LOVE FAMILY STRENGTH STORIES OF THE SPIRIT HOPEHEAl fuTURElife volunteer community report to the community 2009/10
empoweR research loveaction sisterHope advocate celebrate incontrol survivors togetherpo 2009/10 board of directors
Chair
Brian Crookes Calgary, AB
Past Chair
Barbara McGregor Calgary, AB
Vice Chair
Martin Kratz Calgary, AB
Treasurer
David Shaw Calgary, AB
Secretary of the Board Gretchen Thompson Okotoks, AB
Directors
Dr. Margaret Clarke Calgary, AB Hal Danchilla Edmonton, AB Shirley Forrest Edmonton, AB Dale Linn Saskatoon, SK Jeanette Mills Yellowknife, NT Barbara Shumeley Winnipeg, MB
Chief Executive Officer Trish Bronsch
Your Privacy
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) respects your privacy. We never sell, trade or loan your information to any other organization. We will use your information only for follow-up contacts, statistical purposes and to process and recognize your donations. We disclose your information only to our own employees and agents and only to accomplish this purpose. If at any time you no longer wish to be contacted by the CBCF, please call us at 1-866-302-2223 and we will be happy to remove you from our lists.
Charitable Registration # 12799 3608 RR0001
table of contents Working Together for a Brighter Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A Sister's Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Funding Streams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Decision Making Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Thank the Flies Before You Swat Them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Breast Cancer: Then, Now & the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Curves for a Cure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sometimes, All You Want Is Hope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Teaming up with CIBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 What Makes Genes Tick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Commited to the Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Dr. Christopher Cheeseman & Team HEXOPET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Gloves Off for Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 A Night to Honour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 2010 Grant Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Running for the Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 YAC about Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Genetic Hardware + Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Batting Against Breast Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 2009/10 Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
WORKING toGether FOr a brighter future A Message from the CEO. Success doesn’t happen by accident. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to think outside the box, all while taking calculated risks. At the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region, success is a result of you. In 2009/10, you ran for the cure. You sponsored the Region’s activities. You organized fundraising events in your community. You reached for your cheque book and donated. You joined us as a corporate partner. You volunteered. The result? We raised $10,100,000. Funds that are now being targeted toward innovative research, which we believe is a critical investment in creating a future without breast cancer. The Region also understands that while we are working towards a future free from breast cancer, it is important to fund education, awareness and health promotion programs in communities throughout the Region, ensuring that the people of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories are well informed about breast health initiatives. Every donor, every volunteer, every individual and corporate partner who chooses to support the Region in the search for a brighter future free of breast cancer is responsible for this success.
Because our donors, fundraisers, volunteers, grant recipients, corporate partners and sponsors are engaged, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Prairies ⁄ NWT Region is able to thrive as a catalyst between the community and a future without breast cancer.
Trish Bronsch, CEO, Calgary Night of Honour April 2010.
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(L to R) Board Treasurer David Shaw, Run Coordinator Janet Moroz-Clarke, CEO Trish Bronsch, and VP of Business Development Heidi Bedard.
The results of your hard work and generosity are here – in this book. We want you to know where the money is allocated, the differences your support is making and why your continued support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is so important. We want you to be confident in the work that the Region methodically selects to support, and share in our belief that investing in innovative research and creative education and awareness programs brings a world of promise. But the results of your commitment to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation are not just numbers and stories in a publication. The most important result is more women and men are surviving the disease. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff who work diligently every day to make a difference, thank you. Thank you for connecting with us throughout 2009/10 to take us one step closer to a future without breast cancer.
Trish Bronsch Chief Executive Officer
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DONOR PROFILE
A sister's PROMISE The anticipation and preparation for a new life is what pregnancy should be. For a 37 year old mother of two young boys with her third on the way, a cancer diagnosis should have been the farthest thing from her mind. But that’s exactly what Freda HemmesMcDougall was dealing with in 1994 when she learned what she thought was a plugged milk duct was actually a breast tumor. “Doctors couldn’t operate until she was in her third trimester because of the effects of the anesthetic on the fetus. When they did a biopsy, they confirmed it was breast cancer,” says Rita Hemmes-Davis, Freda’s older sister. “They ended up doing a partial mastectomy, but they had to wait until three or four months after she had the baby.” Unfortunately for Freda, her cancer started metastasizing not long after her partial mastectomy, and although she fought hard, Freda succumbed to her disease in 2001. She was only 44. “You just feel so helpless and frustrated,” Rita says of her experience with her sister’s illness. “It’s so unfair for somebody so young and full of life and who wanted to see her sons grow up, graduate, get married, and be a grandmother.” Sadly, for the families, friends and loved ones of the one in nine Canadian women who are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, Freda and Rita’s experience will be all too familiar and personal. “My sister was told she would have a year and a half to live when she was first
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Freda and her twin sister, Marianne Hemmes-Blanchet in August 1999
diagnosed, but because of advancements in research, she was able to live almost seven years,” says Rita. Unwilling to accept her diagnosis, Freda did everything she could to gain as much knowledge about the disease, treatment options and alternative treatments. “She did everything she could to survive for her young sons,” says Rita. “She wanted them to get to know her.” At the time of Freda’s diagnosis, Rita was working for CIBC. “I became one of the bank’s representatives on the Edmonton Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure committee.” That volunteer experience led to developing relationships with a few people who were serving on the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's regional board. “In time, I was asked to join them as volunteer treasurer. Eventually, I went
on to become Chair of the regional board, and I also represented the Region on the national board,” says Hemmes-Davis. “I found it very interesting talking to some of the research scientists. You could see and feel the dedication and commitment they have to making an impact on the disease. “Every dollar they receive from the Foundation is used wisely to maximize the outcome.” Volunteering, donating to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and participating in Run for the Cure helped Rita channel her grief into something positive. “I think that’s probably why the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Run for the Cure have been so successful,” says Rita. You connect with others’ who are going through breast cancer too, and it’s a way to channel your frustrations and energy into something positive.”
Rita firmly believes that by harnessing the mind and spirit to help fight the cancer, there can be more positive outcomes, and knows that diagnostic and treatment advances rely not only on research, but also on education and awareness. “When people go through chemotherapy they really become a different person. Unless you’ve been through chemo personally, you don’t realize exactly what the other person is going through. Support the Foundation provides through their allocation program to psychosocial initiatives is very, very important,” says Rita. Although a cure wasn’t found in time to help Freda, advancements in diagnostics and treatments enabled her to live longer than expected. Those years allowed Freda to watch her boys grow and in turn gave her sons more memories of their mother to carry with them for the rest of their lives.
