April 2023 - OWN.CANCER

Brayden and Carson own cancer

April 28, 2023/in Blog /by McKenzie Yates

Brayden Kenly and Carson Weiss, both 11-year-old students, raised $2,989 for the OWN.CANCER campaign as part of the Take Action Fair at school. This project was deeply personal for them, as Brayden’s Mother, Trish, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and Carson’s Grandmother faces cancer as well. Through this fundraiser, they hoped to raise awareness and $2,500 to support the new Cancer Centre in Calgary – opening in 2024.

In 2019, Trish Kenly noticed a small lump while doing an at-home breast exam. Within a short couple of months, Trish would receive a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, have a lumpectomy and learn of a metastasized mass in her spine.
With her two young children, Brayden and Hailey, at the front of her mind, Trish explains that “Hearing that the cancer had moved throughout my body was the most devastating moment in my world.”
As the years passed, her scans were showing no new areas of concern. Trish found herself grateful for the incredible care she received at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and hopeful for new things to come at the new Cancer Centre in Calgary. So when Brayden was given the Take Action project, Trish suggested the OWN.CANCER campaign.

From that moment on, Brayden and Carson were full steam ahead with this project.

“Once I found out about OWN.CANCER I knew that I just had to set up my own page and support the cause further.” – Brayden, 11-years old.

Hoping to raise $2,500, Brayden and Carson, and their Moms, pulled out all of the stops for the Fair. They sold homemade Cake-Pops, made by Trish, while rocking custom designed T-shirts, made by Lisa – Carson Weiss’s Mother. They also went above and beyond on their poster.

It turned out to be a great success, surpassing their fundraising goal, and reaching a total of $2,989!

“I feel excited because I know that it is going to help people with all different types of cancers get the best treatments available.” – Carson, 11-years old.

Carson’s Mother, Lisa Weiss, also knew the value of giving back to cancer care in Alberta. She explains, “Being a registered nurse, I actually started my career on a hematology/oncology unit. I experienced first hand the importance of having access to advancing treatment options as well as having a place where people can receive their treatment in a comfortable space. The new cancer centre will be able to provide people with most current treatment options available as well as provide a beautiful space for them and their families to come and feel truly taken care of both physically, emotionally and psychologically. ”

We are so inspired by the care these two young boys, and their families, brought to this project. The new Cancer Centre in Calgary will be opening in 2024 and with outstanding commitment, like this, from our communities, we will OWN.CANCER!

“I believe that this new building will play a big role in finally finding the cure to cancer and if I get to see the day that this dream comes true then it will be one of the most happy days for the earth…” – Brayden Kenly

OWN.CANCER campaign celebrates $4 million in contributions to cancer research in Alberta

April 26, 2023/in News /by jrfernhout

Local philanthropist’s generosity pushes-forward world-leading research at new Calgary Cancer Centre

April 25, 2023 – Alberta – Earlier detection, better treatments and possible cures—people with cancer living longer, better lives. Thanks to the generosity of local philanthropist and businessman, Wayne Foo, researchers in Alberta are paving the way to these discoveries and more.

Foo and his family have donated a total of $4 million to cancer and tumour research through the OWN.CANCER campaign, a cause close to their hearts

“Having gone through a cancer journey with my late wife, Lynne Marshall, my family understands the toll this disease can have,” says Foo. “Sadly, Lynne passed away from glioblastoma in early 2014, the same type of tumour that claimed her father 20 years earlier. Our donations honour her memory, recognize the commitment of her incredible care team, and will also help drive innovation in cancer research and care for other families facing cancer.”

The Foo family’s support is aimed at training and attracting the best and the brightest clinical and research minds who will help change the course of cancer care. This included the establishment of an endowment for a clinical fellowship for glioblastoma in 2014 and, more recently, a professorship in surgical oncology. The professorship – which will ultimately support Dr. Oliver Bathe’s research related to improving outcomes in cancers of the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract – also has great significance to the Foo family, as both Wayne’s father and brother ultimately passed away from liver and gastrointestinal cancer.

Foo’s contributions also translate into support for the new Calgary Brain Tumour Research Program. This program is dedicated to training the next generation of scientific and clinical experts on brain cancer, better understanding the causes and characteristics of brain cancer, and improving the quality of life for Albertans facing the disease, specifically those with primary malignant brain tumours.

“While there has been a significant increase in our understanding of brain tumours in the last two decades, there is still an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches and improved outcomes for patients with brain cancer,” said Dr. Jennifer Chan, Director, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. “The Foo family’s commitment to this cause is driving scientific breakthroughs and innovation, leading to patients with brain tumours living longer, healthier lives.”

