Alberta Cancer Foundation

🚨 Attention, followers! 🚨

We need your help! In just one week, we'll be saying goodbye to this page. But fear not, because we're not going anywhere! If you want to stay in the loop and continue supporting the Alberta Cancer Foundation, make sure to follow us on our new page, The Alberta Cancer Foundation before March 20th.

Your continued support means the world to us, and we can't wait to embark on this new journey with you.

"My journey with cancer, of course, started unexpectedly."

Edmontonian Arthur Mathias is a marine biologist, a visual artist and father of two. He was only 36 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2023. Describing his cancer journey, Arthur reflects, "It’s been a journey of adjustments. A lot of my habits changed. I had to stop recreational activities I used to do, I had to stop work and reassess a hand full of priorities, and activities I had planned for my future and my kids’ future.”

During treatment at the Cross Cancer Institute, Arthur witnessed firsthand the impact of donations on cancer patients. From supporting clinical trials to providing chemo patients with warm blankets and recliners, donors who give to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, reach all cancer patients and cancer centers in the province. "What I used to see in commercials during the Oilers’ hockey games, I was now on the other side, experiencing the support and care that comes from folks who give," says Arthur.

Inspired to make a difference, Arthur decided to fundraise for the Foundation, emphasizing, "As a scientist myself, I know the importance of research to generate reliable data and information. If we all do our part, we can make a big difference. I believe that if you help someone who is in the same situation as you, you are also helping yourself."

In December, he raised $5,000. Taking advantage of our year-end match, this translated into a remarkable $15,000. Expressing his gratitude, Arthur says, "I can't thank all those who supported my fundraiser enough. Donations poured in from around the world, leaving me truly surprised. And I'm so grateful to Basecamp Resorts and the anonymous donor who were able to triple my donation. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

- Arthur Mathais

Kirstie Suderman has always been active. For years, she used cross-country skiing, hiking and biking to combat stress and connect with family and friends. This love of movement led to her earning a kinesiology undergraduate degree in 2011 from the University of Alberta (U of A), and, in 2012, she was accepted into the Master of Physical Therapy program at the U of A. ⁠
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But then, life took a turn. ⁠
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Suderman was training for a triathlon when she developed a deep vein thrombosis in her left leg. She had to undergo two years of rehabilitation to restore nerve function and re-learn to walk. But this challenging experience inspired her to advocate for the needs of patients. ⁠
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Today, Suderman is a physical therapist and researcher in cancer exercise and rehab. Through her research, she has explored the benefits of exercise in cancer recovery and the barriers patients face when it comes to participating in exercise. ⁠
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Learn more about her journey: https://albertacancer.ca/leap-magazine/bright-mind-dr-kirstie-suderman/
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Our new page has been sharing an incredible story this month about the impact your donor dollars make! Make sure to give us a follow and like our new page at The Alberta Cancer Foundation! See you there!

Your support. Their lifeline.

Deirdra's world shifted when her beloved husband, Michael, faced a daunting cancer diagnosis.

When Michael's treatment required him to be at Foothills Hospital in Calgary for seven months, Deirdra felt the weight of their distance and growing financial stress each day.

With Deirdra living two hours away in Duchess, Alberta, and with medical expenses mounting, their worries deepened. That's when they turned to our Patient Financial Assistance Program.

Thanks to donors like you, Deirdra could make the two-hour travel to be by Michael's side when he needed it most.

You can make this possible for more Albertans facing cancer. Donate today and watch your impact double, with all contributions matched up to $200,000 until February 29th.

Donate today: https://www.albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/

Follow our new page at The Alberta Cancer Foundation to ensure you're getting the latest updates on your impact in cancer research, treatment and care in Alberta!🔔

Game-changing news alert!📢 Yesterday, we unveiled the first recipients of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Game Changer Fund!

Launched in May of 2023 as part of our We Cross Cancer campaign, our Game Changer Fund is fostering collaboration between researchers and frontline clinicians. Through this project, we're propelling breakthrough innovations that defy the bounds of conventional funding and will impact the cancer system for generations to come.

Thanks to incredible donors like you, we secured a remarkable $5 million investment dedicated to fueling groundbreaking research. Four Edmonton-based research teams are set to receive up to $1.25 million each to take their research to the next level!

All women-lead (coincidentally), these teams are all completely diverse in their stage of career, projects and the type of cancer being researched, adding to a unique perspective and outside-the-box approach to problem-solving.

Meet the Game Changers!

Dr. Vickie Baracos - This Game Changer team will advance our understanding of the effects and impacts of cachexia – seeking to use novel and innovative imaging, pharmacokinetic and data driven approaches to customize treatment for better outcomes.

Dr. Roseline Godbout - This Game Changer team will bring together a diverse team of researchers and clinicians dedicated to finding novel approaches to tackling metastatic prostate cancer – ultimately seeking a better way of diagnosing and treating the disease.

Dr. Ing Swie Goping – This Game Changer team will establish a multi-dimensional platform for matched breast cancer tumors and avatars of these tumors called organoids. The tumors and organoids will be deeply analyzed by her team to begin to predict whether a patient will respond to a particular treatment.

