LEAP - Fall 2025

DECADES OF DEDICATION

JOAN HAUBER ON EARLY BREAST CANCER DETECTION

FALL/WINTER 2025

40 YEARS OF ADVANCING CANCER CARE

FORWARD THINKING

ARTHUR CHILD INNOVATION CATALYST GRANT WINNERS

HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF AI

DR. OMAR KHAN USES DATA AND ANALYTICS TO INFORM AND IMPROVE CANCER CARE

More progress. More innovation. More hope.

For four decades, the Alberta Cancer Foundation has fueled progress in cancer research, treatment and care — made possible by the generosity of our donors.

As we look to the future, we are not just imagining more moments — we are creating them and building the next chapter for cancer care in Alberta.

16 FORTY YEARS OF MORE PROGRESS

14

EXPERT ADVICE

The Nipple Sisters help breast cancer survivors regain their body confidence.

33

BEACON OF HOPE

Long-time monthly donor Norman Sanders shows his gratitude for his successful cancer treatment.

34

TRUE CALLING

Joan Hauber has dedicated more than three decades to early breast cancer detection.

37

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Over the 40 years that the Alberta Cancer Foundation has been supporting Albertans facing cancer and their families, there have been incredible advances in cancer care in this province. That’s because of the hard work of clinicians, health-care professionals and researchers making groundbreaking discoveries. None of that would be possible without generous donors. Meet Albertans who continue to make a difference in improving every aspect of cancer care, now and for another 40 years.

How

Charlene Broughton shares her cancer journey as a busy mom.

Meet the inaugural Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant winners.

Through the support of donors, Dr. Michael Monument rewrites Calgary’s role in identifying new therapies to treat sarcoma.

38

ALBERTANS FIRST Bruce and Edna Moffat gave the gift of improved care closer to home to support their Lethbridge community.

41

APPLAUSE, PLEASE

A neuro-oncology fellowship helps Dr. Candace Marsters perform research to benefit Albertans facing brain cancer.

42 COMMUNITY CHAMPION

How the AGAT Foundation meaningfully supports its communities.

Dr. Anthony Fields

TRUSTEES

Max Chan (Board Chair)

Tom Valentine

(Interim Vice Chair)

Darren Baumgardner

Mark Blackwell

Scott Budau

Kathryn (Kate) Chisholm

Rajko Dodic

Mark Fitzgerald

Joan Forge

Brenda Hubley

Shenaz Jeraj

Sandra Lau

Lynn Mandel

Pete Merlo

Shelley Powell

Dr. Dean Ruether

Kiren Singh

Wayne Steinke

Danielle Thorkelsson

Trustees list current at time of publication.

40 Years of Progress

This year marks a milestone for the Alberta Cancer Foundation — we’re celebrating 40 years of progress, impact and hope in advancing cancer care in Alberta.

For four decades, we have worked alongside researchers, health care providers and communities across the province to create more moments for Albertans facing cancer. The results speak for themselves: earlier detection, more targeted treatments and better support for patients and their families.

While this milestone is a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, it’s also an opportunity to look ahead. The next chapters of cancer care are being written right now — and they hold incredible promise.

In this issue, you’ll see what more progress looks like. You’ll meet Dr. Omar Khan, who is using the power of data to improve the patient experience, deepen our understanding of how tumours behave and create efficiencies in the health care system (pg. 6). And you’ll discover the breadth of expertise advancing cancer treatments across Alberta. Whether in the lab, a brachytherapy suite or even the boardroom, some of the best and brightest continue to build on past progress to change the future (pg. 16).

We are also proud to introduce the inaugural Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant winners — five innovators whose ideas have the potential to spark the next big breakthrough in cancer care (pg. 30).

The Alberta Cancer Foundation’s progress over the past 40 years has only been made possible because of a community that has supported us every step of the way. From events like the Glenn Anderson Day of Golf, which has been helping to revolutionize cancer care since our earliest days (pg. 23), to the AGAT Foundation and its ongoing support for patients and families through the annual AGAT Foundation Charity Classic (pg. 42), generosity continues to make a real difference. In these pages, you will also meet Kim and Shane Savard, siblings carrying forward a family legacy of giving and inspiring the next generation to do the same (pg. 22).

