‘Everybody comes into this with the same ambition — that they’re going to fight it, they’re going to win, and they’re not going to succumb to it. And I think that’s just so much of the battle’
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The OWN.CANCER campaign has received its largest corporate donation yet — $5 million from ARC Resources Ltd.
The gift will support clinical trials and innovations in radiation oncology at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, which is slated to open in October.
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ARC’s president and chief executive, Terry Anderson, was emotional as he said many of the company’s employees have been affected by cancer in one way or another, and that ARC wanted to support patients.
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“We have staff right now that are dealing with cancer, and to know that they’re going to get world-class care — that’s what’s so important to people. It’s hard to wrap your head around having cancer, and so, in any way possible, ARC will support our employees and their families,” he said.
Anderson said the organization also made a commitment to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s cycling event, the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. That contribution will bring the donation to more than $6.5 million.
Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO Wendy Beauchesne said the $5-million donation will allow for more clinical trials.
“Why cancer clinical trials are so important is that not only does it offer treatments to patients today — when maybe other traditional treatment options have failed — but it is also how you propel cancer treatments forward through that research and testing,” she said.
Beauchesne said community investment and philanthropy have always played a crucial role in cancer care, and said the illness is not what it used to be 20 years ago.
“But still, we need to do more; there’s still some cancers that are hard to treat — what researchers would say are treatment-resistant. And so what this donation is allowing us to do is help attract some of the best and brightest here in Calgary and help keep those that are already here.”
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The OWN.CANCER campaign has reached $230 million of its $250-million goal.
“A building is just a building — it’s what happens inside of this building, and you need some of the most talented people, curious researchers and compassionate caregivers to propel cancer care forward,” Beauchesne said.
Mark Warmington, who is battling cancer for the second time, said clinical trials and innovations in radiation oncology will bring hope to patients, easing their fear and anxiety.
“This facility — just physically alone — has so many of the features that are just so encompassing to try to help go through this journey, and it’s like day and night the difference. Everybody comes into this with the same ambition — that they’re going to fight it, they’re going to win, and they’re not going to succumb to it. And I think that’s just so much of the battle.”
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Medical lead for the centre, Dr. Don Morris, said the new facility is more than bricks and mortar — it’s the ability to attract talent.
“We’re only as good as our people — that’s researchers, that’s our health-care team members — it’s right down to our housekeeping staff,” he said.
“Everyone is now a part of the experience, and so from a patient or patient’s family, or even a caregiver, this is supposed to be welcoming, and I think we’ve achieved that.”
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