Dr. Kristi Baker – This Game Changer team will bring a multiplex imaging platform to the University of Alberta. This instrument will allow her team to examine patient samples from early and late-stage cancers to identify the differences in the tumor immune response.

Plans are underway to expand the Game Changer Fund to other parts of the province. Make sure to stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Make sure to follow our NEW page at The Alberta Cancer Foundation for your chance to DOUBLE your impact this !

See you there!

📆 SAVE THE DATE! On February 4, World Cancer Day, join us in supporting our Patient Financial Assistance Program, helping provide financial relief for eligible Albertans facing cancer.
Because cancer doesn't care if patients can't make ends meet. But we do.

You will have the opportunity to DOUBLE your impact thanks to an anonymous donor matching all donations up to $200,000 until February 29!

Join us as we share a heartwarming story about the impact of the Patient Financial Assistance Program on the life of a local man facing cancer.

See you then!

A tale of two survivors. An unlikely connection turned into an unbreakable bond.

Tyra Langille was only 25 when she was faced with a stage 2 oral cancer diagnosis. Tyra's advocacy for oral cancer patients in Alberta would lead her to a life-long and unexpected friendship.

"Tyra mentioned that, as she was going through her ordeal, she felt very alone, considering she knew no one in Alberta (or even Canada) that had a similar experience to share. Now she does." - Rick Campbell

Rick Campbell was diagnosed with the same cancer as Tyra when he was 19, 40 years ago. While driving to work, Rick heard Tyra over the radio talking about her cancer journey.

Rick reached out to us at the Alberta Cancer Foundation in hopes of connecting with her. Their meeting, filled with shared experiences and laughter, became a transformative moment, highlighting the resilience found in unlikely connections.

"Because of the Foundation, I have gained a new friend that understands me on a different level." - Tyra Langille

Read their full journey in our LEAP Magazine: https://myleapmagazine.ca/2023/10/18/a-tale-of-two-survivors/

RESEARCH ROCKSTAR, Dr. Mona Shafey is offering hope for Alberta patients with lymphoma, leukemia and other blood cancers.

In 2007, when Dr. Mona Shafey was a first-year hematology resident in Ottawa, she watched her instructor tell a cancer patient that he was in complete remission after his treatment. The patient was so happy he bear-hugged the physician right off her feet.

It was in that moment that Shafey knew she wanted to work with cancer patients.

“Observing the patient’s reaction to that news, I said, ‘I want to be able to do that.’”

Now, Shafey is living in Calgary and doing all she can to offer hope to patients with lymphoma, leukemia and other blood cancers.

Recently, we sat down with Dr. Shafey for our LEAP Magazine and she opened up about the incredible cancer research she is conducting in Alberta, thanks to donors like you!

Read more about Dr. Shafey's work in her full feature in LEAP: https://myleapmagazine.ca/2023/10/18/research-rockstar-dr-mona-shafey/

Did you know? These four cancers account for 50 per cent of all new cancer cases in Alberta.

In 2024, 23,000 Albertans are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis and these four cancer types will account for most of these.

Despite these statistics, your support is making a difference.

Your support means Albertans facing cancer can access leading-edge cancer treatments and care. It means improved outcomes.

Curious about your impact? Dive deeper into our LEAP Magazine: https://myleapmagazine.ca/2023/10/18/the-four-most-common-cancers-in-alberta/

At midnight today, the triple matching gift offer by Basecamp Resorts and our anonymous donor expires!⁠
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We are 95% of the way to our $300,000 goal for this campaign, and with your help, we can hit that mark.⁠
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TRIPLE your impact and help us create more moments - more holidays - for Albertans facing cancer, like Mike.⁠
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Please donate today: https://albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/
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24 HOURS LEFT! You still have time to TRIPLE your impact in support of Albertans facing cancer, like Mike!⁠
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At midnight tomorrow, the matching gift offer from Basecamp Resorts and our anonymous donor expires.⁠
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Take your gift three times as far: https://albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/
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24 HOURS LEFT! You still have time to DOUBLE your impact in support of Albertans facing cancer, like Mike!

At midnight tomorrow, the matching gift offer from Basecamp Resorts expires.

Please give generously. Donate now: https://albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/

From all of us at the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we send you warm holiday wishes and heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support this year.

Together, we've sparked hope and are creating more moments for Albertans facing cancer.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

📢 BREAKING NEWS! Your generosity will now be TRIPLED!

An anonymous donor was so moved by Mike's inspiring story and the $30,000 match by Basecamp Resorts that they have offered ANOTHER MATCH!

If you give now, you will triple your impact in creating more moments - more holidays - for Albertans facing cancer.

Donate before December 31 and take your donation three times as far!

Please give generously: https://albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/

Mike's tumor had grown, and radiation was not effective in shrinking it. But there was one last hope.

Mike was a candidate for a clinical trial - an innovative Alberta-made cancer treatment made possible by Alberta Cancer Foundation donors.

