Fundraising Campaign Archives - CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

Our names are Hayley and Kevin, and the last year has been the hardest of our lives.

The strength and resilience of our daughter Ruby as she went through months of difficult cancer treatments is what has helped us get through this challenging time.

Donors’ generosity has improved Ruby’s chances of survival and given us more hope.

Donor’ support of research, clinical trials and enhanced treatments have led to new discoveries and has helped thousands of kids with cancer. Still, there are no guarantees for us. No guarantee for Ruby that her cancer will be cured forever and that she will have the opportunity to thrive.

We are sharing Ruby’s story with you today in hopes her strength and resilience inspire you to make a gift this holiday season.

It was one year ago that we first began to notice a change in Ruby’s behavior. She was lethargic, and not her usual, three-year-old, playful self. She has Down syndrome and is naturally quite happy most of time. We knew something wasn’t right as she struggled with a cough, fatigue and high fevers. It was a month filled with uncertainty and worry as we navigated multiple trips to the doctor, different medications and many visits to the emergency room. Then, a blood test at the hospital led to our world being turned upside down.

We were told that Ruby had cancer.

More tests were required to determine the type and severity of her cancer. Two days felt like an eternity as we waited for the diagnosis. Then, the doctor confirmed Ruby had acute myeloid leukemia, and laid out a rigorous, six-month chemotherapy treatment plan.

There is nothing that could have prepared us for how sick Ruby would become.

We were unprepared for how sick Ruby became as she endured her chemotherapy treatments. Before each cycle, she underwent a lumbar puncture, a painful procedure that requires children like Ruby to be sedated. She also underwent multiple bone marrow biopsies. Because these treatments were so intense, and Ruby had a risk of life-threatening infections, we had to stay in the hospital for weeks at a time. One of us would stay with Ruby during the daytime, and the other at night. It was challenging and we could both feel the toll it was taking on our mental health.

The support of people like you ensures that important programs at CancerCare Manitoba are available for families like ours during difficult times. Without access to therapy sessions, this year would have been very different for us. It’s hard to imagine how we would have gotten through it.

Ruby is so brave.

Overall, Ruby did well during the hospital stays. She was always smiling and cheerful, even on the toughest days. It was her strength that enabled us to be strong too. Then, as Ruby began her third cycle of chemotherapy, the unthinkable happened.

Ruby unexpectedly needed urgent life-saving care.

We were shocked when shortly after an infusion of chemotherapy, Ruby developed a terrible rash, began vomiting and was having difficulty breathing. Ruby was experiencing a severe life-threatening allergic reaction to the chemotherapy drugs. She was in anaphylactic shock. It took two shots of epinephrine before she responded and started breathing normally again.

Afterwards, we sat there, numb, watching her lie in the hospital bed. Seeing her hooked up to so many tubes and wearing an oxygen mask was terrifying. This experience only increased our fear that something devastating would happen to Ruby.

By donating monthly, your gift will help ensure that Ruby and other Manitoba kids with cancer receive the very best care, right here in our province.

Gifts from monthly donors are invested in local cancer research, and continued investment in research is needed so that when patients like Ruby experience serious complications, alternative treatments are available. We hope you will consider joining this loyal group with a monthly gift.

In mid-August after what felt like a lifetime, Ruby completed her chemotherapy treatment. After months and months of being in and out of the hospital we were desperate to return home but learned that it wouldn’t be possible. Ruby’s blood count was dangerously low due to her treatments. Weeks went by. Then, good news and instant tears from our entire family when we learned we could finally go home for good.

Ruby’s journey with cancer is far from over.

Each day Ruby requires three different medications to prevent infections. If Ruby were to get sick with a regular cold or other virus, it would be very dangerous. We’re worried that we’ll expose her to something simply from going to work each day.

We still have regular visits to CancerCare Manitoba where they continue to monitor Ruby. Every time she has a blood test, we are sick with anxiety as we wait for the results.

