Prostate Cancer Canada celebrates Dr. Robert Bristow

Wake Up Call Breakfast Series shines a spotlight on distinguished leader in the fight against prostate cancer

TORONTO, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Prostate Cancer Canada (PCC) will honour Dr. Robert Bristow as a national hero for his contributions to prostate cancer research and awareness. He will receive the John Ferguson Memorial Award for Prostate Cancer at the Toronto Wake Up Call Breakfast event on April 4. The John Ferguson Memorial Award is given to an individual who best exemplifies John Ferguson's qualities of courage, determination and integrity, and whose outstanding impact in the fight against this disease is an inspiration to others.

Dr. Bristow is Senior Scientist, Division of Applied Molecular Oncology and Clinician-Scientist & Clinical Studies Resource Centre Member at the Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital. His research programs and clinical trials are endeavouring to find the best therapy for men with prostate cancer.

"In the field of prostate cancer, and especially as it applies to collaboration and leadership, Rob Bristow has no peer," said Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada. "He is internationally respected for his achievements, and universally respected for his compassion, vision and strength of character. Dr. Bristow is a committed volunteer, who was an important member of the PCC Board of Directors and Scientific Medical Advisory Committee.  From being the leader and driving force behind the international ICGC-CPC Gene project, to speaking at virtually any event we ask him to attend, to working long hours with a passion that is a marvel to witness. Dr. Bristow is a most deserving choice to receive PCC's most prestigious award."

The Wake Up Call Breakfast is the only Canada-wide business breakfast series dedicated to the fight against prostate cancer. Over the past decade the event has attracted more than 16,000 business professionals and raised nearly $1.9 million for prostate cancer research, awareness, support and advocacy.

Local Events and Local Heroes

This year's events will be chaired by some of Canada's leading executives and will recognize exceptional individuals from the community who reflect the spirit, passion and resourcefulness of the prostate cancer movement.

• The Toronto event will be held on April 4 at the Toronto Hilton. In addition to the announcement of a 'local hero', this event will also recognize Dr. Robert Bristow as the winner of the national John Ferguson Memorial Award for Prostate Cancer.
• Local Hero: Aaron Bacher
• The Edmonton event will be held April 10 at the Fairmont Macdonald.
• Local Hero:  Irv Kipnes
• The Calgary event will be held April 11 at the Fairmont Palliser.
• Local Hero: Bob Shiell
• The Vancouver event will be held April 17 at the Hyatt Regency.
• Local Hero: Dr. Larry Goldenberg, Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia
• The Halifax event will be held April 27 at the World Trade & Convention Centre.
• Local Hero: Valerie Corkum
• The Moncton event will be held April 30 at the Delta Beausejour
• Local Hero: Jeff Garcia

For tickets or additional information on local events, visit prostatecancer.ca/wakeupcall.

Media are also encouraged to attend local events and conduct onsite interview opportunities with local heroes and Prostate Cancer Canada representatives.

A limited number of interviews are also available with Dr. Robert Bristow and must be scheduled in advance.

About Prostate Cancer Canada

Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness and public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.  For more information visit prostatecancer.ca

To schedule an interview, confirm event attendance or request additional information, please contact:

Rebecca von Goetz
Executive Vice-President, Marketing & Communications
Prostate Cancer Canada
[phone] X 258
[email protected]

Caroline De Silva
Argyle Communications
[phone] x 231
[e-mail]