“Breast cancer is such an emotional disease. Sometimes I’d be speaking at Run for the Cure or other fundraisers and awareness events and I’d be okay. There were other times when I’d just kind of lose it,” says Rita. “When you’re up on stage looking at all those faces in the crowd who are looking back at you for hope, it’s a very powerful and emotional thing.” Throughout her 10-year tenure on the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation volunteer Board, Rita had the opportunity to learn about new developments in cancer research. Because of her personal connection to breast cancer, she also emphasizes the importance of donating to the Foundation so it can support research and community grants.
Freda and her youngest son Stuart in December 1999
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FUNDING
Funding Streams Guided by principles of rigour, accountability, fairness and transparency, the Prairies/NWT Region is committed to ensuring grant investments made on behalf of its donors and supporters are focused on impacting the lives of those most affected by breast cancer. Major funding priorities range from supporting an improved quality of life for those diagnosed with breast cancer, to increasing knowledge with regard to risk reduction practices and the benefits of early detection. The Prairies/NWT Region believes the key to creating a future without breast cancer rests in taking educated risks based on evidence-based science, which leads to supporting research containing a high degree of innovation or novelty, as well as projects designed to establish high quality preliminary data to be used to support these research initiatives. While the Prairies/NWT Region is dedicated to funding research, the Region is also working to increase awareness of breast cancer. By partnering with diverse community organizations, the Region is reaching out to women and men where they live and work, with information impacting perceptions of the disease, and changing how we live our lives.
The Prairies/NWT Region supports work in the area of breast cancer by way of the following grant streams: research
Includes Basic Biomedical (laboratory science), Clinical (patient oriented), Health Science and Policy (health delivery system), and Psychosocial, Cultural and Environmental (population health). breast health & education Community
Projects designed specifically to address breast health needs, awareness and breast cancer education in the community. Opportunity
One time events and/or support for the production of materials. Funded Agency*
Organizations that have proven to be innovators in the community, addressing breast health needs, awareness and breast cancer education are invited to submit an application for funding. tumor bank
A service for the research community where they can access human tissue samples and related clinical information to broaden their investigation of breast cancer.
* By invitation only 6
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DECISION MAKING PROCESS
Decision Making Process
1 2 3 4
Call for Proposals Once a year the Region issues a call for proposals in both the Research and Breast Health & Education grant streams across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Applicants are encouraged to submit their funding proposals for consideration.
Peer Reviewed Evaluation Impartial, expert peer reviewers are secured to thoroughly evaluate, rate and rank the proposals against a set of standardized criteria including: importance and originality of the proposed project; quality and feasibility of the project design; adherence to ethical principles; and fit with the purpose and requirements of the Region. Through a series of internal and external reviews, funding recommendations are put forth to the Region’s Board of Directors for final funding decisions.
Funding Awarded Approved grant recipients in all funding streams receive their funding in annual installments. They also participate in a thorough progress reporting program. Annually, the results of the Region’s funding decisions are communicated via media, the website and regional print publications.
Showing Results Grant recipients are required to share their findings with the Region through the submission of formal written reports.
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FEATURED GRANT RECIPIENT
Thank the flies before you swat them Modeling the activity of the NHERF1/EBP50/Sip1 Protein Dr. Sarah Hughes Fresh fruit sits beautifully on display atop a kitchen table, glimmering in the sunlight where it waits to be picked up for a healthy between-meals snack. Suddenly you hear a quiet buzzing bouncing around your kitchen. Fresh fruit’s nemesis: the dreaded Fruit Fly. Enter Dr. Sarah Hughes, assistant professor at the University of Alberta. She is the leading researcher behind the study: Modeling the activity of the NHERF1/EBP50/Sip1 Protein. What could this study possibly have to do with pesky fruit flies, let alone the correlation between flies and breast cancer? In 2007, the Region began funding Hughes and her team for their study of NHERF1/EBP50 proteins. In humans, this protein appears to be a tumor suppressor, which means it stops cells from proliferating when they shouldn't. According to Hughes, there have been contradictory studies in terms of whether increased or decreased levels of NHERF1/EBP50 lead to increased cell growth. Hughes, who holds a Ph.D. in medical genetics, explains that there is an obvious and pressing need for a greater understanding of the basic functional aspects of these proteins within proliferating cells. Her research aims to provide an understanding of how tumors grow and develop, and the various factors that contribute to this growth.
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This is where the importance of fruit flies lay. The Drosophila model system, (aka fruit flies) has a proven track record for identifying medically important gene interactions. The human body contains two or more copies of most genes, while fruit flies only have one, thus making it easier to find the effect a gene has on a disease. In the initial stage of this study, Hughes discovered that Drosophila have a parallel gene to the human NHERF1/EBP50 called Sip1. “Sip1 in flies also controls cell growth, and is very important in regulating activity in genes required to determine whether cells grow or not, and which cells stick together or not,” said Hughes. “When a tumor is forming, cells lose contact with each other and start to grow too much because control over them is lost. This Sip1 protein seems to play an important role in this change.” Hughes and her team began a screen in flies to look for other genes that Sip1 interacts with. “There is a specific phenotype in the wings, and we found when you overexpress the Sip1 protein in fly wings, huge blisters form in the wings. The cells are growing too much and they’re not sticking together.” Hughes carried out the screen by determining whether specific deletion
“The science does take time and we do need to understand the basic science behind how things work…"
mutations throughout the entire fly genome affected the blister wing phenotype, either making it worse or better. What she has found, so far, is 16 different genes that do either one or the other. “By finding genes that interact with this tumor suppressor, (Sip1 in flies and NHERF1/EBP50 in humans) and understanding how it all fits together, we can start to build on that scaffold and move towards treatment or diagnosis.” This project is one of several that Hughes’ team is working on. “The Sip1 tumor suppressor also seems to interact with another protein called Merlin, which is a tumor suppressor that feeds into another whole pathway of proteins that seems to regulate proliferation. Both have been associated with cancers such as liver, nerves and brain,” said Hughes. In other words, research on the Sip1 tumor suppressor protein can eventually open new doors for other research and technology in regards to other cancers as well. “There can be many pathways that interact with each other, and at the end of the pathways, they’re controlling how cells grow. Sometimes they’re
very tissue-specific, like for breast cancer,” said Hughes. “So it depends on what cell type you’re looking at – same genes and the same tumor suppressors, can have very different functions, but you have to be able to understand how that’s working before you can go to the next step.” Hughes explains that understanding how these pathways are working and how these genes function within the body are crucial to the development of future treatments and diagnosis. "One of the biggest misconceptions about research is how long it takes to make even the smallest discoveries," says Hughes. “Science does take time and we need to understand the basic science behind how things work. Sometimes we jump to a cure without understanding how the science works, causing more damage than good. We have to move forward, but we have to be careful of how we move forward.” “The CBCF’s funding was one of the first grants I got, which was just awesome because it enabled me to get things moving. I am indebted to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-Prairies/ NWT Region forever for that!”
