$1 million donation backs pediatric cancer research

Research and improved clinical care have lead to steadily improving survival rates for children diagnosed with cancer, say pediatric oncologists

TORONTO/EDMONTON – One of Canada’s major national charities committed to fighting childhood cancer has awarded the largest-ever grant, $ 1 million, to a national research network dedicated to encouraging, fostering and funding multi-centre research on cancer and blood disorders in children and adolescents in Canada.

“The funding from the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation is a strong affirmation of the work we do,” said pediatric oncologist Dr. Paul Grundy, chair of the C¹⁷ Council, a non-profit organization composed of the directors of the children’s cancer, blood disorders and transplant programs across Canada.

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation spokesperson Jeff Rushton said that over the past three years, over $4 million has been raised through the annual “Sears National Kids Cancer Ride”, a cross-country cycling adventure supporting the fight against childhood cancer. “The work that C¹⁷ conducts across the country is making a real difference in the lives and outcomes of children with cancer,” said Rushton. “We’re pleased to be a major backer of their work.”

Since 2005, the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation has raised over $14 million dollars through all their events. Last year donations to research, children’s cancer charities and local support programs at hospitals across Canada totaled $4.7 million dollars.

About 1,200 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in Canada each year; while several thousand children receive ongoing treatment in cancer centres across Canada every year. Survival rates for children diagnosed with cancer have steadily increased; the 5-year survival rate for children now stands at 82%, higher than survival rates for adults. Cancer remains the leading cause of non-accidental death of children, excluding new-borns, in Canada.

“Ongoing research and the development of new clinical treatments have resulted in these remarkable improvements,” says Dr. Grundy. “We’re also dedicated to improving the long term effects of treatments that can impact the quality of life of children that survive cancer.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Jeff Rushton

Founder, Chair and Passionate Volunteer

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation

jeff.rushton@ctcacf.org

416-797-5700 (cell)

Paul Grundy, MD

Chair, C¹⁷ Council

paul.grundy@albertahealthservices.ca

780-407-3760 (direct line)

780-884-6505 (cell)

Kathy Brodeur-Robb

Executive Director, C¹⁷ Council

kathy.brodeur-robb@albertahealthservices.ca

780-886-4165 (cell)

780-407-1488 (office)

Val Figliuzzi

Parent of a survivor and Executive Director, Kids With Cancer Society

valf@kidswithcancer.ca

780-496-2459 (office)

780-915-2243 (cell)

http://www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com/

http://www.coasttocoastagainstcancer.org/

http://www.c17.ca/

The C¹⁷ Council is a non-profit organization composed of the institutionally appointed heads of the 16 pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation programs in 17 institutions across Canada. C¹⁷ acts as a voice representing the interests of Canadian children and adolescents with cancer and serious blood disorders. Our goal is to improve health outcomes and quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders, and we have a multi-disciplinary, multi-site, strategy for achieving this goal.

Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable foundation. It is focused on improving the quality of life of children with cancer and their families. The Foundation raises funds by conducting memorable events that encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. In the past five years, over $14 million has been raised through the annual “Sears National Kids Cancer Ride”, the “Tour For Kids” cycling adventure, “The Inside Ride” cycling fund-raising program and other local and regional events. The Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation is volunteer-driven, and commits 100% of their charitable donations to the cause of pediatric oncology. Corporate donations, registration fees and volunteers cover the costs of the events.