Our quarterly progress reports reflect the transformational impact the Alberta Cancer Foundation and our donors are making right here in Alberta. We value integrity and know by staying accountable and transparent, we are fulfilling a steadfast commitment to our donors.

The investments we make on behalf of our donors are driving progress in the outcomes that matter most to Albertans—earlier detection of cancer, better treatments, improved quality of life and better survival rates.

In this report, we invite you to learn about the cell imaging facility at the Cross Cancer Institute that is changing the landscape of cancer research in Alberta and the applied precision medicine project that is focusing its attention on the isolation of cancer stem cells to personalize treatment.

You may have also heard the news in March about a new $1.2 billion comprehensive cancer centre being built in Calgary. We were thrilled to be a key partner in the project by committing to raise $200 million.

Lastly, we are also committed to easing the cancer journey for patients. Thanks to our donors, the province-wide Screening for Distress Program is helping Alberta cancer patients and their families.

We would appreciate any feedback you have on our report so we can continue to keep you updated on the significant contributions you are making to outcomes that promise progress for Albertans across the province.

We know something can be done about cancer and with you by our side, we will do it. Thank you for being a powerful partner in Alberta’s cancer-free movement.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair in both Edmonton & Calgary this June will be once again bringing the thunder to cancers down under with a 5K walk and 10K run in support of cancers below the race.

Do-gooder exhibitionists can also take part in the brand spankin’ new Booty Hunt, a thrilling and adventurous scavenger quest through city streets with brainteasers, physical challenges, photo contests, truths, dares, double-dares and more along the way. Better yet, participants get to rely on the brains, braun or beauty of your team mates to rock the challenges, solve the clues and boogie on over to the finish line. Just like the 5K walk and 10K run, arriving under-dressed to impress in the most creative costumes possible is encouraged.

Shed light on cancers below the waist by registering for the 2013 Underwear Affair in Edmonton or Calgary.

The auditorium at the Cross Cancer Institute was buzzing with activity on Tuesday as the much anticipated Changing Our Future: Alberta’s Cancer Plan to 2030 was presented by Health Minister Fred Horne. The presentation started with some startling statistics from Minister Horne:“Every day, 42 Albertans learn they have cancer. We expect that to grow to 73 new cancer cases a day by 2030. We aim to change that.”

The plan is the first coordinated long-term cancer strategy in Alberta, drawing upon the expertise of various partners across the province including Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

“We are so pleased to be partners in this provincial strategy that will take us to our shared vision of changing the future for Albertans facing cancer towards a cancer-free future.” said Myka Osinchuk, Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO at yesterday’s announcement.

A key element of the plan creates CancerControl Alberta, a new operating division under Alberta Health Services which will bring all of Alberta’s cancer facilities and programs under one umbrella to provide greater leadership and responsibility. Dr. Paul Grundy, Senior Vice President and Senior Medical Director of CancerControl Alberta was in attendance to address questions about the change and give highlights of the new cancer plan.

The new 50 page cancer plan outlines 10 key strategies to achieve the following vision: By 2030, Alberta will be a place where most cancers are prevented, more cases of cancer are cured and the suffering of people affected by cancer is dramatically reduced. A few highlights from these strategies include:

1.    Prevention: Encouraging healthy lifestyles such as health eating and being active, using less tobacco and alcohol, reducing sun exposure and artificial tanning, and immunizing against HPV. Nearly 1/3 of cancer cases could be eliminated if these preventative measures are implemented by Albertans.

2.    Patient/person-centered care:  Involving cancer patients in the design of programs and facilities will make an impact on future cancer research, treatment, screening, and care.

3.    Research: Driving the implementation of research ideas to real-world situations and taking an outcome-based approach.

4.    Accountability:  Publish and measure more in partnership with other organizations, including successes and failures to achieve utmost transparency.

To learn more about Alberta’s new cancer plan, please visit www.albertacancerplan.ca.

Chelsey Neil and Edmonton Oiler Ryan Jones

We’re back to profiling the amazing and interesting folks that make up our vibrant Alberta Cancer Foundation staff. This time we’re looking to our Cross Cancer Institute office and profiling Development Assistant Chelsey Neil. She is a master of multi-tasking and has been officially voted as having the best hair in the office…just sayin’!  

