Your Money at Work CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PRAIRIES/NWT REGION 2012/2013 Report to The Community
2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY Editorial Team Writing Nicole Turenne, Jennifer Brigden Editing Avery Miller, Megan Wenger, Bonnie Megley, Wendy Slavin Design Jennifer Whyte, Nicole Gabert The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation 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 (such as our newsletters), statistical purposes, and to process and recognize your donations. We disclose your information only to our own employees and agents and only to accomplish the purposes listed above. By providing this information you consent to our collection and use of the information you provide. Please note that while providing your name and contact information is optional, tax receipts can only be issued when this information is provided. Therefore if you do not wish to be contacted by the Foundation, please call us at 1.866.302.2223 or email AB_NWTprivacy@cbcf.org. Charitable Registration No. 12799 3608 RR0001
Contents 4
About the Foundation
6
A Message From the Board
35
7
Regional Board of Directors
36 Jenny Williston Brave the Shave
8
Your Money at Work
37
9
Funding Grants that are Making a Difference
38 NAIT Ooks Athletic Department
10
2012/2013 Regional Research Grantees
13 2012/2013 One Time Investment Research Grantees 13 2012/2013 PhD Graduate Fellowships 14
2012/2013 Community Grantees
16
Embracing the Future
18 National Grants Program 22 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure 23
CIBC Run for the Cure
25
Canadian Dental Hygienist Associate Shines at the 2012 CIBC Run for the Cure
27 Volunteer Q+A 28 Cause Marketing 28
Safeway Supports the Foundation with Annual Giving Campaign
30 Co-op’s Drink Pink Strikes Again! 31
CHOO-IT Craig’s High Octane Oatmeal
31
Building Hope
32
Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
34 Third Party Events
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See Jane Tri for the Cure
Bikinis for Breast Cancer
Bustin’ Loose Race to End Breast Cancer
40 Getting Pink’D with Sunrise Credit Union 42 Youth Advisory Council 43
Students Found First YAC Group in the Keystone Province
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A First Time for Everything
43
Local Teens Make a Big Impact
44 Batting Against Breast Cancer™ 45
An Unforgettable Moment
48 National Revenue Statistics
About the Foundation Our Vision Creating a future without breast cancer. Our Mission The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is Canada’s leading community-driven breast cancer charity dedicated to: • Funding relevant and innovative research and, • Supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community.
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CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
Our Values The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is committed to advancing its vision and undertaking its work with:
Passion
Leadership
We are passionate about the work we do and the role we play in advocating for the breast cancer community. Our dedication to the cause inspires us to work effectively and continuously evolve to achieve the greatest impact.
We are committed to serving as a trusted leader in the breast cancer community. As a resource in the areas of breast health and breast cancer, our positions will always be informed, evidence-based and forward-thinking.
Integrity
Community
We are ethical, accountable and transparent in the work we do. We are continually striving to ensure that donors and the public can remain confident that their dollars are used wisely in carrying out our vision.
We recognize the invaluable contribution of our volunteers; whose dedication, support and commitment makes our work possible. Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers, we remain community-driven to this day.
Respect We promote trust, collaboration and open communication to help create a positive community that maximizes the potential of all individuals. We strive to create an environment where problem solving and feedback are encouraged and valued.
Impact We fund research and undertake initiatives that have the greatest impact and benefit for the breast cancer community. We are dedicated to leading the way in support of our vision of creating a future without breast cancer.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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A Message From the Board Dear Friends, For the team at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region, looking back on this past year is both a joy and a pleasure. From seeing crowds of pink shirted survivors with their cheering families at our CIBC Run for the Cure sites, to watching staff at companies of all sizes work tirelessly to fundraise in their communities, to classrooms full of kids raising money and making a difference, it’s been a phenomenal year. Your support, year after year, is what guides us forward. As volunteers, survivors, clinicians, donors, fundraisers, researchers, and community and corporate partners, the sheer dedication to the breast cancer cause is nothing short of inspiring. Together, we will continue to change how breast cancer is viewed; further our already entrenched commitment to early diagnosis and personalized treatment; and funding of innovative research. I encourage you to read the stories in this report to gain a full understanding of what accomplishments our region – with your help – enjoyed this year. Our team is deeply proud of all we achieved, awarding over $7.36 million to support breast cancer research, awareness and education projects.
getting older, we must continue to fund critical initiatives, all the while asking ourselves: “Where are we going?” “How will this help?” “What will make the biggest impact?” These are the big questions being asked in boardrooms and in laboratories, by people searching valiantly for solutions to the multi-faceted, complex enigma that is breast cancer. But we have the best possible advantage – you. Your commitment, generosity and compassion to the Foundation reflect what it truly means to lead by example. I hope that in moments when you feel like tomorrow can’t come fast enough; that our hopeful future is just out of reach, you return to this report and the stories within and feel energized, knowing so many others are right there with you, working as one to create a future without breast cancer. Thank for your continued support. Until next year,
We’ve come a long way, but breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer amongst Canadian women. An estimated 23,800 women will be diagnosed with the disease this year and 5,000 will die of it. Until we can change the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer – being a woman and
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CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
Shirley Forrest Board Chair CBCF-PNWT Region
Regional Board of Directors Chair Shirley Forrest Partner, Forrest and Associates Edmonton, AB Vice-Chair Linda Humphreys Calgary, AB
Director Dave Majeski Vice President, Real Estate and Construction Services Royal Bank of Canada Edmonton, AB Director Doug McNeill P. ENG., ICD Executive Vice President, Business Development Steam-Flo Industries Ltd. Calgary, AB
Secretary Gord Gilroy Principal, Vision Creative Edmonton, AB Chair, Finance Ken Pasnak BComm, CA Partner, Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP Edmonton, AB
Director Peggy LeSueur P.Ag Business Innovations Calgary, AB Director Robin Sparks Chairman, Sparks & Associates Calgary, AB
Director Barbara Shumeley, BN, MN Winnipeg, MB Director Dr. Christopher Cheeseman B.Sc., Ph.D Professor, Dept. of Physiology, Vice Provost and AVP HRS University of Alberta Edmonton, AB
Director Gretchen Thompson Community Leader Okotoks, AB
Director Dale Linn Partner, McDougall Gauley LLP Saskatoon, SK CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$
$
$8,766,591
$
$
AWARDED TO 41 GRANTS
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Your Money at Work In the Prairies/NWT Region, your money helps us to allocate funds in the areas of Research Grants, Breast Health Education and Awareness Community Grants, Opportunity Grants and Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants.
2 – ONE TIME INVESTMENTS 3 – FELLOWSHIP GRANTS 7 – OPPORTUNITY GRANTS 12 – COMMUNITY GRANTS 17 – RESEARCH GRANTS
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
EARLY DETECTION
DIANGNOSIS/PROGNOSIS AND RESPONSE PREDICTION
TARGETED TREATMENT
$150,000 IN TRAINING SUPPORT TO 3 PHD FELLOWS THROUGH A NEWLY CREATED GRANT PROGRAM
GRANT INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
RISK PREDICTION AND REDUCTION
SUPPORT/SERVICES AND TRAINING
Funding Grants that are Making a Difference The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation serves as the bridge between those who generously donate and volunteer in pursuit of creating a future without breast cancer and the scientific research that will one day make it a possibility, as well as the dedicated community groups working to enhance breast cancer education and awareness. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s commitment to funding breast cancer research, education and awareness is strong, and that fact is demonstrated every year through the annual grant allocation programs.
disease burden; improving women’s experiences/ quality of life; and increasing knowledge about breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Our rigorous grant review process and focus on the full spectrum of breast cancer research, education, advocacy and other cause related work establishes the Foundation as a respected leader in the breast cancer community. Guided by principles of rigour, accountability, fairness and transparency, the 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.