Among the early donors to the OWN.CANCER campaign, Foo’s contributions are just the beginning of the clinical excellence and leading-edge research that will soon fill the halls of the new Calgary Cancer Centre, set to open in 2024.

“We are grateful to Mr. Foo and his family for their generous support of cancer research and care in our province,” says Wendy Beauchesne, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. “It is these donations, these acts of generosity and goodwill that are bringing the new Calgary Cancer Centre to life, helping to create an environment that spurs innovation, discovery and collaboration.”

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE

Media are invited to join us as we celebrate the Foo family’s passion for giving back to our scientific and medical communities:

Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Calgary Cancer Centre
Main Entrance Atrium
3333 Hospital Drive NW
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Complimentary video and photography of the new Calgary Cancer Centre can be found here.

To arrange interviews with Wayne Foo, major gift donor, Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation, or Dr. Jennifer Chan, Director, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, or for more information, please contact us:

Ryan Kelly | Vice President, Communications & Community Partnerships
Alberta Cancer Foundation
[email protected]
780.220.8791

Ashley Tyler | Marketing Manager
Alberta Cancer Foundation
[email protected]
587.582.6289

About the Calgary Cancer Centre

One of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in North America is coming to life in Calgary this very second. Inside this dynamic structure, medical teams and researchers will collaborate on new diagnostic tools and treatment plans, giving patients the best possible outcomes. Down the hall, educators will lead prevention programs to keep others from ever experiencing a cancer journey. And patient-focused spaces for quiet reflection or child art therapy will give the centre an atmosphere filled with healing and hope.

When it opens its doors in 2024, this Calgary Cancer Centre will shelter 1.3 million square feet of world-leading cancer care, research and education, allowing us to transform the landscape of cancer in this province and beyond. It will also establish Alberta as an international leader in cancer care, research and innovation.

Together, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services have partnered to raise $250 million to accelerate cancer research and revolutionize treatment within our new world-class cancer centre. We can’t do it alone—we need all Albertans to stand with us and OWN.CANCER.

For more information or to donate, visit owncancer.ca.

In Andrew’s Memory: Allison Wusaty

April 18, 2023/in Blog /by McKenzie Yates

When Allison’s brother, Andrew, passed away from brain cancer in 2019, she was inspired to take back the power the disease had over her family. Now, Allison fundraises with her nephews in memory of her brother and in hopes of bettering cancer outcomes. This is their story.

Wusatay — The Wusaty Family (Andrew on the left and Allison in the middle)

Allison’s brother, Andrew, was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 30. He underwent four brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and received care at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. “He had an excellent relationship with his oncology team,” Allison reports. She further describes Andrew’s personal bonds with certain nurses, doctors, and surgeons and their positive impact on him.

Sadly, over ten years, the cancer grew more serious, reaching its peak in 2019. “He had glioblastoma,” Allison explained. “It was suddenly terminal.” Andrew passed away in March of that year. He left behind his wife, Deserae, and two sons. Archer was a newborn baby and Pryce was 4-years-old. His parents and sister were also devastated. “Our family has a hole without him” she says.

Allison recalls feeling helpless and uncertain about what she could do for her brother. “Cancer of a loved one is a very overwhelming and emotional process” she explains. “It affected Andrew and also the whole family.”

Allison Wusaty — Andrew’s sons, Archer and Pryce.

Together with her parents, nephews and sister-in-law, Allison has found fundraising is a beautiful way to honor her brother. The family is motivated to help others who are experiencing cancer.

Recently, Andrew’s sons, Pryce, 8 and Archer, 4, created their own company called “Wu’s Salts”, selling 100 bags of bath salts in one month and donating their earnings to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. It was a family project, with Andrew’s wife, Deserae, even looking after the marketing and photography.

Wu's Salts

Allison emphasizes, “It’s been important to have the kids involved and have conversations with them about why we fundraise”.

The family understands that cancer impacts everyone, whether personally or through other people in their lives. “That is why we fundraise,” she says.

My brother endured 4 brain surgeries, radiation, chemo, constant appointments and many medications. Through all of that, he travelled, worked, had deep relationships with family and friends and always kept laughing. Of course it wasn’t always positive but he always found a way to keep going. That remains my guiding light as I continue on without him. I live life in a thoughtful way, travel, have close relationships with friends and family and keep smiling. I also grieve the loss of such an amazing brother and human being every day. However, his memory lives on with me and I pass on all of these great memories of Andrew to Pryce and Archer, his children. Alongside them, I fundraise for cancer patients just like Andrew and hope that one day we can eradicate this terrible disease.

Andrew Wusaty