, to make a pledge to be smoke-free last march at www.cancer.ca/impact08.
our family in making the right decisions.”


• Everyone has a different experience of
THE NEED

cancer, but we often don’t know how to
talk about it.
• Cancer patients, their families and friends
are looking for a way to get together to
share their stories, celebrate those who have
survived cancer, remember those who have
lost their cancer battle and fight back against
the disease.

• Back in 1999, the Society held its first
O U R AC T I O N S

Relay For Life – a 12-hour, non-competitive,
team-based overnight fundraiser
(www.cancer.ca/relay). Relay celebrated its
10th year in 2008 and has grown to become
the Society’s signature fundraising event.
• Relay also provides an opportunity for
participants to learn how to fight back
against cancer, whether that involves joining
the Society’s advocacy efforts, becoming a
volunteer or helping to raise money. While at
Relay, participants also learn how to reduce
their risk of cancer through the Cancer Smart
Shop and have the opportunity to interact
with Society-funded researchers to learn
about the latest projects.
• In the spring and summer of 2008, more
than 100 communities in Ontario held Relay
events, involving 81,000 participants and
12,000 volunteers.
• The Society continues to expand the scope
of Relay to include elementary schools, high
schools, universities and colleges; in 2008,
the Society held 99 youth events that
attracted 25,000 participants.

Photo courtesy J. Peter hvidsten/focus on scugog
• Relay raised $17.9 million in 2008 that
T H E I M PAC T

helped the Society fund leading-edge
research, provide information and
support, advocate for healthy public policy
Tammy Mac Isaac -Ho r vat h ,
and educate Ontarians on how to reduce
their cancer risk.
• Relay enabled 11,500 cancer survivors,
a ut e r ine c anc e r sur vivo r,
families and friends across Ontario to join the
biggest cancer event in the world and make p ar t ic ip at e d in h e r f ir st
the biggest difference in the fight to make
cancer history. Re l a y Fo r Li f e in June 2 0 0 5 .
24

R e l a y Fo r L i f e b r i n g s O n t a r i a n s t o g e t h e r t o c e l e b r a t e ,
remember and fig ht back
Having lost her mother to metastatic
breast cancer nine years ago, Tammy
feel completely isolated and need a good
support system. Part of that support system
Today, Tammy is actively involved on the
steering committee for the North Durham
“I Relay because
MacIsaac-Horvath of Greenbank was familiar for me was Relay For Life.” Relay event, and helped initiate a Relay For
with the devastation that cancer brings. Still, Life event at her son’s elementary school in I’m here and because
In June 2005, she participated in her first
she was shocked when, on March 10, 2004 2008. “I wanted to show my kids and others
at age 34 – nearing the end of the mater-
Relay, having heard about it on TV and
online. “When my family and I arrived at
that it’s okay to have a parent with cancer. I can, and I Relay
nity leave from her job as a medical social- It’s also important to educate them to make
Relay, we were in awe at the number of
worker – she was diagnosed with stage
4 uterine sarcoma, a very rare and very
survivors, participants and volunteers.
healthy lifestyle choices, and to tear down
cancer-related fear and uncertainty. It’s a
for those that can’t.
Seeing all those people and all the
deadly form of cancer. Her doctor was not
hopeful, informing her husband Chuck that
luminaries filled me with mixed emotions:
privilege to touch their lives with hope,
something I hope they will remember on
I Relay to give hope.”
pride, a sense of belonging, and a profound
she had only two or three weeks to live. the day they might hear the words ‘you
sadness. Look at how many of us have Tammy MacIsaac-Horvath
have cancer.’” Tammy says Relay is such a
“I begged and pleaded for surgery,” Tammy battled this disease and won, but also
powerful experience that she wants to get
says. “I told him to cut off my arms and legs many have battled and did not.”
the event started in other schools as well.
if he had to; I needed to be here for my
Overall, Tammy says she felt alive. “The
5-year-old son Hayden and 11-month-old “I Relay because I’m here and because I
hair on my arms – it was nice to have hair
son Hunter.” can, and I Relay for those that can’t,” says
on my arms again! – was standing on end,
Tammy. “I Relay to give hope.”
Following surgery, her doctor recommended and it felt like a party, a celebration. While
chemotherapy. Tammy says she felt like cancer may have touched each of our lives,
she was “the walking dead; I felt diseased, it wasn’t going to beat us down!”
infectious and alone.” She explains that her
She explains she didn’t know what to expect
chemo routine meant being hospitalized
when the Survivors’ Victory Lap began.
for one week every three weeks for six
“When I saw all the teams and volunteers
months. “I got to see my kids for one hour
along the sidelines, clapping and cheering
every Wednesday at lunch. I felt like I was
us on, all I could do was cry. It was magical.
in prison!”
I felt like we were all celebrating together
The period following treatment was a highly that we were alive. It is one of the most
emotional, extremely anxious and scary special and vivid memories of my life.” Learn more about tammy’s cancer
time, Tammy explains. “You feel like chemo journey and reason for fighting back
is your security blanket; more than ever you at www.cancer.ca/impact08.


• People often want to join the fight against
THE NEED

cancer and raise money in a way that’s
especially meaningful to them because of
their personal connection to cancer.
O U R AC T I O N S

• The Society offers a Community Partnerships
program that provides individuals and groups
with all the tools and advice needed to
create fun and effective fundraising events
on their own.
• Last year, the Society enhanced the resources
provided to event organizers by developing
a customizable pledge-based website, plus
links to Facebook, Flickr and other social
networking services.

• In 2008-09, 1,434 Community Partnerships
T H E I M PAC T

events were held in Ontario, raising more
than $3.8 million.
• The funds generated by these events
played an important role in helping the
Society achieve its mission of eradicating
cancer and enhancing the lives of those
living with cancer.