Not-for-Profit groups within the Region apply for funding of community-based breast health and education projects to address breast health needs, awareness and breast cancer education in the community. The goal of these organizations is to strive to positively impact the health of women and men by supporting awareness and education projects in response to local needs, and link with and empower individuals, groups and networks to take ownership of their breast health – especially in diverse populations and those living in rural and remote locations.
Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects people’s lives in many ways. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s vision is to create a future without breast cancer by working collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative breast cancer research, meaningful education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer.
Research Grant The Region supports high-quality research in all areas including biology of breast cancer, prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, cancer control, psychosocial, health care delivery and outcomes. The Region’s investments are made with a strategic focus on the impact on the lives of those most affected by breast cancer, including reducing
Community Grant
Opportunity Grant One-time funding to not-forprofit community groups and organizations within the Region for small-scale community initiatives in breast cancer and breast education and awareness
Fellowship These awards are intended for qualified recent Postdoctoral graduates to provide assistance in launching a career in social, clinical or basic science breast cancer research. These Fellowships are awarded to the most qualified breast cancer research projects.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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2012/2013 Regional Research Grantees
University of Manitoba – Dr. Gilbert Arthur Evaluation of a tropical plant extract as a potential novel treatment or source of novel cytotoxic agents for the treatment of breast cancer.
In an interesting endeavour, Dr. Arthur and his research team screened plant extracts from Ghana and discovered that Flabellaria paniculata kills cancer cells. With funding from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – PNWT Region, this University of Manitoba research team led by Dr. Arthur is investigating the anticancer characteristics of the plant’s extract to either develop the extract, or its isolated active constituents, into effective novel treatments for breast cancer.
University of Calgary – Dr. Shirin Bonni
Control of EMT and breast cancer metastasis by the transcriptional regulator TCF7L2.
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University of Alberta – Dr. Gordan Chan
The role of mitotic checkpoint proteins in chromosome instability in breast cancer. Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – PNWT Region grant recipient, Dr. Chan and his research team are examining whether mislocalization of mitotic checkpoint proteins account for mistakes in mitosis leading to aneuplody (abnormal number of chromosomes in the cell), a hallmark of most solid breast cancer tumors. Investigation of the mitotic checkpoint mechanism is essential for understanding how uncontrolled cell division contributes to the development and progression of breast cancer, and the evaluation of mitotic checkpoint genes as potential drug targets.
University of Alberta – Dr. Christopher Cheeseman
The evaluation of 2, 5-anhydroD-mannitol derivatives as potential radiotracers for imaging breast cancer with PET.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
University of Alberta – Dr. Wendy Duggleby
Living with hope: development of feasibility evaluation of a transition toolkit for male partners of women with breast cancer.
University of Calgary – Dr. Ebba Kurz
Impact of salicylate co-administration on chemotherapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. At the University of Calgary, Dr. Kurz and her research team recently discovered that salicylate – the primary metabolite of aspirin – could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of doxorubicin, a drug widely used in breast cancer treatment. Today, this Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – PNWT Region granted team is trying to understand how exactly salicylate interferes before moving on to determine if other common anti-inflammatory drugs behave the same way, altering the effectiveness of certain cancer therapies.
University of Manitoba – Dr. James Davie
Histone deacetylase inhibitors and alternative RNA splicing.
University of Lethbridge – Dr. Olga Kovalchuk Shift work and breast cancer: an epigenetic connection.
The disruption of wake/sleep cycles due to shift work or exposure to light at night has recently been suggested as a breast carcinogen, as elevated rates of breast cancer have been reported in groups of shift workers in countries all over the world, including Canada. Through this PNWT Region funded grant, Dr. Kovalchuk, her collaborator Dr. McDonald and her research team are working to discover if wake/sleep cycles will cause harmful epigenetic DNA changes in breast tissue leading to the development of cancer cells.
Research Grantees continued on next page
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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University of Manitoba – Dr. Suresh Mishra
Role of O-GlcNAc modification of EGFR and GLUT1 in breast cancer.
University of Manitoba – Dr. Michael Mowat University of Saskatchewan – Dr. Yuliang Wu Molecular pathogenesis and targeting of BRIP1 in breast cancer.
Through this Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – PNWT Region funded project, this University of Saskatchewan team will investigate the nature of BRCA1 Interacting Protein 1—BRIP1 mutations and characterize two other breast cancer causing mutations (V193I and L195P) to try and pinpoint a “mutation hot spot”. Results from this study will provide unique insights into BRIP1 pathogenesis. Moreover, the molecular information derived from this project may be drawn upon to advance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of breast cancer.
University of Saskatchewan – Dr. Azita Haddadi Targeted chemotherapy for breast cancer.
University of Alberta – Dr. Tom Hobman
Role of human argonaute 2 in breast cancer.
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The role of Dlc1 in breast epithelial cell polarity and tumor metastasis.
University of Manitoba/ CancerCare Manitoba – Dr. Leigh Murphy
Determination of the phosphorylated estrogen receptor alpha cistrome in human breast tumour in vivo.
University of Manitoba – Dr. Yvonne Myal
Claudin 1 mislocalization in breast cancer: delineating mechanisms and outcome.
University of Alberta – Dr. Zhiziang Wang
Understanding the mode of action of trastuzumab to design better therapy for ErbB2-positive human breast cancer.
University of Alberta – Dr. Atiyah Yahya
Monitoring the response of spinal bone metastases to palliative radiotherapy in breast cancer patients by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
2012/2013 OneTime Investment Research Grantees
2012/2013 PhD Graduate Fellowships
University of Manitoba – Dr. Thomas Hack
CancerCare Manitoba – Dr. Christine Bruce
Chair in psychosocial and supportive care oncology research.
Dr. Hack has established a Research Chair at the University of Manitoba to conduct innovative and high impact cancer research, develop educational initiatives for front-line nurses in oncology and build the next generation of psychosocial oncology researchers by supporting graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
University of Alberta – Dr. Judith Hugh
Finding the tipping point: new diagnostic biomarker strategies for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients.
Investigating recruitment of S6K1 and mTOR to estrogen response elements in ER+ breast cancer cells.
University of Calgary – Dr. Jie Chen
Contribution of microRNA to ING1b tumor suppression in breast cancer.
University of Alberta – Dr. Xiaoyun Tang
Roles of lipid phosphate phosphatises in chemo-resistance and metastasis in breast cancer.
2012/2013 Community Grantees
Multicultural Breast Health – Peer Educator Project Phase XI
Manitoba Breast and Women’s Cancer Network
The Multicultural Breast Health – Peer Educator Project delivers breast health education, promotes early detection, provides one-on-one and group support to immigrant women with breast health issues and offers a multicultural breast cancer survivor support group.
The Manitoba Breast and Women’s Cancer Network provides information and support for breast and women’s health/cancer and facilitates knowledge sharing, collaboration and partnerships, activities and professional development of provincial health care providers.
