BC Cancer Foundation launches Inspire the World capital campaign on Vancouver
Island

VICTORIA, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - Cancer care on Vancouver Island will be transformed by ground-breaking changes with the announcement today of the BC Cancer Foundation's Inspire the World campaign.

This $10 million capital campaign will see the construction and renovation of 10,000 square feet at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre to create a state-of-the-art patient & family support centre, a predictive cancer research centre and a radiation innovation wing.

"Patients consistently tell us they are very satisfied with the medical care they receive at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre," said Dr. Peter Watson , Chief Physician for the Centre. "However, patients are also expressing a great need for improved psychological and emotional support before, during and after treatment."

To launch the Inspire the World campaign, the BC Cancer Foundation announced a $1 million lead gift from Inspire the World Campaign Chair Alex A. Campbell, and his wife Jo. Their generous gift will be used to create The Alex & Jo Campbell Patient and Family Support Centre within the Agency's Vancouver Island Centre.

"Cancer affects all of us. One in three Vancouver Islanders will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime. There is no cause more important to me and my family than supporting cancer patients and their families. I am proud to chair Inspire the World and I urge others to step forward and donate to this vital campaign."

"This is what is needed," emphasized Jo. "A place where patients, survivors, family members and caregivers can go for information, support and to be involved in research trials. We are delighted to be a part of it."

Over the last decade Alex Campbell , founder of Thrifty Foods, has dedicated a huge amount of time and energy to lead the BC Cancer Foundation's fundraising efforts on Vancouver Island. In the past, the Campbells' personal philanthropic support of BC Cancer Foundation has been anonymous. For this campaign, they agreed to public recognition, hoping it will motivate others to give.

"Jo and I are excited to support the Inspire the World campaign, because today, more than ever before, there are patients, survivors, and families on Vancouver Island impacted by cancer," said Alex.

"We are thrilled about this campaign, and so thankful to Alex and Jo Campbell for this incredibly generous gift," said BC Cancer Foundation President & CEO Douglas Nelson . "I invite and encourage everyone on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to support our vision of a truly integrated cancer care, research and support centre."

To learn more about the Inspire the World campaign, or to make a donation, please visit www.inspiretheworld.ca or call the BC Cancer Foundation at 250-382-4470.

About the BC Cancer Foundation

The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support breakthrough research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency, throughout B.C.

About the BC Cancer Agency

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides a comprehensive cancer control program for everyone in B.C. and Yukon.

For further information: Media Contact: Laura Walsh, CFRE, Campaign Director, W: [phone], C: [phone], [email protected]; Judy Hamill, Interim Manager, Communications, W: [phone], C: [phone], [email protected]