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