Host Organization: Assist Community Services Centre - EDMONTON
Breast Cancer and Health Awareness Project
Host Organization: Calgary Chinese Community Services Association (CCCSA) - CALGARY The CCCSA’s Breast Cancer and Health Awareness Project provides information about the importance of breast health to women within the Chinese community in Calgary.
Breast Health Initiative for Newcomers
Host Organization: Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association - CALGARY Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association Breast Health Initiative for Newcomers delivers breast health educational sessions to immigrants in their first language.
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Host Organization: CancerCare Manitoba - WINNIPEG
BreastCheck Increasing Breast Screening Rates in First Nations Communities Host Organization: CancerCare Manitoba - MANITOBA
This project engages three communities in Manitoba in the development of breast health education and awareness resources with a focus on First Nations women and healthcare workers in First Nations communities.
Expanding the Reach of Be PINK/ Vivre en rose Adolescent Breast Health Host Organization: CancerCare Manitoba - MANITOBA
Be PINK / Vivre en rose uses current, evidencebased core messages to increase adolescents’ and young women’s knowledge about breast health and encourage their early adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours in order to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
Breast Health Awareness: Empowering Immigrant Women in Central Alberta Host Organization: Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association – RED DEER
This project addresses the breast health needs of the hard-to-reach immigrant women living in the Central Alberta communities of Red Deer, Lacombe, Ponoka, Blackfalds and Innisfail by offering customized/translated materials and workshops in their first language, and within the context of their own cultures.
Breast Health Awareness in Hard to Reach Women in the South Asian Community
NWT Breast Cancer Journeys
Host Organization: NWT Breast Health/ Breast Cancer Action Group - NWT NWT Breast Cancer Journeys captures the experience of breast cancer survivors living in the Northwest Territories, and uses this information to identify barriers, gaps and inequities that they experience along the cancer journey, including post treatment, specific to their location.
Investigating Health Literacy of South Asian Women in Calgary Host Organization: University of Calgary - CALGARY
Host Organization: Indo-Canadian Women’s Association - EDMONTON
This program seeks to determine how health literacy - including language and cultural issues – contributes to underutilization of services and negative health outcomes of Calgary’s South Asian community, specific to breast health.
The Breast Health Awareness in Hard to Reach Women in the South Asian Community Program identifies and addresses breast health awareness needs of women within this community to increase breast health education.
An Exercise and Wellness Program for Women with Breast Cancer: BEAUTY
IRTC Breast Cancer Awareness Project
Host Organization: Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Inc. - MANITOBA This project promotes breast cancer awareness, prevention and support services to First Nations women in a semi-isolated region of Manitoba by targeting hard-to-reach individuals, including those with cultural, economic, social and geographical barriers.
Host Organization: University of Calgary - CALGARY This project focuses on the development and dissemination of a Manual of Operations which will support the successful implementation of BEAUTY programs in other centres, bringing the power of regular exercise and the multitude of benefits associated with it to more breast cancer survivors.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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Embracing the Future
Dr. Jie Chen (right) and Krista Rivet, Director of Allocations for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Prairies/ NWT Region at the annual research grant announcement.
At the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, we’re always thinking about the future. In fact, it’s stated right in our vision – to create a future without breast cancer. To get to that future, we evaluate what we are doing in the present and how our actions help realize our goals. Investing in vital and innovative research and community-led awareness and education programs is at the forefront of what we do to make our vision a reality. We’ve come a long way since our inception thanks to much advancement through funded research programs. And as breast cancer research progresses, new, young minds are needed to help carry the achievements of seasoned doctors and researchers forward. In 2012, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation introduced the Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant assists in launching a career in social, clinical or basic science breast cancer research. These fellowships, which are awarded to the most qualified research postdoctoral working on breast
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cancer research projects, are a starting point for many young investigators. “Limited funding is a significant issue for young researchers starting out,” says Dr. Jie Chen, a 2012/2013 Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant Recipient out of the University of Calgary. “We also see challenges with limited faculty positions. The fellowship funding helps young researchers to overcome these obstacles by providing the much needed financial assistance, and increasing the opportunities for a postdoctoral fellow to become a faculty member.” Graduating with his PhD from the University of Calgary in 2009, Dr. Jie Chen was able to join the
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
lab of a CBCF-funded research project led by Dr. Karl Riabowol. His clinical and research experience under the tutelage of Dr. Riabowol has been a major influence on Dr. Chen’s chosen career path. “Dr. Riabowol is an international expert regarding gene regulations in breast cancer, with a particular expertise in the area of tumour suppressors. Futhermore, the facilities that are available to his research group provide world-class research tools, including deep sequencing technology, which I will use for my project.” Using results proven through earlier studies, Dr. Chen will continue to investigate the microRNA components of a specific protein tumour suppressor (p33ING1b). He and his team aim to use the growth inhibitory miRNAs to develop a strategy to kill breast cancer cells. Knowing the challenges a young researcher faces, Dr. Riabowol looks forward to the opportunities given to Dr. Chan through the CBCF-funded grant. “The Fellowship grant will allow him to complete two important studies that he has ongoing in the Riabowol cancer and aging research laboratory. Helping him to complete his studies will increase his research experience improving his expertise and enhancing his chances of becoming a productive biomedical researcher. “
“It provides evidence that their academic achievements are recognized and competitive in a national setting. This is important for their careers. Furthermore, it frees up some of the advisors operating grant money to be deployed in other efforts – consumables for the research projects or to bring in a new student or postdoctoral fellow to help with the project.” The potential impact these young, bright minds will have on breast cancer research is substantial. Given the competitiveness of granting programs like the Postdoctoral Fellowship, the award recipients’ projects are of the highest quality in their field, laying the foundation for substantial discoveries. “The postdoctoral fellows are probably the personnel most likely to contribute significantly to the efficient generation of high quality results,” says Murphy. “therefore, publication of their research will move forward the overall interest of breast cancer research for future years to come.” A future we at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation embrace.
Two other postdoctoral fellows received funding through the program this year. Dr. Christine Bruce of CancerCare Manitoba and Dr. Xiaoyun Tang of the University of Alberta have benefitted from the grant as they launch their careers in breast cancer research. Dr. Leigh Murphy of CancerCare Manitoba works very closely with postdoctoral fellows. Knowing the struggles they face when starting out, she is very excited and optimistic for the opportunities the CBCF-funded grant will open.
Dr. Leigh Murphy (left) and Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant recipient Dr. Christine Bruce.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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National Grants Program The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation transforms the passion and commitment of our community into meaningful change. We’re proud to be the largest non-government funder of breast cancer research, thanks to your support. We hope you share that pride. Our research grants fund high impact research at both the national and regional level. In 2012, the Foundation provided $3.2 million in national grant funding to eight innovative projects focused on advancing new technologies for detecting cancer at its earliest stages, – everything from exploring the potential of 3D digital tomosynthesis as a more precise screening tool, to examining “spintronic” microwave image sensing as a comfortable, safe, portable and cost effective imaging technique. On these pages, you can also see highlights of recent regional research grants. Together, through the funding of research projects at both the national and regional level, we are able to support the best and brightest researchers from across the country. We also fund health education and advocacy programs at the community level to meet the distinct needs of the diverse country we serve. As you can see from these stories, your support is bringing us closer to realizing our vision of creating a future without breast cancer.