Ashton: Hello Chelsey! It is great to visit the Cross Cancer Institute today. I just love the atmosphere of compassion here and being able to witness first-hand the incredible work of those who deliver cancer research, treatment, and care in our province. Ok let’s start with a very serious question, how do you get your hair to look so good every day?
Chelsey:  I use hot rollers and a very special, top secret rolling technique!   

A: I’ll have to try it…your hair always looks so fabulous. I’m lucky if I can do a half-decent ponytail. In all seriousness, let’s get down to the hard-hitting journalism. How long have you worked for the Alberta Cancer Foundation at the Cross Cancer Institute office?
C:  April 13, 2013 is my two year anniversary.  

A: Congratulations! What did you do before you worked at the Alberta Cancer Foundation?
C: I have worked within Alberta Health Services since 2009. I was first at the University Hospital Family Medicine Clinic working with residents and students. Then I moved to diagnostic imaging downtown. I realized that I really missed the hospital setting and saw the posting for the Alberta Cancer Foundation job at the Cross Cancer Institute and knew I had to apply.

A: What attracted you to a career at the Alberta Cancer Foundation?
C: When I saw the job, the posting really excited me. I biked in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer and my Dad had cancer so I was very familiar with the Alberta Cancer Foundation and what they stood for.  

A: What is your educational background?
C: I have a diploma in Management from Grant MacEwan.  

A: Please describe what your Development Assistant role entails.
C: I am currently transitioning into memorial program responsibilities. I will continue to work on our “In honour of” program which is when someone asks that donations be made in honour of their birthday, wedding, and so on. I also handle the calls to the Cross Cancer Institute office and assist walk-ins who are seeking information.  

A:  What is the best part of your job?
C: I like that it is very dynamic and my tasks are different every day. I love working with the kids who want donations directed to the Alberta Cancer Foundation instead of birthday gifts. We give them certificates and make them feel special for their fundraising efforts. I also like connecting with the families of the memorial donations. I get a lot of hugs here and it is the best part of my job for sure.  

A:  If you could describe the Cross Cancer Institute in one word, what would it be?
C: Humbling. Everyone who works here—doctors, researchers, nurses, and support staff truly love their job. It is more than a paycheck to them.

A: What are some of your goals?
C: I am working hard to finish my degree in my spare time, a Bachelor of Management from Athabasca University. I have 8 classes left! I really want to stay at the Cross Cancer Institute office and be mentored by Jane Weller, Development Director. I see myself in the individual giving and memorial program fields in the future.

A: Would it be a fair statement to say that your job at the Alberta Cancer Foundation has really made an impact on your life?
C: Of course! I have found a job that I am passionate about that allows me to make a difference daily. I’m also marrying an Alberta Cancer Foundation staff member [Sean Capri, Direct Marketing Manager] next spring!  

 A: The first ACF wedding…WAHOO! Congrats Chelsey and Sean, I can’t wait to see the photos of this gorgeous cruise wedding. May you share a lifetime of happiness together! What’s it like being in a relationship with a co-worker?
C: Well I work out of the Cross Cancer Institute and he works out of the provincial head office downtown so we never see each other during work hours unless there’s an all staff meeting. It is really nice because we can talk about our days together and have a common understanding. We also ground each other during more emotional times like when a donor or patient we’re close with passes away.  

A: Well the hard part is over and it’s time to move onto the super speed round of just questions that are “getting to know you”. It’s almost like speed dating! Alright, here we go in 3, 2, 1…

Favourite Hobby: Playing video games like Zelda
Favourite Food: Gluten-free pizza
Favourite TV Show: House
Favourite Place to Travel: The Caribbean on a cruise. I love cruises!
Favourite Band: Mumford & Sons or City & Colour
Favourite Quote: “Live every day like you’re dying”
Favourite Movie: Transformers 1, 2, and 3
Favourite Beverage: Diet Pepsi
Favourite Holiday: Christmas
Favourite Book: The Five People You Meet in Heaven or The Shack
Favourite Alberta Cancer Foundation Event: The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer because I’ve participated 3 times. This year I’m volunteering instead of cycling.

A: Done and done. Thank you so much for allowing us to get to know you better in our blog series interview. We are so lucky to have someone like you with such a passion for our organization on the ACF team.
C: Thank you!