Before Ruby became sick, she had just started walking on her own. Spending so much time in a hospital bed really set her back. But now, day by day, she’s starting to get stronger.

We are so proud of her and like every parent, we look forward to many future milestones in Ruby’s life. A life we hope will be free of cancer thanks to your kind support.

With you in our corner, we are optimistic for the future.

Your gifts ensure that Manitobans like our daughter have access to the best patient care and support programs right here in our province. Your thoughtful donation today will make a difference for our family, and we are so grateful.

Our deepest gratitude,

Hayley & Kevin

p.s. I am pleased to share with you a recorded webinar of Ruby’s doctor, Dr Ashley Chopek, speaking to the benefits of donor-funded research for people like Ruby with leukemia. You will also hear from me, Ruby’s mother, sharing my family’s personal experience.

Make #CCMFSnowAngels and donate in memory, in honour, or in gratitude of someone you love

We know the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult. Whether your loss is time-worn or fresh, we hope this small act can bring a moment of honour, hope and healing to all who take part.

Here’s how it works and the impact you will make:

Donate to CancerCare Manitoba in memory, in honour, or in gratitude of your loved one, and encourage others to do the same. Know that your donation makes an impact for Manitobans on a cancer journey now, and in the future.

Then head outdoors and make your #CCMFSnowAngels. Perhaps a spot that holds special memories of your loved one, or just a good patch of fresh snow. We encourage you to share a picture of your snow angels online using #CCMFSnowAngels.

How it started…

This initiative started in 2020 when a group of friends came together and created Alley’s Angels Snow Angel Challenge.

“As I made my snow angel in memory of Alley I looked up into the sky and it was a special moment to pause and think of my dear friend.” Carol Ploen-Hosegood

Make your #CCMFSnowAngels and pay tribute to your loved one with a donation to change the lives of others. Whether you do so on your own or connect with friends and family far and wide – please know you will make a difference.

All donations will be matched up to $1000.

Learn more about Nick’s Story

Your investment on GivingTuesday will provide Manitobans like Nick with more tomorrows with their loved ones.

At just 21-years-old, Nick heard the frightening words “you have cancer” for the first, but unfortunately not the last time in his life. In 2009 Nick was diagnosed and successfully treated for testicular cancer. In 2019, ten years after his original diagnosis, Nick learned his cancer had returned. Once again, he had to undergo surgery to treat this life-threatening illness.

By investing in the labs at the Research Institute today, you will have double the impact, making sure Manitobans like Nick have the best chance for a full recovery, if and when their cancers return.

This GivingTuesday iA Financial generously matched $50,000 of your donations.

Learn more about Danica’s Story

Your investment on GivingTuesday will provide Manitobans like Danica with more tomorrows with their loved ones.

Danica knows the cruel reality of a cancer diagnosis and the uncertainty it brings all too well. Her world was turned upside down in the spring of 2020 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“I felt a lump on my collarbone,” remembers Danica. “An x-ray showed a tumour across my chest which caused my lung to collapse. The doctor told me the unthinkable … I had cancer.”

Danica is grateful for the treatment she received and is grateful to donors for their ongoing support of local research.

“The science behind my treatment … it wouldn’t have been possible without your donations,” says Danica. “Every donation you make on Giving Tuesday helps people like me. Truly, thank you isn’t enough to express my appreciation.”

This GivingTuesday iA Financial generously matched $50,000 of your donations.

Giving Tuesday – Danica’s Story

You can be part of the solution. Help fund discoveries at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba.

This GivingTuesday iA Financial will generously match all donations up to $50,000.

Liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide are two key resources necessary in all labs at Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba. These substances facilitate the study of cells needed to discover new treatments for some of the hardest-to-treat and most prevalent cancers.

Manitobans with cancer need your help.

By donating today, you will help secure regular supplies of liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide in cancer researchers’ labs. Liquid nitrogen preserves the cells they need to advance cancer research. Carbon dioxide allows them to grow the preserved cells in order to answer their questions, and ultimately improve care for Manitobans.