These stories, and the many others in this issue, highlight the innovations, partnerships and human spirit that are building on the past and shaping cancer care in Alberta today, and for future generations.

None of it would have been possible without you — our community of supporters. Your generosity fuels research breakthroughs, drives improvements in patient care and gives hope to families across the province. Thank you for making more progress possible.

WENDY BEAUCHESNE CEO ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION

MAX CHAN BOARD CHAIR ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION

Fall/Winter 2025 | VOL. 15 | NO. 2

ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION EDITORS

Mariko Macken, Vanessa Ridden DIRECTOR, STRATEGY & CONTENT

Meredith Bailey

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Colleen Seto

ART DIRECTOR

Veronica Cowan STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jared Sych CONTRIBUTORS

Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, Jason Dziver, Buffy Goodman, Doug Horner, Fabian Mayer, Mateusz Napieralski, Ryan Parker, Olivia Piché, Viancy Salubre, Debby Waldman

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Alberta Cancer Foundation

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FRONT LINE

BRIGHT MIND

Dr. Omar Khan uses data and analytics to inform and improve cancer care.

by DEBBY WALDMAN

photographs by JASON DZIVER arly in his career as a medical oncologist, Dr. Omar Khan knew that artificial intelligence was going to be a game changer in health care — he just didn’t know how. Neither did his fellowship supervisor, Dr. Sunil Verma (who was then the medical director of the former Tom Baker Cancer Centre), but he recognized Khan’s passion and fascination with technology.

“Maybe this is where you need to focus,” Verma suggested, setting Khan on his current path, leveraging data to transform cancer care and research.

A specialist who treats patients with breast cancer and sarcoma at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Arthur Child) in Calgary, Khan incorporates

“It’s exciting to be part of something where it feels like every year, there’s something new.”

data-driven insights into all aspects of his practice. This includes working on projects such as PROgress Tracker (an initiative of Breast Cancer Canada collecting patient-reported outcome data across the country) as well as a metastatic breast cancer database in Alberta. He is the provincial tumour team lead for sarcoma, and a member of the Integrated Sarcoma Research Program (iSARP) at the University of Calgary.

A LIVING DATA LAB

Earlier this year, Khan was named a site medical informatics lead for Connect Care, Alberta’s province-wide medical records system. That role complements the work he is doing with the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at the Arthur Child. Both positions provide him with the opportunity to collect and analyze even more data.

The AAU, a first-of-its-kind in Alberta, opened in February 2025 with a mission to provide timely outpatient assessments for Albertans living with cancer experiencing acute symptoms. The goal is to improve the patient experience while reducing the burden on overstretched hospital emergency departments. More than 200 patients were referred and seen within its first three months, seeking treatment for everything from fevers to rashes.

Khan sees the AAU as having the potential to be a living data lab, generating

information about a variety of factors, including why cancer patients seek acute care, the tests they need, treatments they receive and length of a visit. He and his research team can use that information to develop computer models to analyze the data, then use the results to inform care.

“If we can track trends in why patients are needing the AAU and what treatments they are on, we can help individual oncologists take preventative actions to reduce the symptoms in the first place,” he says.

“That’s where the data can hopefully help us to effect change throughout the whole cancer system in addition to just keeping people out of the emergency room.”

USING AI TO BETTER UNDERSTAND TUMOURS

Another focus of Khan’s research, independent of his work with Connect Care and the AAU, involves using neural networks, a form of AI, to analyze imaging biomarkers from CT scans to better understand how tumours behave.

Over the past five years, using scans from Alberta lung cancer patients — one of the largest data sets available — Khan and his colleagues have designed algorithms to analyze over 5,000 variables, including information about different cancers (such as tumour size or number of lesions) and patients (such as fat and muscle content).

CT scans capture hundreds of “slices”

BRIGHT MIND

“Our electronic medical record program is extremely powerful in terms of being able to pull reports and better understand the flow of patients through the system. There’s a ton of potential for us to use that to actually improve our processes.”

or images. Radiologists use them to understand a patient’s disease. However, a lot of additional information that may be hard or time-consuming to measure is often not included in radiologist reports.

“Those things might be really important in terms of understanding how long somebody might be able to survive, just as important potentially as whether the tumour is getting bigger or smaller, but the relationship between these variables is often non-linear and harder to understand,” Khan says.