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BREAST CANCER: THEN, NOW & THE FUTURE
1986. The birth of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – committed to advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
2010. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian women
THEN Outcome: Approximately 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survived their disease at least 5 years. Screening: Mammography for breast cancer screening was in a trial stage.
Surgery: Mastectomy (removal of the breast) was the only accepted surgical treatment.
NOW Outcome: 87% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will survive their disease at least 5 years.
1990
1980
Breast Cancer
THEN Genetics: Genes associated with an increased risk of breast cancer had not yet been identified. Diagnostics: Conclusive diagnosis based on surgery and pathology.
1990
Therapeutic: Chemotherapy – the use of multiple drugs and of postsurgical hormonal therapy was in the early stages of investigation.
1986. Imagine, the death rate from breast cancer was 30% higher than it is today.
1980. There were no screening programs for breast cancer.
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NOW Genetics: Identification of several breast cancer susceptibility genes, including BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 and PTEN/MMAC1. Diagnostics: Digital mammography, needle biopsies and sentinel node biopsies are examples of technologies that have been introduced to improve breast cancer diagnosis.
FUTURE
Surgery: Lumpectomy (removal of the cancer/ lump) followed by local radiation therapy has replaced removal of the breast for early stage cancers. Screening: Regular mammography is accepted practice for the early detection of breast cancer and has shown to reduce mortality from the disease.
Personalized Medicine: Not everyone responds the same to treatment. Each year, as more is learned about genetics, molecular biology and immunology, more effective and less toxic treatments can be developed for individuals. This knowledge can also be used to target indicators for breast cancer development, thereby preventing cells from becoming cancerous.
Future. A future without breast cancer.
2010
ďƒ¨
THEN, NOW & THE FUTURE 2000
2010
Therapeutics: Combination chemotherapy for systemic therapies, treatments to reduce the size of tumors pre-surgery, hormonal therapies (e.g. tamoxifin etc. and aromatase inhibitors) are used as adjuvant therapy and in treatment of advanced cancers. Tamoxifin and raloxifene are used to prevent breast cancer in women at high risk of developing the disease. Hercepton is used for lowering the risk of certain types of reoccurrence.
2020
ďƒ¨
Advances: We have come a long way in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, but we still have some distance to travel. It’s staggering to think, but breast cancer will affect 1 in 9 Canadian women sometime during their lifetime. An estimated 23,000 women and men will be diagnosed with the disease annually in Canada. But the impact of the disease will be felt by many more. As a result, finding a cure, learning new ways to prevent the disease and improving outcomes for patient recovery have been in the hearts of every researcher and community group behind these advances over the last 35 years.
2010. An estimated 23,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and over 5,000 will die from the disease.
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
CURVES for A cure Empowerment. Strength. Action. Women taking control of their health is a mandate the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Curves International both celebrate and advocate, so the partnership and relationship between these two organizations was a natural fit. “We have a simple mission at Curves: Strengthening Women. It’s clear that collaborating with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is perfect for us. Almost every owner or member has been affected by breast cancer in some way,” says Mike Raymond, President of Curves International. Curves is a gym designed for women that focuses on a full-body workout in a half-hour circuit. Since the partnership between the two organizations began in 2005, franchises in the Region have participated in the campaign, raising an astonishing $535,000 towards a future without breast cancer. During the 2009 campaign, 73 Curves locations raised $140,000 to support breast cancer research & awareness projects in the Region. Support provided by the Region to participating franchises includes a fundraising tool kit, incentive prizing and staff support and encouragement. Raymond says Curves is involved with the Foundation for the health of all women. “We have no business if it’s not for women, and we want to communicate and live up to our mission of strengthening women and the CBCF allows us to do that,” says Raymond.
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Above: Curves members celebrate their success in pink.
Taking it off for Cancer: Brave the Shave ™
An unspoken sisterhood has formed amongst the women at the Curves in Selkirk, Manitoba. When three of the club’s members committed to raising three thousand dollars in a Brave the Shave™, the entire community came together to support the women. The result, over five thousand dollars was raised in just three short weeks for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Wendy Harding, owner of Selkirk’s Curves, says the idea to participate in Brave the Shave™ came after an information package from the Foundation piqued the interest of a staff member.
“Curves is a place where you really feel like you belong and you really connect with the women on different levels. In doing something like this, a lot of the women shared their stories, and they really felt for our co-worker who lost her husband,” says Harding. Harding says they had a packed house the day the shave took place. “Brave the Shave™ really impacted a lot of people and it shows how supportive everybody is.” With that support, these three incredible women put vanity aside and shaved their heads in memory of their loved ones to work towards a future without breast cancer.
Another employee, Pat Hall also agreed to climb into the barber’s chair on October 27, 2009 after recently losing her husband to cancer. Harding says Pat came back to work shortly after her husband passed away. “Pat knew being at Curves was where she belonged because she was surrounded by all of us, who feel like a family.” Cancer also touched Katherine Holder, a member who also took part in the fundraiser. Katherine lost her mother to breast cancer, and Harding says she didn’t hesitate to sign up for the fundraiser.
Photo credits: Selkirk Journal
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FEATURED GRANT RECIPIENT
Sometimes, All You Want Is Hope… Living With Hope: Developing a Psychosocial Supportive Program for Male Spouses of Women with Breast Cancer Dr. Wendy Duggleby Five words that change your life forever: Your wife has breast cancer. The devastation cannot be comprehended unless you are one of those husbands or partners who have stood in those shoes. Support groups, doctor’s appointments, medical treatments and spiritual guidance are keenly attentive to the needs of the individual who has breast cancer. Sisterhood and friendships often form between women going through the phases of healing. Wendy Duggleby has worked in the healthcare field long enough to know how important spiritual and emotional support is, combined with medical treatments, to have hope for the future. Oncology nurses approached Duggleby and said there was one ingredient missing in this recipe of hope related to the needs of the husband. Spouses were very distressed. Their marriage or partnership suddenly changed; future plans stood still … and questions lingered about the effectiveness of treatments. This devastating reality is a tremendous weight to bear, while trying to provide hope and support for the woman you love. “We are often so focused on the person who has cancer that we forget the effect it has on the family, but it’s very important that we don’t forget that,”
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says Duggleby, who spearheads a research study to support spouses of women with breast cancer. “We must not forget the interconnectedness of hope between the couple. When one loses hope, the other does as well.” With support from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Duggleby and her team developed a three-phased study. The first phase was to identify the needs of the husbands and ask them what would help them have hope. “For example, a lot of women enjoy group support, but men said that's not something they felt they would like to be involved in. Their hope was much more private,” says Duggleby.