Deborah Dubenofsky, National Board Chair
Ontario Region – Dr. Raymond Reilly 2012 Ontario Region Grant Competition – Research Grantee University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Project Title: New Therapy for Locally-Advanced Breast Cancer Using Gold Nanobombs Amount: $444,456 Dr. Reilly’s research aims to develop a new radiation treatment for patients whose breast cancer is locally advanced and has spread from the breast to nearby tissue or lymph nodes, also known as Stage III breast cancer. Women with Stage III breast cancer have a lower survival rate (60-70 percent) than the 90 percent of women who survive when diagnosed before the cancer has spread. Currently, most Stage III breast cancer patients receive chemotherapy to reduce the tumour size, followed by surgery, radiation and additional treatments. Dr. Reilly is collaborating
with Dr. Jean-Philippe Pignol, a radiation oncologist at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre. Their goal is to develop a better method for post-surgery radiation using “gold nanobombs” - small particles of gold that target the tumour in three different ways, through antibodies, radiation treatment and chemotherapy - which would be injected at the surgery site to target and eradicate any residual cancer cells. If successful, this new radiation treatment could be a highly effective option, having little-to-no impact on healthy tissues, resulting in few side effects.
Atlantic Region – Dr. David Hoskin Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Project Title: Cellular and Molecular Effects of the Dietary Photochemical Piperine on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Amount: $100,000 Dr. David Hoskin, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research, based at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, recently discovered that piperine - from the spice black pepper - is able to trigger cell death in breast cancer cells, while not harming healthy cells. Together with his team, Dr. Hoskin is now working to determine how piperine kills
triple-negative breast cancer cells and prevents their spread. Triple-negative breast cancers are an aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of the disease. Ultimately, Dr. Hoskin’s work will provide a basis for the possible use of piperine in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer caused by triple-negative breast cancer cells.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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BC/Yukon Region - Dr. François Bénard 2012 National Grants Competition on Earlier Detection - Research Grantee BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC Project Title: Somatostatin receptor antagonists for early detection of breast cancer with positron emission mammography Amount: $356,000 Dr. François Bénard’s research has been instrumental in applying a new process of making radioactive medicine without using aged nuclear reactors. For Canadian scientists, this development could go a long way toward solving the world’s shortage of medical isotopes, as it uses hospital cyclotrons to make the compounds and bypasses the need for reactors. Dr. Bénard’s research focuses on studying a new generation of radiotracers that target somatostatin receptors, molecules that are present in almost all breast cancers. Positron emission mammography
(PEM) is a promising technology for detecting smaller breast cancers at an early stage, but is limited by the imaging markers, or radiotracers, that currently miss up to 20 percent of tumors. This research holds promise for improving the early detection rate of breast cancer in women who are at high personal risk. Dr. François Bénard completed his MD and residency training at the Université de Sherbrooke, and a Research Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the Head of Nuclear Medicine and Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and holds the BC Leadership Chair in Functional Cancer Imaging at UBC and the BC Cancer Agency.
Prairies/Northwest Territories Region Dr. Sambasivarao Damaraju University of Alberta and the Cross Cancer Institute Project Title: The 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 Amount: $199,184 Discovering a genetic marker for breast cancer recurrence could renew hope for patients and families. You’ve survived breast cancer only to have it come back, and now the disease is more aggressive and may be resistant to treatment. This frightening scenario is faced by numerous women. But the discovery of a genetic marker that predicts the risk of recurrence is a beacon of hope for the future. Dr. Sambasivarao Damaraju, a professor with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta and the Cross Cancer Institute, and his team
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tested the DNA of 369 women in Alberta diagnosed with good prognosis breast cancer (called Luminal A) and discovered the marker. Because Luminal A breast cancers tend to have a good survival rate, they are not treated with the aggressive treatments used for other types of breast cancer. For 15 to 20 percent, however, the cancer recurs and is fatal. Dr. Damaraju is conducting a second study with a sample of 2,000 patients to reconfirm the findings. His team is also researching if markers identified for good prognosis breast cancer also serve as prognostic markers for other more aggressive forms.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
It’s time to dream bigger than we’ve ever dared; to imagine the unimagined; and to forge a new path for researchers everywhere to follow.
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure Over 170,000 participants gathered in 58 communities across Canada to walk or run for a future without breast cancer. Their collective efforts raised $30 million - funds that will help the Foundation to continue their investment in vital and innovative breast cancer research, education and awareness programs.
CIBC Run for the Cure “We’re very proud that CIBC employees have helped build the largest single day event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer in Canada and providing hope and support to those living with breast cancer and their families,” said Ms. Kramer. “And, we are honoured to support the CBCF in realizing its vision of creating a future without breast cancer.” The community of support for breast cancer is multifaceted, consisting of individuals, families, extended groups of friends and caring corporate sponsors. For the last 20 years, CIBC has been a leader in this community and represents the gold standard for corporate support and employee volunteerism. As title sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, CIBC has been a key partner in the success of the cause. It’s a relationship that dates back to 1992, when a small group of employees participated in the Run for the Cure, in support of a colleague who was experiencing breast cancer. That grassroots support led CIBC to become a national sponsor, and for the past 17 years, as title sponsor for the event.
led by a group of volunteer “Run Champions” who are responsible for team registration and fundraising promotion of the CIBC Pink CollectionTM - CIBC ‘pink products’, training branch employees on donation procedures, and contributing to Run planning for each of the Run sites across the country. In mid September, CIBC declares “Think Pink Week” to create that final push for employee and customer registration and fundraising. Special Think Pink events engage employees, provide a forum to share information regarding breast cancer, and celebrate the community that comes together to support those living with the disease.