That’s where the neural networks come in: they can process large volumes of data and complex relationships between variables more quickly and effectively than a human brain, often in hours or minutes.

“The idea is that if we can provide a better understanding of what a patient’s disease trajectory might be, we can tailor treatment options for that patient much better,” Khan says.

Developing AI models that are accurate and protect patient confidentiality is time consuming, taking years for Khan and his team. It’s one of the ironies in what is often seen as a fast-changing field: parts of it move much more slowly than people may realize. There’s a very good reason for that, Khan emphasizes — when you’re using health care data, it’s more important to be careful than speedy.

That’s why he’s not rushing his research into practice. “There’s a lot of steps in the process to make sure we do this in a safe way, to protect our patients,” he says. “It’s not something I’m using in the clinic today, but I think in the next five to 10 years, we’re probably going to see it a lot more. It really is a game changer.”

Collaborative Research for a Healthier Tomorrow

Alberta’s Tomorrow Project collects information and insight to help prevent cancer, diagnose cases earlier and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer in Alberta and beyond.

We’ve seen tremendous advancements in cancer research and care. But what still needs to be better understood is why some people develop cancer and chronic disease and others don't.

That is where Alberta’s Tomorrow Project (ATP) comes in. This longitudinal project aims to reveal what causes and what may prevent cancer and chronic diseases. ATP, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, began recruiting participants in 2000, and now has over 55,000 people from across the province taking part. These Albertans have agreed to share personal data for use in research, specifically to provide information on their health and lifestyle over a 50-year timeframe, making ATP the largest health research study in Western Canada.

HOW IS ATP DATA COLLECTED?

ATP participants complete surveys to provide insight into many aspects of their lives, such as mental health, smoking status, cancer screening, body measurements and family history. From these surveys, ATP has collected over one billion data points to support research, inform policies and improve cancer and chronic disease outcomes.

Over 30,000 of these participants have generously donated thousands of biological samples, including blood and urine, which make it possible to measure genetics and other unique health markers. With ATP’s fulsome data, and by linking to other health data, researchers can explore how lifestyle, genetics and environment influence the health of generations to come.

Last fall, ATP moved into its new home at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary. It’s the perfect environment as it brings together medical

experts, researchers and clinicians — all of whom could untap the potential of ATP’s data to find meaningful answers. ATP’s biobank holds more than one million samples.

WHAT STUDIES DOES ATP SUPPORT?

ATP helps with a number of different health studies; most recently, it carried out a survey as part of the Lung Cancer Risk Factors Study. This research project is in partnership with the University of Calgary’s Evict Radon National Study team, headed by researcher Dr. Aaron Goodarzi. By joining forces, so much more can be learned about what puts Albertans at risk for lung cancer.

An upcoming study is the Diet and Physical Activity project. In late 2025, ATP, along with six CanPath (the largest nationwide population health study) regional cohorts, will administer the largest and most comprehensive diet and physician activity data collection in Canadian history. The data collected through this project will not only help uncover how diet and the food environment are linked but may also inform personalized prevention and treatments for individuals facing cancer, and answer questions about the impacts of diet and physical activity on health and well-being.

Ultimately, as a long-term collaborative study, ATP provides exceptional depth and breadth of detailed information to researchers around the world. The forward thinking of ATP will help shape the future of how we can be more proactive about our health and how we can provide better care. These efforts will lead to further progress: increased prevention, earlier detection and better treatment of cancer and chronic diseases.

To learn more, visit myatp.ca.

data points collected 1 BILLION+

people from across Alberta taking part 55,000+

participants have donated thousands of samples 30,000+

5 Things to Know About the Impact of Cancer Care in Alberta

In the past 40 years, the Alberta Cancer Foundation has disbursed over

$470 million

of donor support directly into the cancer system. These vital funds have fueled advancements in research, treatment and care for Albertans across the province.

Ten years ago, prostate cancer radiation treatment typically required 39 sessions. Thanks to advances in technology, like the MR-Linac, that number has decreased more than 75 per cent and could soon continue to drop to fewer than 10 treatments.

Alberta has experienced the most significant improvement in cancer survival rates compared to other provinces,

increasing by 8.7 per cent over the past 20 years.