Your investment will provide Manitobans like Danica with more tomorrows with their loved ones.

“I felt a lump on my collarbone,” remembers Danica. “An x-ray showed a tumour across my chest which caused my lung to collapse. The doctor told me the unthinkable … I had cancer.”

Danica is grateful for the treatment she received and is grateful to donors for their ongoing support of local research.

Share your passion. Change the world.

This GivingTuesday let your family and friends know cancer research in our province is important to you. You just may inspire them to join the movement too. Use the hashtag #ForYourTomorrows in your social media feeds. You may just inspire others to join the movement too.

Follow local Manitobans on Instagram to learn what #ForYourTomorrows means to them:

@the_countryside_getaway

Follow local cancer researchers on social media through the Research Institute’s Twitter @CCMB_Research to learn what #ForYourTomorrows means to them.

Thank you to iA Financial for generously matching up to $50,000 in donations this GivingTuesday, helping Manitobans with cancer and their loved ones enjoy more tomorrows together.

Year-after-year, iA Financial Group makes a commitment to the community and works tirelessly to support its development and well-being.

iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada, with operations in the United States. Founded in 1892, it is an important Canadian public company and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols IAG (common shares) and IAF (preferred shares).

iA Financial Group’s objective is to provide support to causes that focus on improving quality of life for Canadians. They target donations to organizations working in the areas of health, education, social and community support, and the environment.

“It is easy to understand that all of us, including all of us at iA Financial, have been touched by cancer in some way, and that is why it is important that we support CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in their work to provide the best research facilities and infrastructure in Manitoba, for all who reside in Manitoba, and across Canada.”

– Ross Cook CFP, Sales Director – Large Cases and National Accounts Western Canada, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services

World Cancer Day

You can change a life with just one cup this World Cancer Day

By participating in A Cup for Tomorrow you can raise vital funds and bring awareness to cancer prevention and screening programs in Manitoba. From February 3 – 5, locally-owned coffee shops across our province are taking action against cancer with your help. Participating coffee shops have generously committed to donate a portion of proceeds to ensure every Manitoban has access to cancer prevention and screening information.

What can you do?

Visit your local A Cup for Tomorrow coffee shop and purchase a coffee or tea. It’s that easy. Then, share on social media to help spread the word and encourage others to do the same.

Use the map below to find a participating, coffee shop near you:

Unable to visit a coffee shop this World Cancer Day?

This World Cancer Day you can make a donation to help change the course of cancer in our province. Your gift today means more tomorrows for Manitobans to live their passions. It means protection for your loved ones. It means protection for the future.

Participating A Cup for Tomorrow coffee shops:

Carrie’s Story

Routine Test Leads to Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis

Carrie is a vibrant young woman in her early 30s who never imagined a routine test would result in a cancer diagnosis.

In January of 2020, Carrie had her first appointment with a new physician. Carrie’s new doctor wanted to get a good understanding of her patient and completed a full physical including a PAP test (Carrie’s first in about 3-4 years).

What happened next was unexpected.

Two weeks later, Carrie received an evening phone call from her doctor scheduling her in for the following morning. Carrie grew a little concerned as she noticed that her appointment was outside of clinic’s operating hours.

What could be so important as to warrant a next day, before-hours appointment?

After a somewhat sleepless night Carrie arrived at her doctor’s office and promptly parked the car. As Carrie took a moment to gather her thoughts, she noticed her doctor was waiting for her at the office’s door.

This was the moment Carrie realized something serious was going on.

After a brief discussion about her pelvic health, Carrie received the very unexpected news that her PAP test had shown she had cancer. How could this happen? Carrie was young, healthy and had no symptoms. How could a simply test change her world so dramatically?

Weeks of tests and biopsies working with CancerCare Manitoba Gynecological Oncologists followed. It was a hard reality for Carrie because her appointments were in the same building she had been in five years earlier while her father battled kidney cancer. Carrie couldn’t believe that she was back but this time it was her facing the uncertainty of cancer.

