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Dear Supporter, |
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The spirit and energy driving The 2006 Weekend to End Breast Cancer (WEBC) benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital are gaining momentum. An amazing number of walkers have signed up for the 4th annual event, and several hundred others have signed on as crew members and volunteers to guarantee we experience another terrific weekend, Sept. 8-10. Of course, this event couldn’t happen without
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Paul Alofs
President & CEO |
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the involvement of many, many other participants – donors, families, friends and neighbours – who are the key to success behind the scenes.
Thanks to your efforts and support in 2005 and previous years, WEBC funds continue to advance breast cancer research and improve clinical care programs at Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada’s leading cancer research hospital.
Highlights of WEBC 2005 support:
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$5 million grant to The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research |
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$2 million for equipment for specialized protein analysis in breast cancer research |
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$500,000 to test new chemotherapy drugs and other combinations in clinical trials |
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$500,000 to provide reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients |
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$400,000 to collect breast cancer data and tumor tissue samples used in research |
My team, The Marilyns, is already hard at work fundraising and training, and we’re delighted to welcome our newest member, Christine Lasky. Earlier this year, she joined The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and is now working closely with all the WEBC organizers. Christine’s family has had a long relationship with PMH, where her mother was a breast cancer survivor for more than 25 years. Be sure to say “Hi!” to Christine when you see her along the route.
For this year’s event, registration for walkers and crew is now closed, but we still need more volunteers. Please encourage your friends and family to find out more at www.endcancer.ca.
I have my own personal story for getting involved and I know that you do, too. Please share your story with us at www.pmhf.ca.
Thank you for your support. Every step and every dollar can Help Conquer Cancer.
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Paul Alofs
President & CEO |
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In this issue: |
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Momentum is building
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Molecule discovered in cancer’s spread Go to ... |
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Meet Krys Moore, Survivorship nurse
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PMH joins provincial breast screening program Go to ... |
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Revamped breast centre almost ready Go to ... |
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Drs. Tak Mak, The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, and Rama Khokha, the Ontario Cancer Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital, have discovered that the molecular switch RhoC is crucial for tumour metastasis – the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.
The researchers found that in subjects lacking RhoC, cancer cells are less likely to spread, as they are smaller, less mobile and fewer in number than cancer cells from normal subjects.
“Notably, the absence of RhoC in subjects does not affect other normal cell functions or immune responses,” says Dr. Mak. “This implies that the RhoC pathway may be a suitable target for cancer therapies.” |
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With more than 20 years’ experience, nurse clinician Krys Moore is a key member of the innovative Breast Cancer Survivorship Program team at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).
“Our aim is to improve each patient’s knowledge and awareness so every individual can make confident decisions throughout her cancer journey, and move forward with courage, control and confidence.” |
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An important part of the program is the lymphedema clinic, where Krys and a multidisciplinary team provide information and support for management of this condition. Cancer survivors with lymphedema – a complication following surgical removal of lymph nodes – are helped with both their physical and psychosocial needs at any point in their cancer journey. The clinic just celebrated its first year and has seen 214 breast cancer survivors.
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Krys Moore, Nurse Clinician
The Breast Cancer Survivorship Program |
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The Survivorship program also facilitates peer support providing an environment where women can meet to share their life stories and treatment experiences. Currently, 25 peer volunteers share their collective wisdom with patients. Survivors are also provided with information about community resources and how to move beyond active treatment and back to their regular life.
Gathering evidence through research is vital to improve program quality and Krys has nine medical students collecting patient feedback to measure successes and areas for improvement. This research will be used to expand the PMH program to include other cancer survivor groups, and also shared with other institutions developing similar programs.
“The program motivates me because of the partnerships involved and the ability to share research, experiences and successes. Learning from others and through each interaction energizes me and what I do.” For more information, www.survivorship.ca.
Check out our new website and share your story at www.pmhf.ca.
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