A couple months ago, I had the privilege of meeting a young woman my age by the name of Ashton Paulitsch. She is a Communications and Marketing Associate at the Alberta Cancer Foundation. We hit it off at a networking event a few months ago and she shared with me that the Alberta Cancer Foundation was looking for a volunteer to help with an upcoming event called Bust a Move for Breast Health. Working with the Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF) for a cause such as breast health sounded like an amazing opportunity. For the next couple of months, I would come in one to two days a week, usually for a morning or an afternoon, and help with a variety of tasks that contributed towards preparation for Bust a Move for Breast Health on March 23, 2013.

As a Bachelor of Commerce student at Grant MacEwan University, getting an inside look at how an established and successful non-profit organization operates internally was really interesting. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice and welcoming everyone at ACF was. Sometimes university paints a picture of the business world that sounds aggressive and intimidating. Often times I’ve wondered if it would be difficult to find an organization whose culture I appreciated and fit in with. I have been both relieved and impressed with the culture at ACF. They are polite, considerate, and love to laugh. Most importantly, they work extremely hard for a cause that is bigger than them and more important than money or profit—their work is dedicated towards the vision of cancer-free lives for Albertans. Being a part of this culture has enriched my life these past couple of months. Knowing that there are professionals and organizations like this has also uplifted my expectations of my future in the business world.

Seeing the Bust a Move for Breast Health event come together was also really exciting. Throughout my pre-Bust a Move volunteering experience, I was focused on details that involved hands-on tasks such as mailing out event details to participants, visiting and communicating with sponsors, social media, and organizing event merchandise. I had no idea what the final product would be, so when I walked into Bust a Move, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe how amazing the hall at Northlands looked with the theme colors: blue, yellow, pink, and purple lighting up the walls and floor. All of the sponsors we had worked with were set up around the room surrounding the stage and workout area where participants would gather for six hours of fitness sessions! The energy at Bust a Move was amazing and it raised approximately $430,000 for innovative breast health projects at the Cross Cancer Institute. Needless to say, I was really proud to be a part of it.

Volunteering with ACF has given me the opportunity to work in a positive and hardworking environment while meeting successful, positive and compassionate professionals. I think the treatment I received as a volunteer is unique to ACF. As a student who couldn’t offer a lot of expertise or nearly as much knowledge as my mentor had, I felt extremely valued and respected.

~ Danielle Lussier
Volunteer, Bust a Move for Breast Health

Once upon a time, on a quiet Friday evening in March, a group of independent business men from Fort McMurray were having a quiet Kids Forever Foundation committee meeting at Edmonton’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Suddenly, they spotted a curly haired fitness guru out of the corner of their eye. Who was it you ask? Why it was Richard Simmons himself in the flesh! Richard was dining at Ruth’s Chris to get some pre-workout energy before he was to hit the stage the next day at the second Bust a Move for Breast Health.

The men asked Richard if he would take a picture with them so that they could auction at a future Kids Forever fundraising event in exchange for a $1,000 donation to Bust a Move for Breast Health in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Richard Simmons was very touched by this charitable gesture and as soon as you could say “sweating to the oldies” he had all of the gentlemen shirtless and posing with him! The acts of kindness from the Kids Forever Foundation committee members didn’t just stop there. They picked up the tab for Richard and his entourage, only asking him to autograph the back of the receipt so they could include it in with the picture to add value to their auction item.  

The Kids Forever Foundation was started 14 years ago by local Fort McMurray resident John Foy. He founded the charity to assist families with children that were experiencing a medical crisis. This could mean a child diagnosed with cancer, or one born with a disability. It was designed to help with all those costs that our provincial medical plan doesn’t cover - travel expenses, hotels, and meals and mitigate the devastation that a serious medical diagnosis creates within a family. In 14 years, this amazing organization has helped more than 200 families and raised an impressive $5 million through charitable events like golf tournaments and their premiere silent/live auction and dinner dance held every fall at the Sawridge Hotel in Fort McMurray. For more information on how you can support this incredible organization, please visit www.kidsforever.ca. 

On Saturday, March 23, Edmonton’s movers and shakers dusted off their tutus, laced up pink shoelaces, and dressed in neon workout fashions to get down with Richard Simmons at Bust a Move for Breast Health 2013. Fabulous fundraisers laughed, danced, and lunged through six unique fitness sessions at this unforgettable fundraising extravaganza—Radio Star, Bootcamp, Yoga, Zumba, Hip Hop and a final celebrity session with the Weight Saint himself, Richard Simmons. Top fundraising teams, including PCL Construction’s “The Chesticles”, were invited to a much-deserved special VIP Luncheon to hob-nob with Richard Simmons before he took to the stage.  