It was determined that Carrie had Adenocarcinoma, a form of cervical cancer. Tests showed signs that Carrie’s cancer was likely Stage 1. A hysterectomy surgery was scheduled and Carrie was told that the hysterectomy should cure her cancer.

Surgery was a daunting prospect for Carrie, the pandemic meant she would have to go in and recover without the physical aid of family and friends. However, Carrie was determined to make it work. Unfortunately, the surgery revealed more concerns and Carrie’s cancer was now considered to be Stage 2B and she would begin radiation and chemotherapy treatments in four to six weeks.

Carrie started radiation and chemotherapy in the middle of June. Her last chemo treatment was completed a day after her 34th birthday and radiation a few days later. Throughout her treatment Carrie appreciated the help of a mentor from Breast and Gyne Centre of Hope.

On October 29, 2021 Carrie received the news that her treatment was successful, and she was cancer free.

Today, Carrie shares her story as an opportunity to let others know how important it is to get checked regularly. She knows she might not be alive if it wasn’t for a routine test.

Craig and Leah were there for their friend

We are Craig and Leah.

We have never had cancer… while we can only guess what it might be like to receive this crushing diagnosis, we do know what it is like to have a loved one touched by cancer. For Giving Tuesday, we are sharing our story of caring for, and ultimately losing a dear friend to cancer. Our experience was one of staying by our friend’s side through initial diagnosis, multiple rounds of treatment, and hope for the future… then a recurrence, palliative care, and ultimately a celebration of life.

Craig’s close friend Dylan was having some health issues that finally became severe enough to cause trouble walking, and a friend insisted he go to the hospital after seeing him walk during a lunch date. After emergency surgery to drain a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid, the medical team also noticed a growth sitting on his brain stem, which was initially thought to be a benign tumour.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long until Dylan’s biopsy result showed that he had a rare and aggressive form of inoperable, terminal brain cancer called diffuse midline glioma. The doctor gave his best guess that left untreated, Dylan would only have about 7 or 8 months to live. However, with our current advances in radiation and chemotherapy treatment, his doctor felt that he could have more like 12 to 16 months.

A few weeks after his surgery, Dylan was no longer in a state to be living independently. Craig only had a one-bedroom condo but offered Dylan a temporary bed in the middle of the living room so Craig could assist with basic care and providing meals. At this point, even though we had very limited space to offer, we worked together to plan out the space in such a way that it could still be used as a small living room while also allowing Dylan to have some furniture such as a proper bed with storage and a computer desk. We enjoyed our time together as friends, removed from ‘cancer’ talk.

We began accompanying Dylan to his now regularly scheduled appointments at CancerCare. After the initial radiation and chemotherapy treatment, Dylan had now received the maximum amount of radiation that was deemed safe for a lifetime. He then transitioned to appointments with his new, regular care team at CancerCare which consisted of Dr. Pitz, his dedicated nurse Sonnu, and consistent administrative team.

Through advances in cancer research, Dr. Pitz informed Dylan that he actually had a genetically distinct type of diffuse midline glioma called an h3K27M mutation. The treatment allowed Dylan to take his chemo at home and for the most part, he didn’t experience too many side effects. While he did feel tired during the chemo days, which was jokingly referred to as “his time of the month”, he was able to bounce back within a day or two and the side effects were usually only mild. He was still able to enjoy a high quality of life despite being on chemo.

By the time Dylan reached the 16-month mark since his diagnosis, the upper end of his original prognosis, the tumour was actually quite small on the images and it was thought to be mostly scar tissue. At this point, we began making plans for how many months of positive results would mean that it was time for Dylan to finally get his own place. Craig began charging a very modest rent from Dylan, and for the next three months was secretly putting it into an account with the intention to return the money as a “congratulations on beating cancer” housewarming present, when we were able to finally celebrate Dylan moving into the next phase of his life and getting his own apartment or condo.