The second phase involved filming and production of Engaging Hope. “We developed the film because the study participants said hearing from other men would help them, but not in a group situation. They preferred to watch it in the privacy of their own home.” The third phase is coming to fruition as an intervention pilot. In this phase, the film is introduced and evaluated by male spouses of women with breast cancer. Duggleby's research team is looking at the relationship between hope and quality of life of spouse and wife. Does hearing from other men who have gone through this increase hope and quality of life for male spouses? “One of the most important things is how different this study is in its focus of male spouses and hope,” says Duggleby. “I’m very grateful to the funding and support that is going toward innovative research. The film has already had an impact on those affected by breast cancer. Some of the smaller funded projects, like ours, can reach the community in different ways. For us, we will be using the film as an intervention to help increase hope for the partners of women with breast cancer.”
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CORPORATE PARTNER
TEAMING UP WITH CIBC It’s said that the nicest thing about teamwork is always having someone on your side. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been fortunate enough to experience that first hand for several years thanks to an incredible partnership with CIBC. Through employee fundraising, merchandise sales and corporate sponsorships, CIBC has raised millions of dollars to fund breast cancer research and community-based education programs throughout Canada. CIBC contributes to the Foundation in a variety of ways. One of the most significant contributions started in 1997, when CIBC became the proud title sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. CIBC first became involved with the Run when a small, but passionate group of employees came together, knowing they wanted to help make a difference for those struggling with the disease. Since 1992, CIBC employees and volunteers have raised a significant $23 million for the Foundation. Today, Team CIBC is led by a group of volunteer Run Champions who are responsible for team registrations and fundraising, promotion of the CIBC Pink Collection™, training branch employees on donation procedures and helping contribute to the planning in each of the Run for the Cure sites. The corporation also minimizes the donor dollars used to host the Run for the Cure by being a sponsor and donating a variety of services. For example, each year CIBC has 16
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Team CIBC shows support at Run for the Cure
managed, free of charge, all the banking services required to deposit, count and transfer the millions of dollars received from the over 170,000 Run for the Cure participants across Canada. CIBC also holds "Think Pink™ Week" in early September to create that final push for customer and employee fundraising and registration. In addition to the remarkable Run for the Cure contributions, CIBC also partners with the Foundation on a project in the Region. Since 2008, CIBC has been the proud sponsor of the Region's Youth Strategy Program that focuses on encouraging today's youth to be active in the promotion of issues related to breast cancer and breast health, including fundraising, risk reduction and overall health and awareness of the Foundation. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is very proud of, and thankful for the strong partnership that has evolved with CIBC over the years. Together we are working to create a future without breast cancer.
FEATURED GRANT RECIPIENT
what makes genes “tick” Role of Nuclear NKEF-A in Breast Cancer Dr. James Davie From 2008 to 2010 the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region has supported Dr. James Davie and his team in their study of the Role of Nuclear NKEF-A in Breast Cancer. The research was initiated by finding proteins associated with DNA in very aggressive estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer cells, and comparing those proteins to estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells. Davie discovered that this particular protein is associated with DNA only in aggressive estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer cells, not in estrogenreceptor positive or healthy cell DNA. “We got curious when we looked at the total cells and proteins. We discovered that this protein, NKEF-A was found in all cells: normal mammary cells, estrogenpositive and estrogen-negative breast cancer cells,” says Davie. “It wasn’t a matter of the protein being expressed differently, but in estrogen-negative cells, it was also associated with DNA.” “To make a long and complicated story short, we found that this protein, NKEF-A, undergoes a modification in the aggressive cells that doesn’t happen in the others. Davie explains this chemical change allows the protein to interact with other specific proteins called transcription factors that are involved in turning genes 'on' and 'off,' (much like the epigenetics that Dr. Kovalchuk talks about on page 29).
“What we did with this information was study, ‘What happens if you drop the level of protein NKEF-A in the ER negative aggressive cells?’ We did, and found the expression of the cyclooxygenase 2 (a gene involved in cancer progression) was reduced quite a bit,” says Davie. “So the chemical modification of this NKEF-A and its interaction of transcription factor was really important in controlling the expression of this very aggressive gene.” This discovery foreshadows two areas for more research. The first is understanding where the modification/chemical change in NKEF-A protein is occurring. In other words, it shows the biology of the very aggressive estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer cell. “The more you understand about the biology of an aggressive cell, the more opportunities you have to attack it,” says Davie. “The second will be having a particular antibody to that modification, that chemical change, which will serve as a good biomarker for those aggressive cells and might lead to therapeutic decisions for people who have this marker.” “The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been instrumental in my breast cancer research. Without their support, this wouldn’t have happened,” says Davie, whose first grant ever received for this project was provided by CBCF. Dr. Davie and his team recently had their study published in: Molecular Biology of the Cell, a prestigious international medical journal.
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CORPORATE PARTNER
CommitTed to the COMMUNITY Canada Safeway is an exemplary corporate partner of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Through their annual in-store campaign during the month of October, employees and customers have raised over $6 million for breast cancer research and community projects. Breast cancer continues to be the most common form of cancer diagnosed in Canadian women. While five-year survival rates have increased to 87% over the past 35 years, there is still a great deal of work to be done on the road to creating a future without breast cancer. That’s why eight years ago, Canada Safeway decided to focus their attention on raising funds and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the breast cancer cause. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2009, Safeway stores across Western Canada held check-stand campaigns in each of their 215 stores that offered customers the chance to sign a pink sticky note or purchase a coupon book for a minimum $2 donation. Notes were then posted in stores for shoppers to see. In addition to customer donations, the Canada Safeway Foundation donated $100,000 to the campaign. Safeway also absorbs all of the campaign costs, including signage, advertising and fundraising tools, with 100% of funds raised going to support the Foundation and its breast cancer research, education and awareness priorities.
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Canada Safeway staff celebrate ThinkPink™ Day in true pink style.
As part of its October campaign, Safeway hosted two Think Pink™ days on October 3rd and 24th. Stores were decorated in pink, employees were encouraged to wear pink, and a special education activity titled Passport to Breast Health was executed in all stores for customers by employees, with the help of hundreds of volunteers provided by the Foundation. While the purpose of Think Pink™ Day is largely to enhance awareness of the disease, it also plays an important role in linking the cause to customers, and the 27,000 Safeway employees who are affected personally and through their families and friends.