This treatment was the final option and loomed large in Mike's mind.

Mike is a great reminder of why your donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation matter. This treatment was made possible thanks to donors like you. In Alberta, every single cancer clinical trial is funded by donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

By making a gift today - big or small - you will help bring the life-saving treatments of tomorrow to patients who need them today.

Donate before December 31st and have your donation MATCHED up to $30,000 from our friends at Basecamp Resorts!⁠
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Double your impact. Please give generously: https://www.albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/

Act now for DOUBLE the impact!

Until December 31, your donation has TWICE the power thanks to Basecamp Resorts, matching contributions up to $30,000. Give more moments - more holidays - to the 23,000 Albertans who will face a cancer diagnosis this year.

Double your impact. Donate today: https://albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/

The Cross Cancer Institute provided a soft place to land during a very turbulent journey for Mike.

Being switched on to radiation treatment after 83 rounds of ineffective chemotherapy felt like a never-ending nightmare to Mike. However, the steady rhythm and genuine care from the staff and doctors at the Cross made all the difference.

“I received amazing treatment and care at the Cross. The doctors, nurses and staff treated me with such level of care and kindness, I will forever be grateful for.”⁠ - Mike

Facing cancer is much more than just the diagnosis, it is the moments in between. When you support the Alberta Cancer Foundation, you ensure that all cancer centres across our province can provide life-changing care.

Until December 31, you can make DOUBLE the impact with a match from Basecamp Resorts sorts up to $30,000. Please give generously.

Learn more about Mike’s story: https://albertacancer.ca/blog/mike-zurawell/

After 9 long months of grueling treatment, all Mike wanted was to feel normal again.

In hopes of doing so, he and his family set off on a sunny vacation to Mexico. Together, they enjoyed the blue skies, sand beaches and uninterrupted family time.

However, deep down they worried about the chemotherapy scan results awaiting them when they got back to Alberta.

Sadly, the news they received was the opposite of what they hoped for.

The 83 rounds of chemotherapy did not work...

Mike was at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton when he faced fear like he never has before.

A fear of the unknown. A fear of what tomorrow may or may not bring. A fear that cancer is well-known to foster in a patient's mind.

Amidst this uncertainty, support from donors like you provides a beacon of hope. Your generosity helps advance cancer treatment, research and care in Alberta, bettering cancer outcomes for more patients and their families.

This holiday season, give more moments to Albertans facing cancer and take your impact TWICE as far with a $30,000 match from our friends at Basecamp Resorts.

Every donation counts. Click the link to donate: https://www.albertacancer.ca/more-moments-sm/

Mike Zurawell was your everyday Albertan. He led a quintessential life, with family vacations, weekly hockey games and golf rounds, coaching both volleyball and hockey and savouring evenings and weekends by the lake with friends.

As a father to three beautiful children, Ethan, Brooke, and Rory, Mike embodied a profound role - he was their coach, their mentor, and their biggest cheerleader.

“We did spartan races, obstacle course races, sinister races as a family or with friends.” He wanted, more than anything, to be a strong role model for his children.

Mike was also all about the simple pleasures in life. He lived for spending time with his loved ones and prioritized making the most out of the moments they shared together.

Tragically, everything changed in November 2022.

“We were living as normal of a life as possible. Our world was completely turned upside down when I was told, ‘you have cancer.’”

The We Cross Cancer Apparel is back for the holidays! All proceeds from the collection will go towards the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of urgent priority needs, cancer research, and patient experience. Get your merch today: https://thebrandedgood.com/collections/we-cross-cancer

It’s and guess what, the We Cross Cancer collection is back!! 🥳🥳

We live in a world where half of us will get cancer, but all of us will live with it. No matter how you look at it, we are all impacted by cancer. We believe that no one should have to face cancer alone.

This collection launched last year and was a huge success! In fact, we have been asked by many when and where this collection would be available again. We’ll you asked, and we’ve answered! With only a limited quantity available, this will be your last chance to get your hands on this apparel.

As usual, 100% of net profits will be donated to in support of priority needs, cancer research, and patient experience.

Purchase link in profile.

Transformative $25 Million donation to the Arthur Child promises a new future for cancer care!

We are thrilled to announce a $25 million donation from the Riddell family in support of groundbreaking cancer immunotherapy research and biomanufacturing at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

This transformative gift will establish the Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, enabling researchers and clinicians at the Arthur Child, the University of Calgary and the Alberta Children's Hospital to usher in a remarkable new era in cancer care for Albertans. More importantly, it will bring hope and healing to children, adolescents and adults facing a devastating cancer diagnosis.

How does immunotherapy work? Our bodies are equipped with a remarkable defense system—the immune system—that acts as a force field protecting us from dangerous germs and diseased cells, including cancer. But that defense system isn’t always effective. This is where immunotherapy comes in—a cutting-edge treatment that boosts the body’s natural defenses to locate, attack, and kill cancer cells.

Thanks to the support of generous donors like the Riddell family, Calgary will soon be home to one of the best cancer centres in the world.