Since 2001, donors to the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Patient Financial Assistance Program have provided over $19 million to help Albertans and their families by easing the financial burden of cancer.

Female breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by nearly half since the 1980s, thanks to donor support of early detection and screening programs. Since its inception in 1991, Screen Test mobile breast screening has completed

565,480 mammograms, detecting more than 3,000 breast cancers and saving lives.

None of these incredible achievements would be possible without donor support.

It Takes a Team

Discover the many health benefits of playing for a team.

by OLIVIA PICHÉ | illustrations by MATEUSZ NAPIERALSKI

For kids, joining a team sport can come naturally — often, it’s already embedded in their day-to-day lives, in their physical education curriculum or extracurricular activities. But for adults, joining a team may require a little more effort because of busy schedules, demanding responsibilities and sometimes, a lack of motivation. Luckily, in Alberta, there are plenty of opportunities to join recreational leagues for team sports you enjoy, and the benefits are well worth it.

The act of playing a sport is linked to better mental health, such as higher self-esteem and lower levels of stress and anxiety, as well as physical benefits, including improved heart health and muscle strengthening. And there’s the benefit of social connection. In fact, playing a team sport is shown to lead to higher overall life satisfaction than playing an individual sport.

“Adults who participate in sport, and specifically team sport, have more favourable health outcomes than those participating in individual sport or not participating at all. There seems to be mental health, well-being and social [benefits] for adults who participate in sport, and particularly in groupbased or team sports,” says Frank van den Berg, lead of mental performance at the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta.

MUSCLE UP YOUR SOCIAL HEALTH

Social connection is vital for everyone, and joining a recreational-level team sport allows you to make connections and have fun. It makes you feel like part of a community.

“It’s about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and feeling better about yourself and better in your body. When you're looking at the social benefits, you're having a good time with other people. You're making connections, you're getting to learn, you're getting to know new people, and you're fostering a sense of belonging — that’s a very important one,” says van den Berg.

Not only do the impacts of playing on a team ripple into additional health benefits, like better sleep and improved nutrition needed to sustain your activities, team sports can also positively influence other aspects in your life, simply by being surrounded by motivational teammates. It’s easier to get outside for practice when someone invites you, show up for games when you know others are counting on you, and you’re more likely to try something new when your teammates are willing to help you learn, not to mention the well-being that comes from having a team cheer you on.

PICK A TEAM AND GET STARTED

One important thing to consider before joining a team is your current ability level. Ease yourself back into sports moderately if it’s been a while since you’ve participated, suggests van den Berg. And begin with a less-intense sport.

Search for sports social groups in your area that fit your agility and personal interests — having fun is a key factor in improved health. Find specific sports clubs through provincewide associations, like Pickleball Alberta, Swimming Canada or Volleyball Alberta, or explore city-specific clubs like the Calgary Sport and Social Club and the Edmonton Sport and Social Club. Both of these clubs offer dozens of sports for adults to play to start reaping the benefits of team sports. Alberta also has various recreational adult leagues for sports such as softball, hockey and basketball, so take your pick and play ball.

JOIN THE ENBRIDGE TOUR ALBERTA FOR CANCER

Signing up for team fundraising events amplifies the benefits of belonging to something bigger. The Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer, Alberta's largest cycling fundraiser, welcomes riders of all abilities to join an unstoppable community that has been raising funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation for 17 years. You’ll join a fully supported cycling experience with:

• Multiple route options to suit every ability, from firsttime riders to avid cyclists.

• Pit stops every 25 kilometres with bike maintenance, hydration, snacks and support.

• Incredible volunteer crews cheering you on.

• Teams from every corner of Alberta, representing local communities and businesses.

• Direct impact — fundraise for life-saving research, patient care and more hope for Albertans facing cancer.

Together, Tour participants and donors have already raised more than $110 million to advance cancer care in Alberta. Be a part of the momentum.

Join today as a solo rider or as a team at TourAlberta.ca.

How to Eat to Lower Cancer Risk

Learn what to eat and avoid for cancer prevention and how to sort helpful nutritional information from fake news.

by FABIAN MAYER

It seems that there is more information about food and nutrition available than ever before, but just as with food itself, quantity and quality do not always go hand in hand. Consumers today are bombarded by ubiquitous food marketing, fantastical health claims and influencers peddling the latest superfoods and nutrition “hacks.”