Canada Safeway in-store poster to promote the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation during the month of October 2009.
"Canada Safeway is committed to supporting the lives and needs of our neighbours, contributing over $15 million annually to those in need. From the company's national initiatives, to its regional and store based programs, Safeway, together with its customers are helping to build healthy communities. Each October Canada Safeway stores passionately raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, hopeful that some day a cure will be found." –Canada Safeway website
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The partnership between Canada Safeway and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation originally began as a shorter campaign spanning a few weeks, but it has grown and evolved into a strong yearround partnership that has seen Safeway increasing its support annually to the Foundation. For years, they have served as the Foundation’s largest corporate partner in Western Canada.
Together with their customers, employees and community partners, Canada Safeway is doing their part to build healthy communities. The company demonstrates this outstanding commitment to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation not only through financial support, but by inspiring others to take leadership roles to create a future without breast cancer.
In late 2009, the Canada Safeway Foundation was one of the first corporations to step up and commit to being a co-presenting sponsor of the LinkPink: Lance Armstrong for Breast Cancer event in August 2010 featuring cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.
Canada Safeway generously donates flowers for various Foundation events.
They are also the Region’s official floral supplier, providing single flowers and bouquets to numerous events and activities. Report to the community 2009/10
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FEATURED GRANT RECIPIENT
Dr. Christopher Cheeseman & Team HEXOPET Evaluation of Fluorinated Hexose Analogues for use with PET Imaging of Breast Tumors Dr. Christopher Cheeseman Molecules. Compounds. Sugars. These words sound simple enough but in the world of breast cancer research, the cornerstone of a new discovery relies on these three elements. Since 2007 the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been providing funding to Dr. Chris Cheeseman and Team HEXOPET at the University of Alberta for their revolutionary project: Evaluation of Fluorinated Hexose Analogues for use with PET Imaging of Breast Tumors. Currently, only one sugar analog is used routinely to image breast tumors with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Because this compound also lights up inflamed tissue surrounding the tumor, it does not enable clear imaging of the tumor, and, perhaps most critically, it does not detect all types of breast cancer tumors. Team Hexopet has condensed twenty-five years of work into three with the creation of a new sugar analog which may overcome both of these problems. “Sugars are basic fuel for the body and cancer cells don't use the fuel in the same way as other cells to grow and multiply. They need much more sugar than other cells, so once the sugar compound, along with a radioactive tag is injected into the body, the PET scan will detect if there is a high concentration of sugar in particular parts of the body,” says Cheeseman. “This new compound has the potential to do two things: improve the sensitivity
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of the scanning technique for the earliest detection of the tumor, and give a more accurate depiction of the size, shape and location of the tumor. The technique will also allow doctors to determine whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.” The theory behind this research was published internationally in the mid-nineties, but there has not been any successful developments until recently when Team HEXOPET successfully synthesized this fructose-based compound. “Opportunities are huge with this discovery and we’re looking at creating a whole family of new compounds for use in cancer imaging,” says Cheeseman. “Because of our location, this team has access to state of the art PET scanners for preclinical and clinical research at the Cross Cancer Institute ." The initial grant enabled Cheeseman to hire a chemist and graduate student, and team HEXOPET has grown to include international calibre carbohydrate Chemists, Oncologists, Radiopharmacists and Physiologists. Cheeseman is optimistic that phase one clinical trials may even begin within the next year. In the world of cancer research, discovery and moving into trials within four years is almost unheard of.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Calgary Hitmen Brave the Shave™
GLOVES OFF FOR BREAST cancer
The Calgary Hitmen faced a new opponent during the 2009/2010 hockey season when the gloves came off to help in the fight against breast cancer. Together with Beattie Homes, the Hockey Mums Fight Breast Cancer promotion ran from October to March, and encouraged Hitmen fans to participate in, and support breast cancer events throughout the season in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation. As part of the campaign, the Hitmen re-introduced a retro pink jersey which they wore during the March 7th official Hockey Mums Fight Breast Cancer Game. The jerseys, along with other items, including game sticks wrapped in pink tape were later auctioned off. The Hitmen also hosted a Skate-A-Thon at the Pengrowth Saddledome to allow minor hockey players, kids and adults the opportunity to skate on an NHL ice surface alongside Hitmen players to raise funds for the cause.
Mike Moore, the Hitmen’s Director of Business says they chose the mothers of three local players to participate in the promotion. “Brandon Kozun, Ian Schultz and Kris Foucault are three pretty prominent players, so it was a natural fit to have their moms in the campaign as poster girls.” Fortunately, none of these moms had breast cancer, but Moore said the disease really unites the hockey community. “It’s a tie that can hit pretty close to home for people, and the team recognizes that.” Moore continued, “It’s about the fans that see these pink jerseys and what we’re trying to do and they get behind it,” says Moore. “They know when bidding on a jersey that it’s going to a wonderful cause.” In total, the Calgary Hitmen raised close to $20,000!
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THANKING OUR VOLUNTEERS
A Night to Honour Candy buffets, ice sculptures, fabulous food, live music and interactive photography were just a few of the highlights at Night of Honour events held across the Prairies/NWT Region this spring. In April, the Region celebrated the contributions of volunteers, donors, fundraisers, survivors, researchers, educators and community and corporate partners at Night of Honour events that took place in three cities across the Region, including Edmonton, Winnipeg and Calgary. The 2009/10 fiscal year was one filled with accomplishments in the Region, including almost 16,000 volunteer hours contributed by over 2,400 individuals; over $5.4 million raised by nearly 30,000 participants in 10 Run sites across the Region; and, more than $6.8 million granted to research and community projects.
These Night of Honour events allowed guests, Foundation staff, and Board Members the chance to connect, while enjoying an evening of celebration. While nearly 700 guests attended these events, there are thousands of other people throughout the Region who dedicate their passion, talent, resources and enthusiasm to support the cause year round. Our goal is a future without breast cancer. We thank all of our supporters for believing in the work done within the Region, and for being an invaluable link in helping to make our shared vision a reality.
Edmonton Night of Honour. (L to R) Holly Carstairs, Bill Carstairs CBCF VP Finance and Operations and Heidi Bedard VP of Business Development.
2009/10 was an incredible year because of the donors and fundraisers, the community and corporate partners and sponsors, the volunteers and the fundraisers.Night of Honour is an opportunity to thank everyone for their generosity and commitment to the breast cancer cause. • Almost 16,000 volunteer hours contributed by over 2,400 individuals from all walks of life. • Over $5.4 million was raised by nearly 30,000 participants in 10 Run sites in the Region. • Over $6.8 million granted to research and community projects.