The first MRI post-chemotherapy came back looking positive. However, a few months later the next scan showed that Dylan had developed two new brain tumours in new locations. Because of the regular monitoring by CancerCare the new tumours were caught very early, and there was real hope that a new round of chemotherapy would be able to take care of them.

The chemo once again made Dylan tired and he returned to part time work. However, this time, Dylan experienced brain swelling, believed to be a side effect of the chemotherapy and had trouble walking, short term memory issues and simple tasks became difficult.

Another MRI unfortunately showed that one of the two new tumours had not responded to treatment at all and had increased drastically in size. The symptoms troubling Dylan were due to the tumour causing inflammation and pushing on his brain.

During an appointment, Dylan was offered some new treatment options but Dr. Pitz let the group know the end was near and it was time to consider the palliative care program for treatment to improve quality of life. While we aren’t certain if it was the shock of the news, Dylan’s memory loss issues, or both, Dylan didn’t seem to understand what was going on. We later overheard him on the phone with his employer saying he was trying a new treatment and hoped to be back at work in a few weeks. It was the hardest conversation we ever had in our entire lives when we had to sit down with Dylan to tell him that he was going to die, and that he wouldn’t ever be going back to work. Dylan finally processed the news, and he broke down and said he wasn’t ready to die. He still had so many things he wanted to do. The next few weeks were hard.

After many falls and near misses, Dylan was transferred to the palliative care program. While he was mostly unable to speak or move easily, he could still eat and one of Dylan’s favourite things to do in palliative care was to use the call button to ask for ice cream as many times as he wanted. He was mostly non-responsive and unable to move within about two weeks of entering palliative care and died within a month.

While it is heartbreaking that Dylan passed away at 36 years old, he had access to the best possible treatment options and we are grateful. We could call Dylan’s team at CancerCare with a direct number and would get a call back from Dr. Pitz or Sonnu within just a few hours. The staff knew Dylan and loved to joke with him, and because of the expert care he received, Dylan was able to enjoy 24 months after his diagnosis surrounded by friends and family, with most of that time being high quality with few side effects.

We are incredibly grateful for the care and support Dylan received from everyone at CancerCare Manitoba. The advancements in research and work of his oncology team allowed Dylan to live well beyond his initial prognosis. They gave him, and us, more time.

Your support this Giving Tuesday will help ensure the dedicated professionals who work in CancerCare Manitoba’s Research Institute have the tools they need to advance crucial local research, giving patients like Dylan more tomorrows with loved ones.

Katarina is hopeful for a future beyond cancer

My name is Katarina.

For Giving Tuesday, I am sharing my story with cancer. In the spring of 2020, just as the pandemic hit, I began experiencing a number of health issues. I was diagnosed with mono, pericarditis, splenomegaly, and strep throat. For the next year, I continued to experience unexplained fevers, night sweats, fatigue, itchy skin, hair loss, and difficulty breathing/chest pain after light physical activity. In August of 2020, I noticed a lump in my neck. I went to the doctor and he reassured me that it was a chronically enlarged lymph node as a result of my previous mono.

After my doctor reassured me that everything was okay and my body was probably just recovering from the array of battles it fought in the spring of 2020, I went on with my life and got busy with school. While I still continued to experience my symptoms, I was convinced that everything was okay and was too busy with life to think much about it. In the spring of 2021, I returned to my doctor as I had now felt two lumps in my neck, and the original one had not gone away. I went for a neck CT where it was revealed that I had multiple tumours in my neck. That was the day I was referred to Cancer Care Manitoba and that was the worst day of my life.

After being referred, I was scheduled for day-surgery where they immediately biopsied my neck. Within a week or so, it was confirmed that I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At the time of my diagnosis, everything was going great in my life. Thankfully my work family was so supportive and I was able to continue working full time throughout treatment. The ability to keep working gave me purpose and kept me busy. My parents will joke about the fact that after I was diagnosed, my supervisor told me to take an early weekend and not come back the next day and to focus on myself. In true cancer fighter fashion, I was the first one in the office at 8 a.m. the next day. I was ready to prove that nothing, not even a cancer diagnosis, was going to stop me.