But when it comes to eating with cancer prevention in mind, it doesn’t have to be complicated, says Jennifer Black, a registered dietitian at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary.

“Things that people can do to reduce their risk of cancer are to be at a healthy weight for their body type, be active, and in terms of diet, we really encourage a diet rich in plant foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans,” Black says.

EAT MORE PLANT FOODS

Black notes that, unfortunately, a majority of the population is not eating enough of these healthy plant foods. She cautions people against trying to replace the vitamins and minerals that naturally occur in fruits and vegetables with the use of supplements.

“All those different pills and potions that are offering antioxidants and various promises, they’ve never been shown to reduce risk of cancer,” says Black. “They're just a single dose of vitamin, whereas an actual piece of fruit or a vegetable is its own unique package of

goodness. Not only does it contain that particular vitamin, but it has hundreds of different phytochemicals, and those are what offer the health benefits for reducing risk of disease.”

Beyond lowering one’s risk of cancer, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains can also reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Black recognizes that peeling, slicing and dicing all the ingredients for a salad can be a lot more time-consuming than your average drive-thru, but the key to eating better in a fast-paced world is planning ahead.

“I can't speak more highly about meal prep. It really saves the day when you're busy during the workweek, and you've already chopped all your vegetables on Sunday that you need to use for a recipe for Thursday,” she says. “Or on the weekend, you could prep an extra meal, throw it in the freezer or the fridge so all you have to do is heat it up.”

AVOID HIGH-FAT, HIGH-SUGAR AND HIGHLY PROCESSED FOODS

When it comes to foods to avoid, some are obvious — fast food high in fats and sugar, for example. Red meats such as beef, lamb

and pork should be eaten in moderation, no more than three times a week. Highly processed meats like salami, hot dogs and sausages have been shown to increase cancer risk and are best eaten very seldom or avoided altogether.

The method of cooking can also play a role in cancer risk. Cooking meat at very high temperatures, such as barbecuing, especially if the meat or fats become charred, has been found to be carcinogenic.

“Tricks that you can do to combat that are to trim visible fats, and have it on the barbecue for a shorter period of time,” advises Black. “Some people will do a short cook, prep in the oven and then just finish it off on the barbecue so it spends less time on the high, high temperature.”

Ultimately, Black recognizes that people will occasionally eat carcinogenic foods, so she suggests finding balance by loading the rest of your plate with veggies.

REAL TALK: BUSTING NUTRITION MYTHS

ORGANIC FOODS ARE BETTER

“One of the big myths out there today is that organic foods are superior to other foods,” says Black. “Evidence shows that whether they're organically grown or traditionally grown, as long as you're eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, you will have the benefits of reducing your risk of cancer.”

GENETICALLY ALTERED FOODS CAUSE CANCER

“Another big one is having to avoid GMO foods, genetically modified foods or genetically engineered foods,” says Black. “There is no shred of evidence that there's a link between GMOs and cancer.”

HORMONES ARE BAD

“There's this idea that you need to buy foods that are marked hormonefree,” she says. “But that is a misconception in itself, because any living thing has naturally occurring hormones — even a stem of broccoli has hormones in it. And so, nothing is hormone-free.”

MAKE BIG NUTRITIONAL CHANGES AFTER CANCER DIAGNOSIS

“One really big misconception that I see people do is the moment they're diagnosed with cancer, they start cutting things out of their diet,” says Black. “They cut out sugars, they cut out gluten, they cut out dairy, red meat, etc. All these dietary recommendations to reduce cancer risk really only help you in the long run, like over a lifetime. It's not going to help you if you start making these changes as soon as you're diagnosed with cancer. In fact, cutting out all these foods is just going to promote weight loss and malnutrition, and that is not a good position to start your cancer journey from.”