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Edmonton Night of Honour. (L to R) Edmonton Run for the Cure Coordinator Susan Olson & Director of Run for the Cure Judy Poon
Calgary Night of Honour. (L to R) Marketing & Communications Coordinator Jessica Kostka & Jocelyn Laidlaw, CTV Calgary.
Winnipeg Night of Honour. (L to R) Marketing & Communications Coordinator Janelle Aker-Johnston & Coordinator, Urban Partnerships Monique Levesque-Pharoah.
Edmonton Night of Honour. Edmonton Run Committee members. Back Row (L to R) Laurie Lacher, Tanya Yaceyko, Susan Olson, Laura Selcho. Front Row (L to R) Melanie Lacher, Karla Barron, Carmen Webber, Vera Resera
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” – Edward Everett Hale
volunteers: An Important Resource The ability of people to work willingly together for the betterment of their community and themselves is a powerful catalyst for change. It takes armies – big and small – of volunteers to make change happen. In 2009/10, volunteers donated over 15,979 hours. Where would the Region be without that commitment from our volunteers? We hesitate to think about it. 2,436 volunteers from all walks of life brought their perspective, experience,
skills, passion and enthusiasm with them to support the vision of a future without breast cancer. Volunteers are a scarce and valuable resource, but volunteers are also a powerful resource. We thank you for choosing to give your time to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Your efforts do not go unnoticed by us nor by the 23,000 Canadian men and women diagnosed annually in Canada.
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2010 BREAST Health & Education Grant Recipients Recommended by reviewers and approved by the Prairies/NWT Region Board of Directors: ASSIST Community Services Centre Edmonton Josephine Lai Multicultural Breast Health Peer Educator Project (Phase IX) – An education project for women in ethnic communities, who might not have the opportunity to learn about breast health. Peer educators conduct workshops and information sessions, do displays and coordinate mammogram services in the language of the community they are serving.
Breast Cancer Action Group Yellowknife Debbie Polakoff Healing Through Art Program – Increase and improve breast health/breast cancer awareness, information, support services and the provision of support to NWT women and families affected by breast cancer. The project focuses on the development and delivery of a “Healing Through Art” psycho-social support program.
Breast Cancer Supportive Care Foundation Calgary Calgary Alberta Breast Cancer Recovery Group Program "Train the Trainer"– Led by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals specialized in breast cancer care; providing community-based programs to help breast cancer survivors deal with the physical, emotional, and spiritual issues and delayed physical side effects arising from surgery and treatment.
Calgary Chinese Community Services Association Calgary Lily Kwok Community Breast Health/Cancer Awareness Project – Focus on hard to reach and diverse groups and promote concept of community participation and volunteerism.
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association Calgary Beba Svigir Breast Health Curriculum for Immigrant Women – Increase awareness among isolated immigrant and refugee women by offering resources prepared at levels that are easier to understand.
CancerCare Manitoba – Breast Cancer Centre of Hope Winnipeg Jill Taylor-Brown Growing and Sustaining the Manitoba Breast and Women's Cancer Network–This project is an expanding network of local/regional and provincial stakeholders including health care professionals, survivors and community representatives who work together to identify and address breast health/cancer information and support.
CancerCare Manitoba (Manitoba Breast Screening Program) Winnipeg Katie Watters Increasing Screening Rates in First Nation Communities – The goal of this project is to improve breast screening rates in a historically under–screened First Nations community by utilizing a community-based approach to develop culturally appropriate breast screening educational resources.
CancerCare Manitoba Winnipeg Jill Taylor-Brown Be Pink/Vivre en Rose Adolescent Breast Health Initiative Phase IV – A school and community educational resource for adolescent girls that addresses breast health, including breast cancer, by providing ready-to-use, interactive, age appropriate activities, educational materials and lessons.
Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association (CAIWA) Red Deer Halima Ali Breast Health Awareness/Empowering Immigrant Women in Central Alberta– Providing a sustainable breast health awareness program targeting the immigrant women in Central Alberta.
Indo-Canadian Women's Association Edmonton Gita Das Breast Health Awareness in Hard to Reach Women in South Asian Community – To educate target women on breast health issues and early detection of breast cancer methods in their own language; encourage breast screening; reduce language barriers and cultural and social isolation; create a support group for breast cancer patients; spread knowledge; encourage leadership in educating women regarding breast cancer; educate community about the importance of women's health.
NWT Breast Health/Markaz-il-Islam Fort McMurray Farah Ahmad Breast Health Education/Awareness for Muslim Women in Fort McMurray– Address breast health awareness for the Muslim community with a focus on prevention and early mammogram for high risk women.
Team Shan Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women Calgary Lorna Larsen Team Shan Breast Cancer Awareness and Education Project – Focus on increased breast cancer awareness for young women attending the University of Calgary (U of C) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Short term objectives are to facilitate a comprehensive breast cancer awareness campaign targeting young women attending designated post secondary school sites, increase awareness/ knowledge level of breast cancer in the targeted population; and evaluate the effectiveness of the media/ marketing activities utilized during the campaign. 24
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University of Manitoba Winnipeg C. Ellen Lee Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Program Level 2 – Providing participants with knowledge and skills to set up an individualized home-based healthy eating and exercise program and selfmanagement strategies. Combat treatment-related side effects after chemotherapy and/or radiation, possibly reduce disease recurrence through lifestyle modification and potentially reduce the risk of other chronic diseases.
Wellspring Calgary Patti Morris The Outstanding Questions Speaker Series: A Series for Women Living with Breast Cancer and Those Who Love Them – Aimed at women recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis and their support network.
