A message from our national chair

At the beginning of our 75th Anniversary year, I took some time to reflect on how fortunate we are at the Society to have volunteers, staff and donors who are so dedicated to our goal of preventing cancer, saving lives and supporting those living with the disease.

Since 1938, we’ve collaborated with Canadians, government and other organizations to change cancer forever. Today, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, survival was about 25%. We’re proud to have played a significant role in this progress by funding ground-breaking research and providing information and support to Canadians living with the disease. I encourage you to explore our 75th Anniversary website to learn about some of the key people, places and things that have helped us to have more impact, against more cancers, in more communities, than any other cancer charity in Canada.

It is a privilege for me as national chair of the Society’s Board of Directors to work with 140,000 volunteers, 1,200 staff members and over 1.5 million generous donors across the country. Join us in the fight for life by making the Canadian Cancer Society your charity of choice.

While great progress has been made, much work remains to be done. Last year alone, an estimated 186,000 Canadians heard the words, “You’ve got cancer.” Help save the lives of those who mean the most to you by becoming a volunteer or donor today!

Marc Généreux
Chair, Canadian Cancer Society Board of Directors

A message from our local chair

Jason Holowachuk Two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes – it is a devastating disease that affects all of us.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, but was thankfully declared cancer-free once she completed her radiation treatments.

Unfortunately, disaster struck again in 2007 – this time, my mother was diagnosed with an advanced form of an extremely rare cancer. It was so rare, in fact, that it took months and a trip to the Mayo Clinic in the United States to determine that she had a form of biliary cancer, one of the rarest cancers in the world.

My mother’s oncologist and American experts were eventually able to identify a chemotherapy drug that seemed promising as a treatment option – and it was successful for a couple of years. But after about three years of nearly constant chemotherapy, the treatment stopped being effective. My mom lost her battle with cancer in September 2010.

Living that experience with her is the main reason why I volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society today. I wanted to fight back in her honour.

The Society fights back by providing more funding to groundbreaking cancer research across the country than any other national charitable organization in Canada. However, as someone who helped care for a cancer-stricken parent, I know first-hand how important it is to support people affected by this terrible disease. That’s why the Society also fights back by offering practical, emotional and financial support to empower all Canadians living with cancer.

Through this work, the Society has become the most trusted voice in the fight against all cancers. But none of this would be possible without you. Every time you join forces with the Society – whether you’re contributing your time or a gift of money – you’re helping us achieve our mission of eradicating cancer and enhancing the quality of life of those living with cancer. And that’s moving all Canadians closer to a world where we don’t have to fear cancer.

Jason Holowachuk
Chair, Board of Directors
Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division