Thanks for Helping Us Change Cancer Forever

Canadian Cancer Society Wraps Up April Daffodil Campaign

TORONTO, May 8, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer thanks all the Canadians who generously donated during its crucial April Daffodil Campaign.

"We are very grateful to caring Canadians across Canada who donated or volunteered during April to support our work," says Pamela Fralick, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "Each and every donation of financial support or time will help us continue our important work that benefits Canadians in meaningful ways."

While it's too early to have the final tally on how much was raised during April, it's estimated that more than $18 million was generously donated by Canadians.

Here's how your donations make a difference (information based on the Society's 2012/13 fiscal year):

• The Society funds more cancer research on more types of cancer, than any other national charity. We invested $45 million to fund 310 projects across the country.
• We advocate for policies to protect Canadians. Currently, we are advocating to protect youth from skin cancer through legislation that bans youth indoor tanning. Legislation has been passed in most provinces.
• Volunteers drove approximately 25,000 patients to cancer treatments.
• Almost 6,000 patients stayed in Society lodges where they had comfortable, homelike surroundings and support.
• Our telephone peer support program helped more than 5,400 people living with cancer by connecting them to someone who's gone through a similar experience.
• We responded to over 55,000 inquiries about cancer through our Cancer Information Service.
• We distributed more than 1.2 million free brochures and booklets on a variety of cancer topics.

The Society's work contributes to progress against the 200 diseases we call cancer. Today over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s survival was about 25%. However, work remains to be done as almost half of all Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetimes and it is the leading cause of death in this country.

"The need for continued support grows with each passing day," says Fralick. "As we end our Daffodil Campaign, we're gearing up for hundreds of Relay For Life events in communities across Canada."

Relay For Life is an inspirational, non-competitive, 12-hour overnight fundraising event that brings people together in communities to celebrate life, honour and remember loved ones and unite in the fight for life.  In 2013, over 16,000 teams raised more than $46 million.

"We encourage Canadians to participate in this event or to sponsor someone they know is taking part in a Relay For Life," says Fralick. "It's a fun, inspiring event that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or fitness level."

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. Make your gift today at cancer.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

Sasha Anopina, Bilingual Communications Specialist, 416-934-5338, [email protected]