It’s been 15 years since the seminal Hallmarks of Cancer paper was published, and since that time it has helped scientists navigate the complexity of cancer by identifying the six traits (or “hallmarks”) that all cancers share.

One of the hallmarks of the Alberta Cancer Foundation and our donors is to make life better for Albertans facing cancer. We recently unveiled our 2015 Report to Donors: “Unfolding More Moments,” which showed how our investments create more moments for Albertans facing cancer. In that report we tell the Alberta Cancer Foundation story. It’s the story about Albertans. And it’s a story about you.
Over the last year, you — our donors, our event participants, our partners — helped patients feel comfortable during chemotherapy. You provided financial assistance across the province. You helped ignite the imaginations of the brightest researchers so we can bring their discoveries to patients, faster.

In the last year, Albertans made almost 600,000 visits to cancer centres across this province. No matter where they lived, you were there for every step of the journey. From Fort McMurray to Medicine Hat, you stood alongside cancer patients. From the moment patients heard the words, “You have cancer,” you helped us offer three words in return: “We will help.”

In this issue of Leap, you will read about social worker Vivian Collacutt and her incredible capacity to care for the unique needs of rural cancer patients. You will read about our investment in the provincial biobank and how these facilities give researchers access to high-quality samples that will speed the pace of discovery, leading to more moments for Albertans facing cancer.

We celebrate the years of research that have brought us to the point where more than 100,000 Albertans are alive today after a cancer diagnosis. And we know the work we do is still crucial to achieving the next advancements that will save even more lives. Just as the Hallmarks of Cancer have helped uncover the underlying principles of cancer, the Alberta Cancer Foundation has worked hard to change the medical landscape in this province. We have a sense of urgency, and are driven by a singular goal — to save lives by speeding up the pace of discovery and helping that innovation reach the health-care system.

Thank you for helping us unfold more moments for Albertans. See our story in our annual report here: http://albertacancerreport.ca/

Myka Osinchuk, CEO Alberta Cancer Foundation

Angela Boehm, Chair Alberta Cancer Foundation