Go Beyond Belief for BC Cancer

Island grocers unite in support of early detection for Island patients facing head and neck cancer

BY JENNIFER BLYTH

Seven Island grocers have come together to raise funds for vital equipment that will provide earlier cancer diagnosis and tailored treatment solutions for people here on Vancouver Island.

The Go Beyond Belief campaign will raise much-needed funds to purchase head and neck scopes – diagnostic tools used to assess patients for cancers of the nose, mouth and throat – and help clinicians develop tailored treatment plans.

The scopes provide access to places you can’t usually see, explains William Litchfield, Executive Director, Vancouver Island, for the BC Cancer Foundation.

“Using the scopes, clinicians can tailor treatment with greater precision, monitor how treatment is going, see if there’s anything they need to do, and make sure they’re on the right track,” William says.

The Go Beyond Belief campaign aims to add an additional scope to equip a third treatment room, increasing the number of patients who can be seen, and replace several outdated scopes BC Cancer currently has here on Vancouver Island, improving patient care, William says.

“Every new iteration of the equipment is so much better,” he says. “The more effective the scope, the better understanding the BC Cancer team has of where the tumours are, and how to create a personalized plan.”

How you can help Go Beyond Belief for BC Cancer

Through March 21, Country Grocer shoppers can show their support – and add a little spring colour to their home – with the purchase of a potted cyclamen or gerbera daisy at Country Grocer’s seven Island stores, as well as their newly added four 49th Parallel stores. Fairway Markets, Red Barn Market, Thrifty Foods, The Root Cellar and Tru Value Foods stores are also participating in the program.

For every plant sold, $2.50 will go directly toward purchasing vital equipment for those facing head and neck cancer on Vancouver Island.

“This is just such an exciting project, to have all the grocery partners come together because this is something the community needs. We’re just so grateful for all of these partners,” William says.

With the public’s help, the BC Cancer Foundation can update this vital equipment, ensuring the BC Cancer team has the latest and most effective tools for precision cancer care. Together, we’ll bring leading-edge care and access to patients on the Island, and across the province.

Learn more and support the coalition at bcancerfoundation.com/grocers or call BC Cancer Foundation, Victoria at 250-519-5550.