Transformational Gift to SickKids Cancer Care, Research, and Education

Believed to be single largest private gift to paediatric cancer in North America, gift will establish the Garron Family Cancer Centre

TORONTO, Oct. 25 /CNW/ - A transformational gift of $30 million, believed to be the single largest private gift to paediatric cancer in North America, was announced this morning by Mary Jo Haddad, President and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). The gift will establish the Garron Family Cancer Centre and allow SickKids to help more children survive their cancer diagnosis.

"We are privileged to support one of the most respected children's hospitals in the world," said donors Myron and Berna Garron. "Our son was treated for cancer at SickKids for many years and we will never forget the dedication and level of care he received. We are confident this gift will help create more positive outcomes for cancer patients and their families."

The Garron Family's $30 million gift will support four new Senior Research Chairs and two Clinician-scientist positions; fund various priority programs including one of the first Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) suites at a Canadian paediatric hospital and support the Innovative Therapies Fund, which invests in new clinical treatments for children with cancer. A total of $7 million of the donation will be allocated to the new SickKids Research & Learning Tower and the Cancer, Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Neighbourhood, which will become the future hub for cancer-based research.

"The Garron family has had a 40-year relationship with SickKids," said Ted Garrard, President and CEO of SickKids Foundation. "Their past support and this magnificent new donation demonstrate the family's deep commitment to philanthropy and to making a real difference in paediatric cancer care and research."

In 1975, the Garron's son Michael passed away at the age of 13 from synovial sarcoma, a rare, soft tissue cancer. Michael received treatment at SickKids. In addition to this donation, the Garron family, through the Michael Albert Garron Foundation, has donated more than $1.3 million to SickKids in support of vital equipment to support cancer diagnoses and research projects to find new treatments for cancer patients.

"The impact of donations, such as the one from the Garron family, is immeasurable," said Dr. James Whitlock, Chief of Haematology/Oncology at SickKids. "This gift helps SickKids stay at the forefront of paediatric cancer care and research and will ultimately help children with cancer to live longer, more fulfilling lives."

"On behalf of everyone at SickKids, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Garron Family," said Haddad. "Their confidence in our work and their investment in the future health of children both here and around the world is truly inspiring."

The Hospital for Sick Children
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada's leading centre dedicated to advancing children's health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada's most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally. Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids is proud of its vision for Healthier Children. A Better World. For more information, please visit www.sickkids.ca.

SickKids Foundation
Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation is the fundraising organization for The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) - one of Canada's most research-intensive hospitals and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health in the country. Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, SickKids Foundation made an investment of $52.5 million in children's health research, education and care. A direct result of community support, this is one of the largest investments in paediatric health care and one of the largest contributions to a hospital anywhere in Canada. 

For further information: