Funds raised through OneWalk support Personalized Cancer Medicine at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
TORONTO, May 13, 2015 /CNW/ - 12 cancer specialists including researchers and clinicians who independently formed separate teams for the Shoppers Drug Mart OneWalk to Conquer Cancer, received "colourful honours" from The Princess Margaret in Toronto on Wednesday. Funds raised through OneWalk support Personalized Cancer Medicine at The Princess Margaret, which enables world-leading clinicians and researchers to detect cancers earlier, diagnose with more precision, target treatment for each patient and support patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.
"Today we are witnessing a new standard of charitable excellence," said Paul Alofs, the President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
"The Shoppers OneWalk to Conquer Cancer is designed for people to raise funds for their cancer of choice, and the involvement of these 12 researchers, clinicians and other cancer specialists exemplifies the power of people and the spirit of this walk. We are humbled and inspired by their leadership and we thank them for their tireless and selfless support. Every day, over 500 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer and more than 200 Canadians die from the disease. The critical funding raised through OneWalk supports our mission at The Princess Margaret: to conquer cancer in our lifetime," added Alofs.
As part of the ceremony, Alofs surprised each of the individuals with a one-of-a-kind, coloured lab coat, symbolic of the various cancers for which people will be walking at this year's new OneWalk.
"As a member of the lung cancer program, we realize the importance of events like OneWalk to Conquer Cancer. Our group has formed a team called Breathe for Lung," said Dr. Natasha Leighl, a medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
"Each cancer site has its own colour. By wearing a labcoat in the colour of the cancer site, it shows the wide range of support for The Princess Margaret and the fundraising efforts of OneWalk to Conquer Cancer," Dr. Leighl added.
For over 12 years, participants have been walking for The Princess Margaret, and since 2003, more than 50,000 walkers have raised more than $148 million for Personalized Cancer Medicine.
"I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and due to the care I received at The Princess Margaret, I was able to get through my darkest days and now look forward to participating in OneWalk with my husband this September," said Rozana Papadopoulos, a first year participant from Toronto, Ont.
"From my first treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, up to my last, my experience was amazing and I felt very privileged. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre continues to show their dedication in conquering cancer, as they will be personally raising the funds that they need every day to continue to make advancements in research and care. I am very moved by the commitment of the doctors, researchers and clinicians and it is going to be an honour and very emotional to walk with those who have allowed me to continue to enjoy my life. I hope everyone realizes how fortunate we are to have these world-leading experts in Toronto and joining us in this important fight," Papadopoulos added.
The Shoppers Drug Mart OneWalk to Conquer Cancer will be a one-day, 25km walk through the diverse communities of Toronto. When a participant registers, they select a cancer fund their dollars raised will support, such as: Discovery Research Fund, Breast, Gynecology (Uterine, Cervical and Ovarian), Lung, Colon, Rectal and Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, Prostate, Testicular, Bladder and Genitourinary, Head and Neck, Brain, Central Nervous System, Eye, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Endocrine; Sarcoma; Skin Cancer, Melanoma; Childhood Cancers.
"We hope everyone will register now and walk with us in September," added Alofs.
To register for the Shoppers Drug Mart OneWalk to Conquer Cancer, visit www.onewalk.ca or call (416) 815-WALK (9255).
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ABOUT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE – CLICK HERE
ABOUT THE CAMPBELL FAMILY CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE – CLICK HERE
ABOUT THE PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER FOUNDATION – CLICK HERE
SOURCE OneWalk To Conquer Cancer
Image with caption: "12 cancer specialists receive colourful honours from The Princess Margaret to celebrate the inaugural Shoppers Drug Mart OneWalk to Conquer Cancer in Toronto. (CNW Group/OneWalk To Conquer Cancer)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150513_C8465_PHOTO_EN_16602.jpg
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