Canadian Cancer Society Appoints New Chair

TORONTO, Aug. 3 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Betty) Newson as chair, effective August 1. Newson, a resident of New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island, will lead the Society's National Board of Directors, which is composed of volunteers from across Canada.

"As chair and leader of the board for the next two years, I am honoured to work with this outstanding team of dedicated volunteers. We commit to lead and govern with integrity for the benefit of all Canadians," says Newson.

"I volunteer with the Society because I believe we can do much more by working as a team. I joined many Canadian families in the fight against cancer when my 48-year-old sister was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I learned yet again, this time in a very personal way, that we need to do more to prevent this disease."

A long-time canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society, Newson fully understands the dedication and commitment of the Society's volunteers. She transitioned to different volunteer roles with the Society by serving on PEI Division's Board of Directors since 2006 and becoming President Elect in 2009. She has been a member of the National Board of Directors since 2007.

Currently the co-owner of a bed and breakfast in New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island, Newson retired from a distinguished career in health and social services in 2005. Starting her career as a public health nutritionist with Newfoundland's Department of Health, she eventually joined PEI's Department of Health and Social Services. With a focus on the prevention of chronic diseases, Newson worked in many different roles at the department including nutrition program coordinator, health policy analyst and primary healthcare evaluator.

"Canadians trust the Canadian Cancer Society. They have told us this in many ways - by volunteering (170,000 volunteers across Canada), by donating (more than $200 million last year) and by working steadfastly together so that we can make the most impact in the fight against cancers, for life."

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. We fight back against cancer by:

    
        -  doing everything we can to prevent cancer
        -  funding research to outsmart cancer
        -  empowering, informing and supporting Canadians living with cancer
        -  advocating for public policies to improve the health of Canadians
        -  rallying Canadians to get involved in the fight against cancer
    

The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer. Join the fight! Go to fightback.ca to find out how you can help.

When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

For further information: Alexa Giorgi, Bilingual Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, Phone: [phone]