Helping Women Reclaim Their Bodies

The Nipple Sisters, Carmelina Baccari and Kacie Rainey , help breast cancer survivors regain their body confidence through areola restoration. by

COLLEEN SETO

Many women who experience breast cancer don’t feel whole after losing their breasts and nipples. That’s where the Nipple Sisters, Carmelina Baccari and Kacie Rainey, come in. As internationally certified paramedical specialists, Baccari (who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014) and Rainey (who lost her father to cancer in 2007) help women regain their body confidence after breast cancer by performing ultrarealistic areola restoration. They also started Procedures for a Positive Purpose to help women in financial need access their care. Plus, they’ve developed CKINNS OFFICIAL, a line of premium areola aftercare products. Together, Baccari and Rainey provide what’s often the last healing piece of a breast cancer journey.

How did the Nipple Sisters come to be?

Baccari: We're huge cancer activists, and we wanted to join forces and make a big bang on this platform of areola restoration. Our cancer stories brought us together.

Rainey: Yes, Nipple Sisters was a very organic flow of Carm and I coming together with our talent and wanting to advance the paramedical space. We saw that we could be the ones creating this magic for patients. With cancer serving as a catalyst, we were like, ‘Why don't we do this together and create this whole experience for cancer survivors?’ Plus, everyone thinks we’re sisters anyhow.

What is areola reconstruction?

Baccari: It’s 3D nipple tattooing. It's the last thing done in a cancer warrior’s journey. We custom-make the colour for each individual's nipple and areola. We talk with our patients, measure everything out, show them the colours we're going to use, and make sure they're happy with it. So it's a process. We’re

not just dealing with the art form of the restoration, but with the emotion of the patient.

Rainey: The simplistic answer is we deal in colour. Surgeons handle the reconstruction, and then we step in. We specialize in colour and texture, creating a hyper-realistic piece of anatomy. A breast amputation includes your nipple and areola as well. So when the breast is reconstructed, that's just one part of the reconstruction. We still have the other half of the realism to complete. That's where our specialty steps in, and it's so customized. We have some pretty complex canvases that we're working on to try to bring back that life-like appearance as closely as we can.

Why does this work matter?

Baccari: We both just love when women see their new nipple for the first time. It's not just bringing back their nipple; it's showing what they've conquered and what they've gone through. Many of these women have hidden themselves and didn't want to look in the mirror. But now they want to.

Rainey: Surgeons are also now recognizing just how important this final step is. It hasn't always been like that. We've had to work extremely hard to educate and show that when the work comes out as realistic as it is, that skill helps patients. And surgeons get to see their own work fully completed, too.

Do all breast cancer patients have access to your service?

Rainey: Accessibility is one of our top priorities. Instead of just being in a big city or locked in with one specific surgeon, we wanted to be able to reach as many survivors as we could. So we stationed ourselves across Alberta. We're getting patients from all over the place, even the tiniest towns; it's amazing. It's just really beautiful to be able to touch everybody, because every single warrior is deserving of proper full completion.

But, cost can be a hurdle. We don’t want cost to be a deciding factor for individuals to feel fully complete, so we try to get creative in how we can help.

Is that how Procedures for a Positive Purpose came about?

Baccari: This is an initiative we started to give back, so women who can't afford this procedure can still have it. We have angel donors, and we do helping hearts — these little black heart tattoos — and the money that we get for those, we put towards the people on our waitlist.

What do you want people to know about breast and areola reconstruction?

Baccari: We're getting our breast(s) amputated, [which often includes] losing the nipple. Areola reconstruction is about emotional healing, not just because you have a nipple back, but it’s about being comfortable and confident in your body. It's giving back something that was taken away.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SUECH AND BECK, COURTESY OF THE NIPPLE SISTERS

The Nipple Sisters, Carmelina Baccari (right) and Kacie Rainey.

From a lab bench to a brachytherapy suite to a board room, cancer care in Alberta is a team effort with a diverse cadre of expert players.

by DOUG HORNER

Cancer treatment in Alberta has made a quantum leap over the past 40 years. Advancements in screening, diagnosis and treatment have translated to earlier detection, improved survival rates and a more comfortable experience for patients. The road to recovery for many Albertans has become shorter and smoother.

The province’s capacity to meet such a complex and ongoing challenge depends on attracting and retaining a vibrant ecosystem of clinicians, researchers, scientists and administrative leaders. Four health care professionals reflect on how far cancer care has come, how their careers have unfolded and how working in Alberta has contributed to their success.

