Canadian Cancer Society facing fundraising challenges for urgent research and patient support
Cancer doesn’t care that COVID-19 has swept through our lives and the health-care system. While this relentless disease affects people we love every day, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) hasn’t stopped helping the additional victims of the pandemic: people battling cancer.
These immunocompromised patients have been doubly vulnerable because they’re fighting their disease while often in isolation. That’s why the organization has deftly pivoted throughout the coronavirus crisis, taking bold actions to continue providing much-needed support services, says the CCS’S CEO, Andrea Seale.
“The pandemic has created so much chaos, and our goal is to come through it stronger and better able to help those facing cancer and fund lifesaving research,” she says. “We can’t fail the people who rely on us.”
RENEWED DETERMINATION IN THE FACE OF TREMENDOUS ADVERSITY
The pandemic means CCS is struggling with the biggest financial challenge in its history. In a year where cancer patients urgently need resources and support, the CCS had to cancel Montreal’s most anticipated fundraising gala, the Daffodil Ball, for the second time since COVID-19 began. Not being able to host this event, which has raised more than $37 million since 1994, required creative thinking.
“This year, we’re pivoting to a Daffodil Ball Corporate Leaders Campaign, asking people, who have always supported us by coming to the ball, to renew their commitment and donate directly to the organization because people still need their help,” says Seale.
RESEARCH THAT SAVES LIVES
One out of two Canadians will get cancer in their lifetimes, and one out of four will die from it. Donor dollars are making a huge impact by supporting groundbreaking research projects funded by the CCS.
“Cancer research is the key to survival, and past investments mean that people are alive today,” says Seale.
About 200 Ccs-funded research projects are underway across Canada, including the newly launched Spark Grants, which is a partnership between the CCS, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Brain Canada.
“This high-risk/high-reward research applies new technologies to cancer prevention and early detection like wearable devices, robotics, and artificial intelligence,” she adds.
At the University of Sherbrooke, Dr. Elijah Van Houten is developing a smart bra that could improve breast cancer screening.
“Breast tumours differ from healthy breast tissue, so this wearable technology would detect that difference earlier. It could be a game-changer that would save many lives,” explains Seale.
At the Université de Montréal, Dr. Pierre Chaurand is mapping steroid levels to look for cancer in various organs.
“Steroid concentrations are very low and hard to detect, but this new technique puts a chemical tag on them so they can be found and measured,” says Seale. “Then, we could detect cancer before it shows up in any other screening technology.”
VIRTUAL HELP FROM COAST TO COAST
The Canadian Cancer Society also advocates tirelessly for people with cancer, so they don’t become collateral damage from the pandemic.
“Our job is to be their voice,” says Seale. “Everyone’s aware of the challenges to our health-care system and the additional vulnerability people living with cancer have. We ensure they get the care they need.”
For patients who cannot always rely on their usual circle of supporters, being socially distant often means being alone. Many patients have also had their care interrupted — cancelled appointments and delayed surgeries have increased anxiety.
“Those postponements have life-and-death consequences. A study done in November found that people whose treatment is delayed by even a month have a 10 per cent higher risk of dying,” says Seale. “We help people cope by offering our toll-free helpline and online forums, so people can connect with us.”
CCS also expanded its wig bank. Instead of providing wigs to cancer patients through its network of community offices, people anywhere in Canada can now access the service online.
“They can learn about our program and be connected with a volunteer who will figure out what’s right for them, and then we’ll ship the wig to them,” explains Seale.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
For patients travelling to Montreal for cancer treatments, the Ccs-funded Jacques-cantin Lodge welcomes them with compassion. More than 8,500 people who left their homes to receive radiation treatments have benefited from this affordable accommodation.
“It’s an amazing place full of people who want to take care of you when you’re going through this terrible time in your life,” Seale explains. “Our volunteers provide meals, rooms, and wonderful programs that help people cope and feel more comfortable so they can focus on getting better. Our volunteer drivers take patients to appointments.”
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
Trailblazing research requires donor dollars.
“Donations make all the difference, because people are living longer with and after cancer,” says Seale. “I hope people will share a digital daffodil on social media. Without our Daffodil Ball revenue this year, we need everyone – especially our corporate leaders – to help us show people going through cancer that they’re not alone.”
To donate, call 1-888-9393333 or visit