We Cross Cancer campaign celebrates and acknowledges exceptional generosity of community, proving no one crosses cancer alone. We cross cancer, together.
February 28, 2023 – Edmonton, AB – In April 2022, the Alberta Cancer Foundation launched its We Cross Cancer campaign to support the Cross Cancer Institute and the vital work researchers and medical professionals are doing to revolutionize treatments for cancer patients in Alberta and beyond. The fundraising goal: an ambitious $30 million. Today, we are delighted to share that together, we not only reached our campaign goal, we surpassed it!
The Cross Cancer Institute is already home to some of the world’s brightest minds, leading the way in groundbreaking research and clinical trials. The overwhelming response from this campaign means we can double the capacity for clinical trials at the Cross Cancer Institute and transform the way we prevent, detect and treat cancer, while providing optimal care for patients and their families.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the We Cross Cancer campaign,” says Dr. Randeep Sangha, director of Clinical Trials at the Cross Cancer Institute. “Thanks to so many generous contributions, the Cross can build a dedicated clinical trials unit where we will continue to advance our research expertise and provide the best care possible and hope to cancer patients in our community.”
Every year, 23,000 Albertans are diagnosed with cancer. For some of these patients, clinical trials provide valuable insight and hope. Treatments developed through trials at the Cross Cancer Institute often become the standard of care worldwide.
“The Cross Cancer Institute is a special place for many families, including my own,” says Angus Watt, cabinet co-chair of the We Cross Cancer campaign. “Increasing clinical trial capacity ensures people living with cancer, primarily those in Alberta, continue to have access to the very best treatments and care close to home and for many years to come.”
We Cross Cancer was led by Watt and fellow campaign co-chair, Cory Janssen, along with a driven cabinet of volunteers.
“This campaign raised awareness and support of the Cross Cancer Institute, an internationally recognized, comprehensive cancer research and treatment centre right here in our city,” says Janssen. “Those who graciously contributed are supporting future advancements in cancer care happening today, instead of down the road.”
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we surpassed our ambitious $30 million fundraising goal in just nine months,” says Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation. “This extraordinary response by the community illustrates how beloved the Cross Cancer Institute is for patients and families in Edmonton and beyond. We Cross Cancer is proof that no one crosses cancer alone. We cross cancer, together.”
Media are invited to contact the Foundation for interviews with Angus Watt or Cory Janssen, We Cross Cancer cabinet co-chairs, Dr. Randeep Sangha, director of Clinical Trials, Cross Cancer Institute, or Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation.
About the Alberta Cancer Foundation
Albertans helping Albertans is at the core of everything the Alberta Cancer Foundation does. Our very purpose comes from our desire to create more moments for all Albertans facing cancer, no matter where they live or the type of cancer they are facing. From the Canmore mountains to the canola fields in Lloydminster – we support leading edge treatment, care and research that is making a difference for cancer patients across the province.
As the fundraising partner for the 17 Alberta Health Services cancer centres, as well as the new cancer centre in Calgary (alongside the University of Calgary), we make life better for Albertans facing cancer by supporting world-class research and patient care, right here in our own backyard.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, please contact:
Breanne Kraus
Director, Marketing and Communications
Cell: 780-905-9273
breanne.kraus@albertacancer.ca