The combined efforts of participants, fitness gurus, volunteers, sponsors, and donors resulted in $430,000 raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of Dr. John Mackey’s Clinical Trials Research Unit at the Cross Cancer Institute. Clinical trials are a vital part of a breast cancer-free future because they support bench-to-bedside research, also known as translational research, which efficiently translates basic science into practical treatments that will promise progress for our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends across the province. 

We appreciate the efforts of everyone who moved more than their feet to become a powerful part of Alberta’s cancer-free movement. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next Bust a Move for Breast Health in Edmonton on March 8, 2014! You can register your team today at www.albertacancer.ca/BaMEdmonton2014

Today we have a guest blog post from Asha Lal, one of the summer students who participated in the 2012 Heritage Youth Researcher Summer Program. The Alberta Cancer Foundation supports this program in partnership with Alberta Innovates Health Solutions.

Asha tells us what it was like to be a participant in the program:

Mentor: Dr. Maya Shmulevitz / Medical Microbiology & Immunology

My name is Asha Lal and I am a HYRS 2012 participant. I am working under Dr. Maya Shmulevitz in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, located in the KATZ building at the University of Alberta. I applied to HYRS after hearing about the experience of a past HYRS student at my school. Everything about it sounded amazing, from the hands on experimental learning process, to the hands-on research experience, to meeting and working with new people! Most of all I was driven to apply because I wanted to be able to help people and scientific research is the first step to finding a cure and changing lives.

The selection process was very intimidating. Over 225 applicants applied, and only 22 were selected for the U of A program. I was honestly so shocked and excited when I got the call on May 15th saying I had been accepted into the program. Once I began the program, I realized that a HYRS internship is definitely not a desk job. I am in the lab doing experiments every day and every day I learn something new! It is surreal having access to so many resources, and to be working with such qualified, intelligent people. Working with my mentor, Dr. Shmulevitz, has been a phenomenal experience! She is patient, knowledgeable and encouraging; all of the qualitiesa HYRS mentor should fulfil.

My work environment is very friendly and there is always someone to answer my numerous questions and show me how to do something if I am unsure.  Also, HYRS isn’t just about research; it is also about meeting new people and creating friendships. All of my fellow HYRS participants are so friendly and outgoing! We all participate in weekly social activities such as Eat-Out lunches, BBQ’s, Taste of Edmonton, Laser Tag and many more great activities!

In my research I study the role of reovirus in cancer therapy. Reovirus is a naturally occurring, respiratory enteric orphan virus that is being used in oncolytic viral therapy to effectively kill cancer cells without harming normal, healthy cells. My summer project is to genetically engineer a cell line that expresses T7 RNA Polymerase. T7 RNA Polymerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of RNA, which is necessary to create proteins. These proteins can then create a virus.

These modified viruses can fluoresce green, enter cancerous cells faster, display increased oncolytic activity and combine elements from different strains of virus into one hybrid form. This research is the next step in making reovirus therapy that is more effective and therefore to increasing our ability to save lives.

Before entering HYRS I was unsure about what I wanted to pursue as a career. After HYRS I am grateful for my experience and I am very interested in pursuing research in the field of Oncology, and then possibly going to medical school and specializing in Oncology or Pediatrics. Overall, HYRS is an amazing program that provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to learn, to research and to discover a passion for biomedical sciences.