“The CIBC Run for the Cure is now an important part of the fabric of our company, with 1 in 3 employees either participating or volunteering.“ “Our involvement started because CIBC employees, passionate about creating a future without breast cancer, rallied our company around the cause. Their leadership has served as an inspiration to all of us,” said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President of CIBC. “The CIBC Run for the Cure is now an important part of the fabric of our company, with 1 in 3 employees either participating or volunteering.“ Since 1992, CIBC employees and volunteers have raised more than $33 million for CBCF. Team CIBC is
In 2012, an estimated 13,000 employees took part in the Run, along with their families and friends. This includes thousands of employees across Canada who volunteered their time to help make sure the event went off without a hitch. Team CIBC contributed more than $3 million to the cause in 2012.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE: THE STATS
$1,784,403 CALGARY
$2,039,095 EDMONTON
$112,091 BRANDON
$1,011,262 WINNIPEG
2012 FUNDRAISING TOTAL: $6,479,868
$386,730 SASKATOON
$289,700 RED DEER
$198,461 FORT MCMURRAY
$437,609 REGINA
$32,971 IQALUIT
$187,545 LETHBRIDGE
EDMONTON SURPASSED 2 MILLION & WINNIPEG SURPASSED 1 MILLION
RUN PARTICIPANTS TOTAL: 30,849 OVER 1000
VOLUNTEERS
5,707 – WINNIPEG 7,718 – CALGARY
10,306 – EDMONTON
HUNDREDS
OF PARTICIPATING SURVIVORS
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Shines at the 2012 CIBC Run for the Cure Thanks to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, women everywhere have plenty of reasons to smile. “Our profession is primarily female and we have had many colleagues and friends affected by the disease,” says Kellie Hildebrandt, Registrar-Executive Director with the Saskatoon Dental Hygienists Association – the provincial division. “It’s also made up of caring, considerate health care providers that focus on prevention. What better cause to get involved with and help prevent than breast cancer.” From coast to coast, the CDHA is fully committed to the breast cancer cause and is a multi-site Canadian Team with participants in eleven different sites, year after year. Across the country the CDHA Team raised $33, 175.70 with an impressive $23,842.25 of the funds coming from within the Prairie Provinces. Team members are engaged and committed fundraisers who inspire each other in a myriad of ways. Last year, they organized a CIBC Run for the Cure booth at a provincial conference where one
member, Maureen Bowerman, pledged to shave her head if she raised $5,000 before event day. She did and her teammates – along with the rest of the crowd at the Saskatoon CIBC Run for the Cure – cheered her on as she buzzed off her locks during the opening ceremonies. The year prior, teammates walked proudly with colleague and breast cancer survivor, Shelley Ruiters, laughing and sharing stories. “It felt like we were making a difference,” Kellie said. “So many people from far and wide had gathered to share in the passion we had for this cause.” Kellie, a mother of two young girls, was inspired to sign up for her first CIBC Run for the Cure three years ago. Like so many others, she has seen friends and family be diagnosed with the disease and fundraises each year to help create a better future for them all - especially for her daughters. “I’ve seen firsthand how this disease can change lives,” says Kellie. “I don’t want that for my family and friends, and if I can do anything to try and prevent that, I will.” Congratulations to the PNWT Region Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Teams! $1,450
CALGARY Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic
$2,390
REGINA SDHA Busted Molars
$260
REGINA Pearly Pinks
$10,227.25 SASKATOON
SDHA Busted Molars
$9,515
WINNIPEG Manitoba Dental Hygienists Association
Other CDHA teams participated in the following cities: Moncton, St. John’s, Prince George, Vancouver, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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OUR VOLUNTEERS BY THE NUMBERS
TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS VOLUNTEERED
TOTAL NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS WITH HOURS LOGGED* *INCLUDES RUN, GENERAL AND BOARD IMPACT ACCOUNTS
Prairies/NWT accepted volunteers (date joined on or before March 31) HELPED RAISE (NOT INCLUDING RUN)
MEET SUSAN FUNKE
MEET KAREN CRANSTON
MEET JOCELYN GUERRERO
A stay at home mom with two daughters, Susan decided the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was the perfect charity for her and quickly signed up for some big projects at the Edmonton office, logging 119 hours with our Allocations Department alone.
A long-time participant in the CIBC Run for the Cure, Karen has been a proud member of Team CIBC for ten straight years. She signed up for the Saskatoon Volunteer Organizing Committee in 2008 and, four years later, was named Co-Run Director.
Jocelyn began volunteering for the Foundation in 2009 and, since then, has worked tirelessly to support the breast cancer cause at events and fundraisers throughout Winnipeg, MB. Determined and hard working, she enjoys giving back to her community though volunteering.
Volunteer Q+A Q: What inspired you to get involved with the Foundation? Susan: “CBCF is a charity I have always donated to and felt was a very worthy cause, but breast cancer is something that affects every single person I know. Although I have not experienced it personally, I have friends and family who have died from it, fought it, or are fighting it right now.” Karen: “I got involved through my workplace, CIBC Wood Gundy. We have a very active, social team and get everyone in our branch involved. By a strange coincidence, I was diagnosed with DCIS with some invasion in December 2009, so my participation became personal and I attended the 2010 CIBC Run for the Cure while receiving radiation treatments.”
Karen: “I feel like I’m making a difference. Mostly, this comes from offering a quality event to give Saskatoon citizens an opportunity to celebrate survivors, and memorialize and remember those who are no longer with us. I believe if you offer a good event, participants will fundraise; the ‘if you build it, they will come’ theory. It works.” Jocelyn: “The Foundation has proven to have a positive impact on our society, is a strong promoter of breast cancer awareness and is generous thanks to its causes, donating the proceeds to breast cancer research. And when I go to events, I am encouraged by the individuals who give feedback about how the Foundation has helped them, or their family and friends.”
Jocelyn: “I decided to get involved because one of my family members had breast cancer and passed away. I wanted to help by being a volunteer for the Foundation and raise money to support research that I firmly believe helps contribute to the goal of finding a solution to breast cancer.”
Q: What are your reasons for wanting to create a future without breast cancer?
Q: What personal fulfillment do you enjoy from supporting the Foundation?
Karen: “Completely personal. I don’t want another friend to tell me she has breast cancer and I certainly don’t want my granddaughter to have to deal with it.”
Susan: “I feel that I can make a difference. I’ve been able to use my strengths and skills to help out in the office and know my work is appreciated. I’ve learned a lot about the work the Foundation does and I am so impressed. The fact that the money raised stays in our area and that there are so many researchers working towards the cause is amazing.”
Susan: “Being a woman, and a mother of two daughters; it is something that is always in the back of my mind.”
Jocelyn: “To eliminate cancer. The goal is to accomplish a life without breast cancer so we may live life without worrying what the future may bring.”
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Cause Marketing The Prairies/NWT Region cause marketing partners and regional sponsors support the Foundation’s vision of creating a future without breast cancer through various donations, cause marketing agreements and sponsorship of events and activities.
Safeway Supports the Foundation with Annual Giving Campaign “My cancer experience was so dark and unrelenting that I could never have believed how wonderful my life would become when it was all said and done.” – Noël, September 2013 Model In 2012, Canada Safeway collected over 1.7 million dollars to create a future without breast cancer, thanks to their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. An exemplary corporate partner, each October, Safeway stores throughout Western Canada go pink as employees strive to make a difference on behalf
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of women everywhere. Over the past eleven years, through their annual in-store campaign, employees and customers have raised and donated nearly 12 million dollars; money that has made its way into laboratories, hospitals and communities throughout the region, and where it will inspire incredible changes. To help drive their fundraising last year, Safeway proudly signed on to be the regional sponsor of a creative and empowering endeavor: the Pink Ribbon Pin Ups Calendar. This vintage pin up girl calendar, which featured women who have survived breast cancer, was put together with the help of several talented, dedicated individuals committed to the breast cancer cause.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
“We are grateful for every person who volunteered their time, talents and resources to help make this calendar a reality,” says Bonnie Megley, VP of Business Development for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region. “The finished project is a colourful work of art that highlights the strength and beauty of survivorship.” The calendar brought awareness to the community, promoted healthy body image and, most importantly, provided a space for women to embrace their femininity, either during or after treatment. Safeway, generous as ever, donated 100% of the proceeds from the sales to the Foundation.
And with the addition of the Pink Ribbon Pin Ups Calendar, the company helped women embrace their femininity and inspire countless others with their positive attitude. “I have had many opportunities throughout my breast cancer journey to be able to help other women just by telling my story and showing them that there is life after breast cancer; a now amazing, happy, wonderful life,” says Laurel. “[That’s] exactly what a person needs when they hear the word ‘cancer’– a sense of hope.”
Volunteer Project Manager, May 2013 pin up model and breast cancer survivor , Laurel Sopher, was diagnosed in 2000 while 16 weeks pregnant with her son, Alexander. She brought her trademark passion and enthusiasm to the project, helping bring the calendar to life. “The opportunity to be part of something that touched so many lives and hopefully inspired people who are on their own journey with this disease or supporting a loved one who is, has truly been a gift,” she says. Together with Canada Safeway’s other in-store health promotions, fundraising and awareness activities, it’s safe to say their 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Month efforts were a huge success.