DR. ANTHONY FIELDS

RETIRED ONCOLOGIST

PROFESSOR EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF ONCOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA INAUGURAL CHANCELLOR, MACEWAN UNIVERSITY (2021 TO 2025)

THE MORE PROGRESS ISSUE

Association, in recognition of his visionary leadership in cancer care. He was previously named one of Alberta’s top 100 physicians of the century and is a member of the Order of Canada. Originally from Barbados, Fields married an Edmontonian and moved to the city in the 1960s. He graduated from medical school in 1974 and began working as an oncologist, specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, at the Cross Cancer Institute (Cross) in 1980. Eight years later, he was leading the Cross through an expansion that doubled its size and capacity.

What inspires you?

“To encourage people to buy into a vision and then to draw on their expertise and help them work as teams to realize that vision. Of the several things that I have been given credit for achieving, I can’t think of one that I could have done by myself.”

When he looks back on his 45-year-long career as a medical oncologist, professor and administrative leader, Dr. Anthony Fields describes his work as either a “pleasure” or a “privilege.” And perhaps that’s been his secret to making such a profound difference for so many Albertans and Canadians. His job never felt like work. It was a calling.

In 2024, Fields was awarded the Frederic Newton Gisborne Starr Award, the highest distinction given by the Canadian Medical

Fields never anticipated taking on such big-picture, administrative roles, but his aptitude for leadership and strategic thinking was recognized early on in his career by the public sector and charitable organizations alike. Alberta’s reputation for putting ambitious ideas for cancer research and treatment into practice also provided the ideal environment for him to put those skills into action. Fields helped create Alberta’s 11 community cancer centres so patients could receive treatment much closer to home. He was involved in forming the department of oncology at the University of Alberta and helped develop Canada’s first nationwide plan for cancer. He also spearheaded the creation of a national organization to evaluate and approve new cancer medications.

With the benefit of hindsight, Fields can draw a connection between the face-to-face relationships he had with patients and his administrative work building new organizations to address the challenges of cancer on a much larger scale. The leadership positions were a way to help the people he didn’t get to see in his practice. “I intensely loved my interaction with patients, but I also loved participating in building things that would have a positive effect on people I would never see,” he says.

DR. TYLER MEYER

MEDICAL PHYSICIST, ARTHUR J.E. CHILD COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTRE

ADJUNCT ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENTS OF ONCOLOGY AND PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Dr. Geetha Menon and Dr. Tyler Meyer are seeing exciting developments as medical physicists with a specialty in brachytherapy — a type of internal radiation therapy. Meyer works at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Arthur Child) in Calgary, and Menon is in Edmonton at the Cross Cancer Institute. Many of the goals that each of them charted several years ago are now coming to fruition for patients.

Meyer credits the Alberta Cancer Foundation and its donors with providing the essential financial support for homegrown experts like him and Menon to find traction in the highly competitive field of brachytherapy. “I grew up here. I took all of my training here and I practiced here, and I can see the difference that those investments have made over a 20-year period,” he says.

Every so often, Meyer and his team are reminded just how far they’ve come in terms of the quality of care they provide to Albertans with cancer. One such moment occurred recently after a patient completed her third and final brachytherapy

treatment. “She was so happy because she was expecting what had happened the first two times, and she didn’t have to go through that again,” Meyer explains.

Brachytherapy involves surgically implanting small sources of radiation inside cancerous tissue. It’s an effective option for otherwise difficult-to-treat cancers, such as gynecological and prostate cancers. The procedure itself, however, can be long and arduous. “It’s really hard on patients,” says Meyer. “And when you’re coming back for your third treatment, it’s intimidating [because] you know what it is.”

The patient had started her treatment at the former Tom Baker Cancer Centre, but finished it at the new Arthur Child. The brachytherapy suite at the Arthur Child integrates technologies, including an MRI available right in the operating room, which meant she could be anesthetized for her final treatment. Unlike at the Tom Baker, she didn’t need to be moved to access an MRI, so she didn’t need to be awake. “It’s a very unique design. There’s only a couple even similar to it in North America,” Meyer says of the new suite.

What inspires you?

“It’s really nice to come to work every day and work towards the same goal and have that matter to everyone. Everybody knows why we’re doing it and the impact that it can have, and they’re always willing to go the extra mile.”