On Thursday, March 7^th, I had the privilege of participating in Bellerose Composite High School’s 10^thannual Bike-a-Thon as a member of the Alberta Cancer Foundation team. Born and raised in St. Albert, I had always heard of the Bike-a-Thon growing up but did not participate as I attended a different high school. The Bellerose Bike-a-Thon is an annual fundraiser where teams of 8-10 students bike for 48 hours straight to raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. All funds raised will be directed towards cancer research, treatment, prevention & care programs at Edmonton’s world-class Cross Cancer Institute.. This year, the staff and students raised an incredible $124,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, making the Bellerose Bike-a-Thon one of the most successful high school fundraisers in Canada.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the Bike-a-Thon (besides some sore muscles!) but as soon as I walked in the building, I could feel the energy. The whole foyer of the high school was filled with teams of students gathered around their bikes. Many teams had also brought with them pillows and blankets, big screen TVs, Xbox video games, and even lazy boy recliners! Biking goes on for 48 hours straight, so most students end up spending the full two days at school— I’m sure there were a lot of toothbrushes there too! The Bike-a-Thon was one of the most unique fundraisers I’ve ever been to. Biking for 48 hours straight sounds like a grueling way to spend two days, yet the room was filled with happy faces, laughter and support. Most teams of students had a theme and costumes. Our Alberta Cancer Foundation team was called “The Survivors”, we had a fun sign for our bike and all wore Survivor-themed bandanas.

About an hour into my shift, a couple young teachers took the stage as MCs. They were funny and entertaining as they asked students to volunteer for the head shave on stage. To my surprise, teenage girls and boys hopped up on stage eagerly. I was so inspired and impressed by these students. I could tell from they way they were dressed and groomed that they took pride in their image. The way they looked reminded me of myself at that age, which is why I just couldn’t get over how brave they were! Walking around without hair at that age is a tremendous act of bravery, and unfortunately not a choice for many young cancer patients. If that didn’t move me enough, a five year-old girl and her grandma walked the stage and sat down to shave their heads as well. The little girl had been telling her mom that she wanted to shave her head for cancer since she was just three years old. Her mom wanted to wait a few years just to be sure she was serious about it. Her confidence on stage was unwavering—the premise of losing her long blonde hair to help others seemed like the easiest decision of her young life. Her grandma was a bit more nervous about losing her hair, but relaxed as she looked over at her granddaughter so calm and sure.

These moments of compassion are what is so unique about the Bellerose Bike-a-Thon and so many other events that are in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. People forget about what doesn’t matter for what does. They make a difference in the lives of many they will never meet, and don’t expect anything in return. It was a privilege to be a part of the 10th annual Bellerose Bike-a-Thon. I was able to witness the best in people, help raise money for the Cross Cancer Institute, and have fun doing it. Congratulations to Bellerose Composite High School for another successful Bike-a-Thon and thank you for being a vital part of Alberta’s cancer-free movement.

Guest Blogger
~ Danielle Lussier

Tutus, Leggings, and Neon—OH MY!

On March 2nd, 300 movers and shakers laughed, danced, and lunged in the name of all breast-kind at the inaugural Bust a Move for Breast Health in Calgary. The fitness extravaganza debuted with a BaM! on March 2^nd, 2013 raising an incredible $170,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation to direct towards cutting-edge breast health projects at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

The event challenged participants not only to fundraise towards a breast cancer-free future, but to sweat (or glisten) through six hours of fitness bliss with energetic sessions ranging from Zumba to kickboxing and everything in between. The highlight of the day was a final session with the original fitness guru himself, Richard Simmons. Top fundraising teams and volunteers, decked out in their colourful costumes, were rewarded for their amazing efforts with a special VIP meet and greet luncheon with Richard Simmons.

Dr. Don Morris, translational researcher at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, was on hand to accept the cheque for $170,000 with Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO Myka Osinchuk. The success of the first Calgary Bust a Move for Breast Health came hot off the heels of the new Calgary cancer centre announcement which will provide necessary infrastructure to support projects such as Dr. Morris’ precision therapy treatment research that will benefit from funds raised at Bust a Move for Breast Health. The Alberta Cancer Foundation is proud to partner with the Alberta Government and Alberta Health Services Cancer Care to deliver the new Calgary cancer center and continue working towards our vision of cancer-free lives for Albertans.

On behalf of the Alberta Cancer Foundation we would like to send out a sincere thank you to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and donors of the first Bust a Move for Breast Health in Calgary. Thanks to your support, we are able to continue promising progress for our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends across the province.

Did you miss out on the fitness fun this year? Never fear, registration for Bust a Move for Breast Health 2014 is here! That’s right, Bust a Move for Breast Health will be coming back to Calgary next year and is slated to be even bigger—and bustier in its second year. The earlier participants register, the more time they have to come up with creative costumes, recruit terrific team mates, and plan unique fundraisers to reach their team goal. Please visit www.albertacancer.ca/bamcalgary2014 to sign up today!