Photo courtesy yianni tong/yianni tong Photography
Tim Au-Yeung put his long hair on t h e

a uct ion block in his own fundra ising even t t h at

ra ised over $20,000 for t he Societ y.
26

T h e ‘p o w e r o f o n e ’ i n m a k i n g c a n c e r h i s t o r y

For the past 15 years, Toronto-based interior in several rounds of a live auction for the
designer Tim Au-Yeung, 35, has been easily scissors and clippers used to perform the
recognizable within the design community haircuts. “People really got into it and began
for his long dark hair, which falls halfway pooling their money rather than bidding
down his back. against one another,” Tim says. “When the
MC announced we’d hit $20,000, some
In late 2008, he decided to donate his hair
hair-salon folks tied my hair into smaller
to a charity that creates wigs for kids from
ponytails to make sure it could be used
disadvantaged families who are being
properly for the wigs. Then, about 15
treated for diseases such as cancer. Tim says
people got to cut off my hair!” A Society
it was an easy decision to partner with the
representative spoke at the end of the
Society when creating the fundraising event
event, thanking people for their
around the actual haircutting. “I learned
about the Community Partnerships program
generous support. “It felt great that I could organize
on the Society’s website,” he explains. “It started out as a little thing that I just
“It was very simple to set up my own web wanted to do, but it escalated as more something like this and bring people
page on the Society’s site, then use the people heard about it,” Tim explains.
links to Facebook and other places to reach “It felt great that I could organize something together to make a big difference.”
out to lots of people.” Through his web like this and bring people together to make
page alone, Tim collected nearly $8,000 in a big difference – helping people like my
Tim Au-Yeung
pledges. aunt who’s a breast cancer survivor, or my
friend’s mom who’s currently battling cancer.
Tim persuaded five of his friends and
It’s a great example of what the power of
colleagues to put their hair up for auction
one can accomplish.”
as well. Three volunteered to shave their
heads, while Tim and two others agreed to
cut off at least 10 inches of hair. If the event
reached its total goal of $20,000, then Tim
would get his head fully shaved.

Over 100 people gathered for the event in
a downtown furniture showroom, where see tim’s ‘after’ shot
at www.cancer.ca/impact08.
they bid on silent auction items and joined


• Individuals wishing to have the greatest
THE NEED
impact in the fight against cancer can
contribute a sizeable financial gift to the
Society, while taking care of their loved W h e n Ke n Tr u e m a n
ones, through strategic financial and
estate planning. p asse d aw ay f ro m no n-Ho d gkin
lymphoma at the age of 34, his
• The Society offers an extensive range of gift
O U R AC T I O N S

w if e c h o se t o c e le br at e h is
planning options for individuals and families,
including the donation of securities, the lif e and h o no ur h is bat t le by
purchase of an insurance policy or annuity,
the creation of an endowment fund and the c re at ing a gif t o f lif e insur anc e
naming of the Society as a beneficiary in a
will or trust. be ne f it ing t h e So c ie t y.

• In 2008-09, the Society gratefully received
T H E I M PAC T

422 bequests and a number of new
endowment funds and charitable life
insurance policies.
• The thoughtfulness and generosity of
these many supporters made a significant
contribution to our ability to fulfill our
mission and help the Society plan for a
strong future free from the fear of cancer.

28

Cr e a t i n g t o m o r r o w ’s l e g a c i e s t o d a y

About nine months after beginning their committed to a cause, and wish to make a
lives together in March of 2004, Kiersten gift that speaks to how they want to make
Eyes, then 27, and her partner Ken Trueman, an impact on the world, the purchase of a life
31, were dealt a horrible blow: Ken was insurance policy is a phenomenal way to give
diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. a gift far beyond your wildest dreams.”

Following a year of chemo and radiation She says she chose the Society as the
treatment, Ken’s cancer was declared in recipient of her gift for various reasons.
remission and the couple announced their “Ken believed in the Society and did so much
engagement in December 2005. But worse to fight cancer by participating in clinical trials
news came four months later when it was and by raising money through Relay For Life
discovered that Ken’s cancer had spread. as a team captain. I believe the cancer battle
Determined not to let cancer stop them will be won by a large, national organization
from living their life, Kiersten and Ken with plenty of resources and a progressive “The purchase of a life insurance policy is
married in August 2006 and fulfilled Ken’s vision. I know first-hand the Society has that
lifelong dream of seeing Raphael’s School
of Athens while honeymooning in Italy.
kind of impact and will use my dollars to the
greatest effect.”
a phenomenal way to give a gift
Tragically, Ken passed away on
December 5, 2007. “Cancer will always be a reality in my life, far beyond your wildest dreams.”
but by celebrating Ken’s life through this gift,
Kiersten, a passionate supporter of the I know there will be a positive impact from
Kiersten Eyes
Canadian Cancer Society, chose to celebrate his journey and my experience, instead of
Ken’s life by purchasing a new life insurance just suffering. The idea that other lives can
policy and naming the Society as owner be saved in memory of Ken’s life is a pretty
and beneficiary. “The financial benefit to powerful thing.”
the Society from purchasing this policy is
unbelievably greater than if I were to Today, as a volunteer, supporter and employee
simply donate the same fixed amount of the Society, Kiersten continues to inspire
of my monthly premiums through regular others to reach beyond their ‘wildest dreams’
contributions,” she explains, adding that and give back in ways that are special and
she receives a tax receipt each year for meaningful to them.
the value of her premium payments. For a complete list of our Planned Giving
“For average income earners who are donors, turn to page 32.


Ontario Division Impact Report 08-09

Ontario Division Impact Report 08-09

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