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Co-op’s Drink Pink Strikes Again! In the third year of Federated Co-operative Limited (FCL) and Van Houtte Coffee’s October awareness campaign, Drink Pink took the Prairies by storm. Over $80,000 was raised in the 30 day period as a result of retail co-op’s sales of coffee and items like slippers, earmuffs, insulated coffee mugs and reusable grocery bags. Federated Co-Op matched the proceeds from the sales for a total donation of $160,000. Taking their dedication to the cause further on March 7, 2013, FCL also participated in the Foundation’s Get Pink’d program tipping their total contribution to over $200,000. A strong corporate partner, Vic Huard from Federated
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Co-operative Limited knows the impact programs like Drink Pink has on the breast cancer community. “Drink Pink isn’t just about selling coffee or buying pink slippers – it’s about making a difference and caring about causes that matter to individual co-op members and customers, their families and our communities. Working together, we are making a difference for so many people in the communities we operate in and showing our support for a future without breast cancer.” – Vic Huard, Vice-President Corporate Affairs, Federated Cooperative Limited.
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
CHOO-IT Craig’s High Octane Oatmeal Driven by his mother’s cancer diagnosis, Craig Campbell designed his High Octane Oatmeal as a way to provide healthy meals for him and his family. The Saskatoon native researched the healing properties of natural foods, to create the recipe for this wonderful product and soon many more. Unfortunately Craig’s mother, Sally, lost her battle with cancer several years after her diagnosis. Donating $1 from every sale of CHOO-IT to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Craig and his family have become strong supporters of the Foundation in his mother’s honour. “The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation excels at changing the perspective of the people dealing with cancer, and this alone is a victory. I have witnessed in their eyes the fear disappearing and strength and pride taking place; turning their lives around and
enjoying every moment we have whether with cancer or not. This is a perspective we all should live by and one I proudly support and the reason why I give back.” – Craig Campbell, President/Designer, CHOO-IT, Craig’s High Octane Oatmeal
Building Hope Connected to the Foundation through PinkWood™, long-standing Manitoba homebuilder Maric Homes was behind the first Pink House in Winnipeg. In support of the breast cancer community, Maric Homes donated 10% of the sale of the first Pink House to the Foundation and made a corporate donation of $5,000. Not stopping there, the philanthropic homebuilder reached out to their corporate partner to match their donation, raising an additional $10,000 for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. “Fighting breast cancer is a responsibility we all carry – Maric Homes was humbled by the support our partners showed, and proud that we were able to help in some small way.” – Dan Rolfe, President, Maric Homes.
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Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane? No! It’s the Phoenix Heli-Flight pink ribbon helicopter! One of the Foundation’s newest cause marketing partners, the Fort McMurray-based company donated a portion of the revenue from every hour flown by the pink ‘copter. Over $32,000 was raised in the first year of flight. Phoenix’s
impressive breast cancer helicopter is a favorite of international oil companies and has flown executives, politicians and dignitaries from around the globe. “It’s great to make a difference for a cause that has affected people we know and care about. We hope the pink helicopter reminds us all that although advancements are reaching new heights, we still need to work at creating a future without breast cancer.” – Paul Spring, President & CEO, Phoenix Heli-Flight
CAUSE MARKETING PARTNERS
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CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
DOLLARS RAISED
I feel that I have been given a second chance in life: a second chance to spend time with my family and friends, a second chance to make plans for the future. – Tammy Pettitt, 13 year survivor
Third Party Events Various individuals, groups and organizations host a variety of fund and awareness raising events throughout the year. The efforts achieved through these events helps us continue our investment in creating a future without breast cancer.
See Jane Tri for the Cure Regina is a mid-sized city that truly has a small-town feel. You will be hard-pressed to walk down the street and not be greeted by a friendly smile from complete strangers. People are always taking the time to stop and chat to a friend, acquaintance or neighbour, despite their busy schedules. The southern Saskatchewan city is also a community where generosity and eagerness to support one another knows no boundaries.
“We have all been touched by cancer in some way. I truly believe that progress is being made and the success we have with See Jane Tri is my way of helping to find an end to this disease!”
See Jane Tri for the Cure is one of the many Regina-based events that benefits from the strong community spirit. “We see 200 women participate, all for their own reasons,” says event volunteer Laura Englund. “Whether it is to complete their first triathlon; kick start a healthy life style; supporting a loved one touched by breast cancer; or a breast cancer survivor honouring their journey, the day really enraptures a strong, supportive spirit.” A women’s only, beginner level triathlon, See Jane Tri for a Cure is hosted by the Regina Multisport Club. Originating in 2005, the popular sporting event officially became See Jane Tri for a Cure in 2007. To date the event has raised over $38,000 for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. But to Laura Englund, the event is so much more than a fundraiser. “There is so much camaraderie and spirit on race day. Everyone cheering for each other and having so much pride when they and their fellow triathletes cross that finish line is truly inspiring. The race means so many different things to so many different people. It is very hard not to shed a tear on race day!” The future is bright for this event. With the success continuing to grow every year, Laura hopes her goal of raising over $100,000 for the breast cancer cause is just around the corner. Partnering this goal with her personal connections to the cause, Laura is motivated to see a future without breast cancer.
Photo credit: Paul Cutting Photography
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Jenny Williston Brave the Shave When Jenny Williston decided to Brave the Shave™, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Thanks to the full support of her GWL Reality Advisors’ colleagues and a prime spot in downtown Calgary for a silent auction, she was able to fundraise over $8,000 to help create a future without breast cancer, quadrupling her original fundraising goal of $2,000. Following in her sister’s footsteps, who has Braved the Shave twice, the Calgary native decided to take part in this awareness and fundraising event in honour of a colleague who is going through breast cancer treatment. “I wanted to do my part to be there for my co-worker, showing her she is not alone and that her work family will always be there, helping her along the way,” says Jenny. On the big day, she drew strength during the shave by watching her co-worker light up with emotion at the gesture. Happy with her short new do, Jenny encourages others to take part in the Foundation’s Brave the Shave in support of survivors everywhere. “It’s a wonderful thing to do, for a friend, family; you don’t even have to know someone to do it,” she says. “And If you’re worried about what you’re going to look like after – as I know I was – don’t.”
NUMBER EVENTS BY PROVINCE
245
“If it matters to you, do something about it. If you don’t, NOTHING will happen.”
85
70
TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED
36
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
Bikinis for Breast Cancer Local skiers say good-bye to snowsuits and hello to “Bikinis for Breast Cancer” Since 2009 the warm spring weather that marks the end of ski season has also meant the return of Bikinis for Breast Cancer, a hotly anticipated fundraiser held each year in Lake Louise, Alberta. Led by event organizer, Karen Guidos, these snow bunnies don bikini tops and proudly – and dramatically – ski down the hill each year in an ‘s’ formation to raise awareness and funds on behalf of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/ NWT Region.
“This event allows me to really make a difference and to help increase the awareness about breast cancer with younger girls and boys; I’ve had so many of my male friends who did not really understand this disease want to help out and be part of the event.” Year after year, participants bring a special energy to the days’ festivities and to their fundraising; they’re unstoppable. The women spend the better part of the afternoon canvassing the crowd for donations, filling bucket after bucket with cash. Having lost her father, grandmother and a close friend to cancer, Karen is committed to her fundraising efforts and hopes to grow Bikinis for Breast Cancer into a large scale event held in locations around the globe. In fact, she’s already held a similar event in New Zealand with proceeds donated to a local organization.