2010 Research Grant Recipients Recommended by a panel and approved by the Prairies/NWT Region Board of Directors: Dr. Deborah Anderson University of Saskatchewan Trafficking of EGFR/ErbB2 receptors in breast cancer cells
Dr. Gilbert Arthur University of Manitoba Preclinical development of novel drug combinations for treatment of breast cancer
Dr. Sambasivarao Damaraju University of Alberta Role of DNA repair genes in breast cancer susceptibility in populations: Discovery and validation of markers of prognostic and predictive value from genome association studies
Dr. James Davie CancerCare Manitoba Sp1 and Sp3 role in the centrosome of breast cancer cells
Dr. Spencer Gibson University of Manitoba The Bcl-2 family member Mcl-1 as a Target for breast cancer therapy
Dr. Ing Swie Goping University of Alberta Defining the autophagic and apoptotic responses to paclitaxel in breast cancer cells
Dr. Mary Hitt University of Alberta Development of a breast cancer-specific oncolytic virus
Dr. Suresh Mishra University of Manitoba Role of transglutaminase 2 in breast cancer: Beyond protein crosslinking function
Dr. Greg Moorhead University of Calgary The role of protein phosphate one (PP1) in modulating cancer susceptibility gene products of human breast cancer cells
Dr. Darrell Mousseau University of Saskatchewan MAO-A status determines cancer progression in ER(+) breast cancer cells
Dr. Michael Mowat University of Manitoba The role of the "deleted in liver cancer" (Dlc) tumor suppressor genes in mammary tumor metastasis
Dr. Manijeh Pasdar University of Alberta Role of nucleophosmin (NPM) in breast cancer development and progression
Dr. Afshin Raouf University of Manitoba IGFBP-rp1 mediates mammary stem cell function
Dr. Pawan Singal University of Manitoba Novel approaches in reducing morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients
Dr. Barbara Walley University of Calgary Virtual breast cancer survivorship clinic: assessing the need in Alberta
Dr. Michael Weinfeld Cross Cancer Institute DNA repair and cell death in breast tumor initiating cells
Dr. Jian Yang University of Saskatchewan Investigating the therapeutic effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) against human breast cancer Report to the community 2009/10
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running for the future Junior high is arguably one of the most difficult three years of anyone’s life. The challenge of balancing popularity contests, first loves and brand names, all while trying to keep your grades up. After teaching for over 30 years, Westminster Junior High School teacher Jane Lanskail-Stefure is all-too familiar with this coming-of-age saga. And each year as new grade seven students walk down the hall for the first time, Lanskail-Stefure is already preparing for Westminster’s participation in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. It started after she lost a friend to breast cancer. Lanskail-Stefure and her neighbours decided to take part in the Run for the Cure, now an annual tradition, to celebrate their friend’s life and courageous battle. “I had the idea to get the school involved because with a school we could really make a difference,” says Lanskail-Stefure. “It started out eight years ago with 20 students, a couple of parents and three staff. Now our team has taken on a life of its own.” Westminster’s Run for the Cure team has grown to over 200 teammates, and Lanskail-Stefure says there is even more student cohesion because of it. “The 26
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Members of the 2009 Westminster Run for the Cure Team
Run for the Cure is so inclusive because participants don’t need to have the newest cell phone or coolest outfit. They’re all wearing the same t-shirt.” To keep momentum and excitement for Run for the Cure going, the school hosts a Think Pink™ Day to honour and celebrate their team. The gymnasium becomes a sea of pink. “We have the students on the team come in, sit down at the front and then we ask them to stand up. Everyone claps, and I think they all relish that moment of pride. We realize how amazing the effort has been and what a difference we've made!” says Lanskail-Stefure.
RUN FOR THE CURE
School raised over $38,000, and they have no plans of stopping or slowing down. “With that $38,000 what kind of treatment, prevention, research can we help fund to stop breast cancer? I tell our students that their dollars and hard work are making a difference.” On Think Pink™ day, there is also a big dunk tank where top fundraisers get the first throw at administration and teachers. “A lot of the kids who aren’t on the team think ‘Oh wow this is an amazing thing that we’re doing! I’m going to join.’” When preparing for Run for the Cure, Lanskail-Stefure goes over breast cancer facts with students. Because of this, students now in their early 20's who took part in Run for the Cure eight years ago are self-aware of their bodies and know the basic information to reduce their risk throughout their lives. “We have students whose mothers are going through breast cancer and dealing with treatment. It’s very, very personal for many of our students and our staff who have loved ones affected by this disease,” says Lanskail-Stefure. “Especially for boys whose moms or grandmothers are going through treatment, where the resources and comfort level are different. As a boy, how do you find the peer support and talk about the subject with your friends? But with school involvement, the support and encouragement is there.” At the 2009 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in Edmonton, Westminster Junior High
Students gather in the Westminster school gymnasium during Think Pink™ week to celebrate their Run accomplishments.
2009 Run Results SITE
TOTAL DOLLARS PARTICIPANTS* RAISED †
Brandon Calgary Edmonton Fort McMurray Iqaluit Lethbridge Red Deer Regina Saskatoon Winnipeg Total
601 7,234 9,405 734 68 945 1,014 2,011 1,824 5,560
$ 130,859 $ 1,529,540 $ 1,554,962 $ 182,614 $ 31,655 $ 200,146 $ 188,057 $ 415,697 $ 375,529 $ 830,345
29,396
$ 5,439,406
*Estimated on Run for the Cure Day †Totals as of February 26, 2010
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RA WoNDER
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yac about breast cancer Educating young women and men about breast health is a challenge the Region has responded to with an open mind. When the chance of someone under age 30 is 0.5%, how do you make breast cancer risk reduction relevant and important? In an attempt to get young people involved and educated about the cause, the Region came up with a program that speaks directly to that age group. Youth enrolled in school from grade 9 to post secondary can volunteer for a program that features a Youth Advisory Council, commonly referred to as YAC. YAC was created in 2004 when the Region recognized the importance of educating youth about important issues, such as breast cancer, in order to facilitate their involvement in the cause as well as to provide useful insight into the health sciences profession. YAC puts a younger perspective on philanthropy, breast health education, awareness and research utilizing things like online and social media to spread the word. The Council strategizes goals for the future and provides information on new technologies and trends, along with advising staff on how to make marketing and educational materials modern and engaging in order to appeal to the youth demographic. Nyssa Ritzel, an active volunteer on the Council joined YAC with enthusiasm and fresh ideas aimed at making a difference.
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“One of YAC’s recent initiatives is responding to online conversations that raise questions about breast cancer,” says Ritzel. “There is abundance of misinformation being shared amongst this demographic online and through social media applications. The anonymity of the online world is sometimes the only reason youth feel comfortable asking questions.” Using scientific-based information, YAC members respond to questions in an attempt to provide factual, credible information that will help them now and in the future. “Youth have relevant concerns. Their bodies are changing and they don’t have to feel embarrassed to ask the questions,” says Ritzel. “Chances are there are many others who have the same questions too.” In 2009, YAC volunteers helped create a design for binder dividers and bookmarks with breast cancer health information written on them. CIBC has been a proud sponsor of the program for the last three years and has played a huge role in the success of the program. The Region believes teaching young people about the importance of self-breast examinations and signs and symptoms of breast cancer may help them detect breast cancer early when survival rates are at their highest, but it’s hoped they will pass the information onto family and friends, raising awareness amongst all age groups. YAC members encouraged their peers to go “Faceless” for breast cancer by changing their Facebook profile picture to increase awareness of the cause.
