By: Nathan Kunz
Fundraisers represent the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s mission coming to life. Every dollar raised translates to further headway for a province on the cutting edge of cancer care, whether through detection, treatment or research.
And, while the bright minds of Alberta medical professionals help make progress a reality for patients, it all begins through community generosity.
Right now, the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the community that supports it are bringing better care to patients through two major fundraisers: We Cross Cancer and OWN.CANCER. Each campaign has a unique focus, but the goal remains the same: create more moments for every Albertan touched by cancer.
We Cross Cancer
Research that begins at the Cross Cancer Institute has the potential to save lives. Each year, 500 patients enrol in clinical trials at Edmonton’s comprehensive cancer centre, which can end up helping hundreds of thousands of patients by providing leading-edge treatment options to those in Alberta and around the world.
Already well established as leaders in game-changing research, the researchers at the Cross Cancer Institute have the potential to help even more patients with the right funding in the right places. By expanding and improving infrastructure surrounding clinical trials and other essential treatments, We Cross Cancer is looking to provide just that.
Launched April 21, 2022, With A Goal Of $30 Million
Donations Go Toward:
- Constructing a purpose-built clinical trial unit
- Doubling our capacity for clinical trials
- Expanding the pharmacy footprint
- Creating a centre of excellence for brachytherapy
- Upgrading the chemotherapy and day-treatment space
- Developing a virtual-care hub
27,000
Approximate number of patients treated annually at the Cross Cancer Institute
498,369 square feet
Total area of the Cross Cancer Institute
14%
Percentage of Cross Cancer Institute patients who participate in clinical trials, which nearly double the national average of 8%
500
Albertans enrolled in clinical trials at the Cross Cancer Institute annually
1,000
The enrolment goal after We Cross Cancer campaign
The Cross Cancer Institute pharmacy is responsible for mixing and dispensing all chemotherapy preparations for every cancer patient north of Red Deer.
To learn more about the We Cross Cancer campaign, please visit wecrosscancer.ca.
OWN.CANCER
The new Calgary Cancer Centre will soon be home to much more than the status quo of care. Within its walls, Albertans will find oncologists working in close quarters to researchers and educators, all striving to improve — or outright prevent — every aspect of the cancer journey.
The brand-new facility ensures that cancer patients throughout southern Alberta will have a dependable location to turn to for great care. Through OWN.CANCER, however, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary are looking to take treatment, research and education to a whole new level — elevating care from great to exceptional.
Calgary Cancer Centre, By the Numbers
1,300,000 square feet
Area of the Calgary Cancer Centre, making it one of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in North America
110,000 square feet
Area of dedicated research space
160
In-patient beds
12
Radiation vaults for radiation therapy services
100+
Chemotherapy chairs
100+
Patient exam rooms
Launched October 5, 2021, With A Five-Year Goal Of $250 Million
A partnership between the Alberta Cancer Foundation, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services
OWN.CANCER Consists of Five Focus Areas:
1. Decreasing cancer in the population:
Funding research and initiatives surrounding why cancer forms and how to prevent it
2. Improving cancer treatment:
Developing more tailored screening and treatment methods for each patient
3. Improving the patient experience:
Creating and fostering safe and supportive environments to meet unique patient and family needs
4. Improving cancer outcomes:
Integrating innovative data collection methods — such as utilizing artificial intelligence — and personalized training to better predict and overcome cancer
5. Empowering the best and brightest:
Investing in recruiting, developing and retaining leaders in cancer research and care, so Albertans can rest assured knowing they have world-class talent in their backyard
To learn more about the OWN.CANCER campaign, please visit owncancer.ca.