“I love the mountains and being with my girlfriends,” says Karen. “I thought this would be an amazing spring event that brings us all together.” In 2012, the event welcomed an impressive sixty participants who collected a grand total of $38,501, much of it from other skiers out enjoying their final days in the mountains before the change in season.
With her own personal losses driving her fundraising efforts, Karen is committed to the event and to creating a future without breast cancer on behalf of women – and men – who’ve been touched by the disease. “I know I cannot save the world but I do know that what I am doing is helping the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation research and bring us closer each day to finding a cure.”
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The idea was born when the team rallied around one of their members and their coach – a father and daughter tandem – and their memory of a loved one who they lost to the disease five years prior. Seeing campus interest rise year after year, the NAIT Ooks Student Athlete Council looked at 2012 as an opportunity to really expand the event.
NAIT Ooks Athletic Department Every year since 2010, the women’s basketball team at Edmonton’s Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has dedicated one weekend of regular season play to honouring those touched by breast cancer.
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“Every year since we first hosted the inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend, we have seen the popularity grow and grow,” says Josh Boyd, head of promotions and sports clubs for the Department of Athletics and Recreation. “As a way to incorporate more of our student athlete body, we thought it would be a great idea to expand the event to include all of our Ooks athletic clubs, men’s and women’s teams.” The idea proved to be a massive success, with the teams raising over $9,000 for vital breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. The 2012/2013 campaign brings their four-year fundraising total to just over $12,000. “The Ooks Student Athlete Council demonstrated the impact a group of young people can make when they are passionate about a cause,” says Sylvie Keane, Development Officer for the Foundation. “The difference they’ve made in their own community by not only raising money, but bringing awareness to the disease and promoting our early detection messages can potentially save someone’s life.”
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
Bustin’ Loose Race to End Breast Cancer “When I hear that a little boy or girl has lost their mother to breast cancer, my heart truly breaks.” It’s for that reason Shelley Acheson and a group of incredible individuals have been hosting Bustin’ Loose Race to End Breast Cancer in Medicine Hat for the past seven years. With 150 participants raising $16,000 at the inaugural event, Bustin’ Loose has seen a steady incline in participation year after year. In 2012, 880 individuals gathered at Strathcona Island Park and raised an unprecedented $144,756 for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs.
“Had a blast! Can’t wait for next year!” comments one participant on the event’s webpage. Another echoes their sentiments as they look forward to future events. “What an awesome day...already thinking of what we can develop for our costumes next year!” The positive feedback and overall atmosphere of the event motivates Shelley and her team to continue to raise the bar every year. “The uplifting, positive spirit of the day is extremely contagious. To see the joy on everyone’s face, knowing they are making a difference in their community is incredible,” she says. “We can’t wait for next year’s event; we would love to have over 1,000 participants racing to end breast cancer.” Of course Shelley would also love to see her event help make the vision of a future without breast cancer a reality. “I would love it if our event could one day be called ‘Bustin’ Loose Race that Ended Breast Cancer’!”
“We are truly humbled by events like Bustin’ Loose and by people like Shelley who dedicate so much of their time to our vision,” says Foundation Development Officer, Laura Reynolds, “Since 2006 this event has surpassed $500,000! These funds allow us to continually invest in some of the best and brightest minds in breast cancer research.” Tailoring to any level of runner, the event has a 3km, 5km and 10km course. Prizes are awarded to fastest times, top fundraisers and best costumes.
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Getting Pink’D with Sunrise Credit Union Small communities make a big difference “We believe that a mother should have a chance to see her child get married or have their first baby. A daughter should not have to be missed by her parents or siblings.” For the staff at Sunrise Credit Union, supporting the local communities where they do business is a top priority and helping women thrive without the weight
of a breast cancer diagnosis on their shoulders is a rallying point for their recent fundraising. On March 7, 2013, they joined local businesses across the country showing off their ‘pink side’ by donning their best pink clothes and accessories for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s nation-wide Get Pink’d Day. Participating companies held in-store fundraisers and purchased $5 buttons from the Foundation to raise money in support of the breast cancer cause. Small businesses and large companies alike signed up throughout the Prairie Provinces, amongst them nine Sunrise Credit Union branches throughout Manitoba who together collected $7,274.61 to help create a future without breast cancer. “A grandmother holds the key to the past and should have the opportunity to share her family’s legacy with her grandchildren,” says Terri Roulette McCartney, Sunrise Credit Union Marketing Manager.
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“Get Pink’d provided us the opportunity to not only raise necessary funds for continued research but to demonstrate our support for those affected.” By simply throwing open their doors to the community and declaring their support for the breast cancer cause, they were able to fundraise much needed donor dollars, as well as raise awareness on
breast cancer, breast health and risk reduction. The donations – generously collected by staff at different branches – were quickly put to work supporting research and community health projects. For the more than 23,800 Canadian women and men who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year – and for the tens of thousands more whose lives are turned upside down by the diagnosis of someone they care about – the support shown by communitybased organizations like Sunrise Credit Unions is a truly powerful gesture. But for them, supporting local women and their families was an easy decision. “Most of us have a story to share about someone we know that has been affected by breast cancer,” says Terri. “A future without breast cancer means that more women have to opportunity to fulfill their greatest desires; to be more, do more, give more, have more.”
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
PARTICIPATING GET PINK’D PARTNERS:
Alberta Bayshore Home Health The Dentists @ Northgate Anatomic Pathology, University of Alberta (Dr. Judith Hugh) Strathcona Orthodontics Tawa Centre Medical Imaging Boisvert Law Group Prairie Villa Insurance Richardson GMP Ltd. Prairie Villa Insurance Richardson GMP LTD. ATB Edson Conoco Phillips Edson Community Learning Center Scotia Bank
Hartney Sunrise Credit Union Boissevain Sunrise Credit Union Stalker Financial Group
X Ray Clinic Northgate
Marsh Canada Ltd.
photoFabulous Concorde Entertainment Group Fierce Girl Fitness
David Aplin Group Microsoft FWS Group of Companies
Jayman MasterBUILT Spalding Hardware
Saskatchewan
DLBH LLP – Barely Legal
Fortis Engineering & Manufacturing Inc.
Pivotal Projects
Triple 4 Advertising Regina Public Schools
Manitoba Reston Branch Sunrise Credit Union Melita Branch Sunrise Credit Union Waskade Sunrise Credit Union Cypress River Sunrise Credit Union
Regency Advisory Corp Sask Workers Compensation Board Sasktel SUNTEP
Virden Sunrise Credit Union
Regional
Treherne Sunrise Credit Union
Federated Co-Operatives Limited
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24 YAC EVENTS & 2 SYMPOSIUMS
35 MEETINGS
3 UNIVERSITY GROUPS
3500 – NUMBER OF BREAST HEALTH INFO DISTRIBUTED (INDIVIDUAL PIECES)
141 VOLUNTEERS
Youth Advisory Council The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of dedicated young people who have a passion for raising awareness about breast health in their schools, on their campuses and in their communities. This group of young leaders interact and engage with each other to develop the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s youth-oriented programs.