FEATURED GRANT RECIPIENT
genetic hardware + Software Epigenetic changes at pre-malignant and early stages of breast carcinogenesis Dr. Olga Kovalchuk Every cell within the human body carries an individual’s DNA, the body’s unique genetic code. Epigenetics is the mechanism that tells which genes are 'on' and which are 'off' under which conditions. For example, tissue samples from the brain, liver, muscles and mammary glands all carry the same genetic code, making it impossible to determine what part of the body the DNA samples were extracted from. The functions of these tissues are so vastly different yet they all have the same DNA, so there exists a control mechanism or group of control mechanisms regulating which genes are active in specific tissue and under what circumstances. “Think of the body like a computer,” says Dr. Olga Kovalchuk. “The DNA is the 'hardware' and the epigenetics is the 'software' that tells us how to operate; like a computer running Microsoft Word for one project or Adobe for another.” “Certain genes predispose women and men to breast cancer, but everything else is largely unknown,” says Kovalchuk.
“If you profile normal tissue against breast cancer tissue, you will see that a lot of epigenetic changes are present. What we want to look at is how early do they occur? How reversible are they? Predisposition?” PHOTO CREDIT: University of Lethbridge
This study is very important for people who may be on hormonal therapy or have had accidental contact with chemicals by recognizing if there is an epigenetic change, learning how or if it can be reversed is critical. By finding that biomarker for breast cancer predisposition, an individual will know what they must adjust in their diet and lifestyle, screenings and physical fitness.
Since 2008, she, along with her team, has been studying how epigenetics, the body’s 'software', controls how DNA is packaged, arranged and what is accessible to proteins to make it active or inactive. Report to the community 2009/10
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BATTING AGAINST BREAST CANCER
BATTING AGAINST BREAST CANCER Teams of softball players united across the Region throughout the summer of 2009, swinging bats and running bases to help the Foundation create a future without breast cancer. Batting Against Breast Cancer™ is a pledge-based slo-pitch softball tournament that raises funds to support innovative research, education and community awareness programs in the Region. Events held in Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg saw 70 teams come together to raise close to $300,000. The events are supported locally and regionally through sponsorships and in-kind donations.
ABOVE: Teams take to the field in Edmonton. BELOW: Pink Slips, Winnipeg Top Fundraising Team, 2009. Photo courtesy of Darron Field Photography.
This signature event within the Region has seen tremendous growth since being launched in Edmonton in 2004. In 2011, a fifth Batting site will be launched in Regina. MARLBOROUGH
MALL AND WEST BROOK MALL PROUDL Y PRESENT
ANNUAL
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calgarysun.com
2009/10 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
How a Dollar is Raised April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010. The Prairies/NWT Region strives to be responsive to the needs of our donors, working diligently to find ways to make giving the most efficient and effective for each donor. Supporting the Prairies/NWT Region is as easy as sending in a cheque, participating in an employee giving program, hosting a fundraising event with friends and family, or taking part in our signature events - the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure® or Batting Against Breast Cancer®. The Region also relies on the commitment and generosity of community and corporate partners who donate funds, and enable their employees, consumers and associates to do the same.
Direct Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.96% Direct mail campaigns. Third-Party Events . . . . . . . . . . 11.00% These fundraising events are planned and executed by external groups who wish to support CBCF. Events are limited only by the imagination of the organizer, but often range from head shaves to fitness events and golf tournaments to motorcycle trips.
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. . . . . . . . 54.08% The 2009 Run for the Cure connected 29,396 participants at 10 Run sites across the Prairies/NWT Region to raise more than $5.4 million by Run day – Sunday, October 4, 2009. Fundraising continues until the end of the the year. Corporate Programs . . . . . . . . . 17.51% Corporate Programs include retail partnerships, workplace giving and corporate donations.
Individual Programs. . . . . . . . . . . 1.76% Individual Programs include In Memoriam gifts, and individual gifts. Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23% Special Events such as Batting Against Breast Cancer® are organized by the Region with the assistance of volunteer committees. Their goal is to raise funds and awareness of breast cancer. Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.46% Merchandise sales, gaming proceeds and other income make up this category.
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2009/10 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
How Funds Are Utilized April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010. As a charitable organization, the work of the Prairies/ NWT Region is legislated and regulated by policies and practices outlined by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In fiscal 2009/10, over $4.5 million was distributed or held for future distribution through the Region’s designated funding streams. 31 research and breast health education grants were awarded, as well as a grant to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Tumor Bank. CRA has established a fundraising guideline which benchmarks expenses to dollars raised for registered charities. The Prairies/NWT Region ranks within the generally acceptable level, with fundraising costs measuring 29.16%, including all direct costs, indirect costs and attributed overhead. We comply with accepted accounting principles. The Region reduces fundraising costs through the support of partners, engaging volunteers, and internally managing our major events.
HEALTH PROMOTION. . . . . . . . . . . . 11.53% Providing awareness, early detection campaigns, breast health information, presentations and materials. ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.85% Non-health related marketing and communication, volunteer board meetings, office services, rent and accounting.
current grant allocations . . . 38.49% Research and community grants allocated. FUNDRAISING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.16% All expenses related to fundraising, including corporate programs, direct mail, third party events, individual programs and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.
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future GRANT allocations. . . . 5.91% A portion of the Region's budgeted grants were not endorsed during the review process period. Therefore, these funds were set aside for future granting purposes. CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . 5.07% Core services such as information technology, human resources, financial administration and overhead recoveries on National programs and distribution.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Our Mission As the leading national volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer, the Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for: • Relevant and innovative research, • Meaningful education and awareness programs, • Early diagnosis and effective treatment; and • A positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer.
Our Values In the realization of our vision and mission, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will serve as: • An effective advocate: Demonstrating our commitment to those living with and touched by breast cancer, voicing the need for a positive quality of life, today and in the future. • A trusted leader: Promoting the highest values, principles and practices to ensure accountability and effectiveness. • A respectful partner: Collaborating with donors and sponsors, working within a network of organizations involved in the issue of breast cancer, actively engaging volunteers, including survivors, to ensure that we maximize our impact and work effectively together for the cause. • A resourceful catalyst: Promoting innovation and supporting meaningful and relevant work in research and programs, from prevention to palliation.
empoweR research loveaction sisterhope advocate celebrate incontrol survivors togetherpo Contact us edmonton
700, 10665 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 Tel: 780-452-1166 Fax: 780-451-6554 Toll Free: 1-866-302-2223 calgary
430, 1324 17 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2T 5S8 Tel: 403-209-2233 Fax: 403-209-2366 winnipeg
304, 1 Wesley Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 Tel: 204-231-4885 Fax: 204-231-4910 Toll Free: 1-866-267-3948