Katarina ringing the bell outside of CancerCare Manitoba on her last day of treatment.

My surgeon then transferred me to an oncologist who would assess the stage of my cancer and determine a course of treatment. My PET scan revealed that I had Stage 4 cancer as it had spread to my neck, chest, abdomen, armpits and groin. On top of that, I had many tumours in my chest. Hearing the words “Stage 4” were terrifying. I have two grandparents who both died of blood cancer and I thought I was next. Thankfully, my oncologist reassured me that the prognosis for Hodgkins Lymphoma, even at Stage 4, was very good. I had my staging appointment on a Monday, and on Friday a new AAVD chemo-immunotherapy treatment was supposed to be approved in Manitoba. The timing was perfect as I started the new regiment on the morning it was approved in Manitoba. Within four days, I started my 6-month treatment journey. My treatment consisted of 6 cycles of chemo (or 12 treatments) which were administered every other week via IV.

As of today, I am 2 and a half weeks post chemo! I cannot wait for this journey to be over, but am thankful for the advancements in medicine and research that have allowed me to heal. Although my oncologist is certain that I am in remission, I have one more PET scan to do at the end of December to confirm. Now that I have been given a second chance at life, I intend to use it and live life to the fullest. In January, I hope to relocate to Ottawa to finally attend Carleton University in-person. Between the pandemic and cancer, this is a day I have been waiting for, for a long time. I hope to continue my studies and continue the work experience I have gained in the public service. In a couple years, my goal is to pursue law school and a legal career. I also hope that when the time is right, to take myself on a post-cancer trip.

Research in Manitoba played a huge role in my ability to access new treatments and I am so grateful that I can look to the future with hope. I know there are so many others who benefit, and will continue to benefit, from this ongoing research too.

Adam lost his father, but he’s still fighting to help others

Hi, I’m Adam.

Adam and Mason during their 2020 headshave to raise money for pediatric cancer.

Like many others, I am connected to the cancer community through a loved one. For this year’s Giving Tuesday, I am sharing my story with you to let each of you know that you are not alone. I lost my dad at the age of 24 to cancer. At the time of my dad’s diagnosis, he was running the family printing business with his dad, mom and brother by his side. He was known for rooting for the underdog and always giving the small business or new business owner a chance to succeed as he would go through a wall for his friends/clients and partners. People loved working with and for my father. Nothing beats hearing an old story from someone new on how he helped them out along the way. My Dad was diagnosed with aggressive form of thyroid cancer, and survived 8 months after the diagnosis before he passed. The time flew by but I was so thankful to share every thought and feeling of how much my dad meant to me and the love I had for him to his face. I will always be thankful for those last cherished memories with him. When I was a young boy, a child in my school died of heart complications. I remember this moment vividly and when grieving, the mother of the child consoled me. The memory of this significant moment in my life, along with the loss of my father, has only encouraged me to do what I can to help give more tomorrows to young families affected by cancer. My hope is that cancer prevention awareness and research can give parents more time with their children and loved ones, with the memory of that young grieving mother from my childhood providing a guiding inspiration. No child should have to suffer with cancer. After playing hockey in Europe and the US, I made the decision during the pandemic to return to Winnipeg and start a career. It was important for me to give back to the cancer community. In 2020, my friend Mason and I started a head shave event to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer. It was a successful event and we quickly decided to make it an annual event. For two years in a row, we have raised over $2000 and have hopes to build on the event in 2022. Mason and I hope to make the future a little brighter for anyone dealing with this terrible disease. This is also why I share my story this Giving Tuesday. In hope I can inspire others to help support Manitobans facing cancer. Helping fund CancerCare Manitoba and the work they do is such an important part of that.