Students Found First YAC Group in the Keystone Province Led by a bright, dedicated woman, the inaugural University of Manitoba YAC group grew from one member to seventeen in a single year and was able to register as an official student group this fall. Jovana Djordjevic, the group President and Founder, is a committed volunteer and – with a breast cancer survivor in her family – was inspired to launch the group as a way to give back.
A First Time for Everything This year, students at the Harry Ainlay High School were proud to found the first ever Youth Advisory Council high school group. Led by Yue Song, an outstanding young leader in the Edmonton community, the team grew from five to more than thirty members in a short period. The dedicated students hosted both recruitment and awareness events in their first year and have a full slate of plans underway for the 2013/2014 school year.
Local Teens Make a Big Impact Four members of the Regional Youth Advisory Council in Fort McMurray went above and beyond this year to raise awareness and much needed funds to help create a future without breast cancer. They spent a whole weekend at a local grocery store – Extra Foods – bagging groceries, collecting over $1,000 in donations. The team also distributed over 200 breast health pamphlets throughout the community and even carried their breast health awareness work throughout the summer break.
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Batting Against Breast Cancer™ Batting Against Breast Cancer is a family-friendly, community-led slo-pitch tournament in support of the Foundation. Taking place in five locations across the Prairies/NWT Region, this annual event is a fun way to take a swing at breast cancer by building awareness and fundraising for the cause.
BATTING AGAINST BREAST CANCER™: BY THE NUMBERS
TOTAL RAISED
$398,696
EDMONTON – $155,218 WINNIPEG – $85,052 CALGARY – $75,062 REGINA – $52,364 GRAND PRAIRIE – $31,000* *2012 NEW SITE.
An Unforgettable Moment Sitting on a chair surrounded by friends, family and strangers, Dionne Macyk waits for her hairdresser to arrive to cap off what has been an eventful two days. In the crowd are Dionne’s husband Paul and the other members of team Massive Heart, who were participating in their fourth consecutive Batting Against Breast Cancer™ slo-pitch tournament.
One year later, Dionne is staying true to her word.
As Dionne anxiously awaits her hairdresser’s arrival, she reflects on an idea born a year prior.
Joining Edmonton’s annual Batting Against Breast Cancer event in 2009 at the request of another team – Team B.Rest – Dionne and Paul were excited to add another slo-pitch tournament to their summer repertoire.
“At the time, a friend of mine was just starting to get her hair back after her chemo. I promised her that at the 2012 tournament I would shave my head so I could look just as beautiful as she did.”
“Once we started putting together our team we realized we know a fair amount of people affected by breast cancer,” says Paul “Two of our teammates have family members who are currently in remission and
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we have two female members on our team who have gone through breast cancer treatment themselves.” Dionne’s dedication to honour her friend was contagious amongst team Massive Heart and when she approached another teammate and long-time friend to shave his head with her, he jumped at the chance. “Blaine has had long hair for as long as I can remember,” says Dionne. “We made a pact right there that if we were both able to raise $3,000 before the 2012 tournament, we would go through with it.” On Saturday morning Blaine arrived at the ball diamonds with his $3,000 in hand and before the day was out, they all said good-bye to his long locks. Just $800 short of her goal, Dionne wasn’t about to give up. During their last game on the Saturday, she came up with an idea and ran off the field – during the game – and appealed to the DJ, asking him to help her rally the tournament participants to fundraise what was left of her goal. By the time Massive Heart finished their game, the final $800 was in hand and Dionne was ready to Brave the Shave the next day.
anticipation. In one quick move, the first strip of hair is shaved all the way down to her scalp. Again, the crowd erupts. Then, something truly incredible happens. As the tensions begin to decline and the casual chatter in the crowd picks up again, a young child, roughly four years old timidly walks up to Dionne and hands her a $20 bill. The crowd goes absolutely silent again, this time caught by a moment of happiness and pure emotion. One by one, other participants walk up and put money into Dionne’s hands. Not a dry eye to be found at the ball diamond, everyone takes a moment to reflect on why they were gathered there in the first place - to help create a future without breast cancer. “To see people crying out of gratitude and walking up to Dionne - some of them complete strangers - and thanking her for her gesture was something I will never forget,” reflects Paul. “I still think about it often and feel very honoured to have been a part of it.”
Paul, unquestionably a loving husband, was a little hesitant to see his wife shave off her hair. “That morning Paul offered to donate $1,500 for me to not shave my head!” says Dionne, “But wanting to stick to my promise, I said no.” She sat alone in the chair as the entire tournament paused to watch her go through with her promise. By this time everyone at the ball diamond knew the back story and began shouting encouraging words to a visibly nervous Dionne. Her hairdresser arrives on site. Anxious and emotional, nervous tears ran down both of their faces. First step: cutting off the length to make the shave easier. With a few snips of the scissors, Dionne receives the most drastic hair cut of her life. The crowd breaks into cheers of support. Second step: shaving off the remaining hair. As the buzz of the razor starts up, the crowd goes quiet in
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CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
For Dionne, one moment sticks out to her more than others. “When Paul walked up and made a donation as I was getting my head shaved it showed me that he really cared and understood why I wanted to stay true to my promise to our beloved friend.” Paul and Dionne’s story embodies everything that makes the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Batting Against Breast Cancer tournament special; proof of the powerful impact a group of caring individuals can truly have. Together, between the Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Regina and Winnipeg events, the 2012 tournaments raised over $398,000 for vital and innovative breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. An achievement made possible by people like Paul and Dionne Macyk who share in the Foundation’s vision of creating a future without breast cancer “We’ve had a lot of people in our lives who have been affected by breast cancer and every little bit we can do to help means everything to us,” they said. “These people are by far the strongest individuals we have ever met and we will always support those close to our hearts. To be able to play a role in funding research
that could make a future without breast cancer a reality is a true tribute to all our loved ones who are touched by the disease.”
CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/13 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
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National Sources of Revenue The success of the Foundation is a direct result of the generousity of our donors, sponsors and volunteers. Every dollar makes a real difference. This page illustrates the national sources of revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.
9.23%
$29,592,935 CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE
5.72%
$11,979,291 INDIVIDUAL/ CORPORATE GIFTS
24.51%
$4,511,825 FUNDRAISING EVENTS
60.
TOTAL NATIONAL REVENUE
$48,883,454
54%
$2,799,403 OTHER *These reports reflect the revenue, allocations and expenses for the Foundation accross Canada. For a complete audited financial statement, please contact Finance and Operations at 1.800.561.6111 or download a copy online at www.cbcf.org.
National Allocations & Expenses The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation funds important and innovative initiatives in breast cancer research, and education programs. This page illustrates national allocations and expenses for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.
ALLOCATIONS & EXPENSES 04/01/2012 TO 03/31/2013
$29,401,393 TOTAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS & CHARITABLE INITIATIVES $17,176,488 TOTAL FUND DEVELOPMENT $6,470,007 TOTAL ADMINISTRATION
Regional Offices Edmonton 700 – 10665 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 Tel: 780-452-1166 Fax: 780-451-6554 Toll Free: 1-866-302-2223 Calgary 300 – 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 Saskatoon 2 – 1124 – 8 Street East Saskatoon, SK S7H 0S4 Tel: 1-866-302-2223
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CANADI AN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION – PR A IR IES/NW T REGION 2012/2013 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
2012/2013 Report to The Community