THE MORE PROGRESS ISSUE

DR. GEETHA MENON

SENIOR MEDICAL PHYSICIST, CROSS CANCER INSTITUTE

CLINICAL PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ONCOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

Menon shares her colleague’s enthusiasm for the trajectory of brachytherapy in the province over the past few decades. “The way that we deliver these treatments now is really awesome,” she says. From the design of the applicators to imaging to the afterloaders (the machines that deliver the radiation), each step has seen meaningful improvements, allowing oncologists to provide more effective treatments that are better calibrated for the individual anatomy of each patient.

Local experts like Meyer and Menon have played a big part in the research that set the stage for these innovations. One of Menon’s current projects looks at how to implement AI and machine learning into the brachytherapy workflow. Studying MRI images and mapping the position of cancer relative to organs, other healthy tissues and the implanted radiation applicator takes several hours. Automating these data-analysis stages of the treatment would save significant time. “Even if you can shave off about three hours, it’s a huge

deal in a seven- to eight-hour work day,” she says.

Menon’s research has the potential to make brachytherapy treatments shorter and much more comfortable for patients. The implementation of AI could also dramatically increase the capacity of the brachytherapy suites in both Calgary and Edmonton. “It’s a very gratifying job just to see that a patient gets treated at the appropriate time, recovers from cancer, and that’s all because you are one of those [links] in that big chain,” she says.

What do you love most about your work?

“I cannot do anything here by myself. It’s a team effort. Everybody in that team is important. You cannot treat people living with cancer without this whole team.”

PHOTOGRAPHS (OPPOSITE PAGE) BY JONATHAN FERGUSON; (THIS PAGE) BY DHAKSHAYINI BOOPALAN, BOTH COURTESY OF THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION

DR. MICHAEL WEINFELD

SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST, CROSS CANCER INSTITUTE

PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ONCOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

Now in the final fruitful years of a distinguished career as a research scientist and professor, Dr. Michael Weinfeld is still driven by curiosity. That’s what first brought him to Edmonton 40 years ago, when he decided to go with his then-lab, led by Dr. Malcolm Paterson, when it moved across the country from the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories in Ontario to the Cross Cancer Institute.

Weinfeld describes how the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research had been a fantastic magnet for drawing exceptional scientists from across Canada and the United States to set up shop in Calgary and Edmonton. That former funding program, Weinfeld emphasizes, serves as a powerful example of how public investment supports the nuts-and-bolts science that then drives innovation in patient care.

And that’s exactly what Weinfeld aims for in his current research. “What I’d really like to see is that the basic research my lab’s been involved with over the years does eventually help patient care. That’s why I got into cancer research in the first place.”

Every form of life, from bacteria to humans to tumours, has built-in mechanisms for repairing DNA after it gets damaged. Alberta is recognized as a leader in the field of DNA repair, which Weinfeld has built his career in. He has relied on collaboration to make this possible, drawing on multidisciplinary expertise from across the province, including chemists, pharmacists, biochemists and computer scientists, to figure out ways to target and disrupt DNA repair in cancer cells but not in healthy tissues.

This tactic makes treatments like radiation and chemotherapy more toxic to cancer, so you can achieve the same results with lower doses of radiation. PNKP, for example, is one of the proteins involved in several DNA repair pathways. Weinfeld and his team found they could express the gene in bacteria so they could produce a lot more of the protein, enabling labs worldwide to study the protein more efficiently. “That was a good day when we made those discoveries,” he says.

Another one of his projects focused on treating colorectal cancer in mice using PNKP inhibitors. By developing a method of attaching the inhibitors to nanoparticles, Weinfeld and his team could better target the treatment to cancer cells.

“At the heart of my work, it’s been wonderful in the sense that it’s been curiosity-driven, which is kind of a luxury,” Weinfeld says.

What do you love most about your work?

“It’s the excitement of doing something nobody else has ever done before — of making a discovery, usually a small discovery, but it’s something that makes your day and seeing a smile on the face of your student or your technologist who did that work.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN PARKER

THE DRIVE FOR PROGRESS IS PERSONAL

How lived experiences with cancer inspire change through philanthropy.

by OLIVIA PICHÉ

THE MORE PROGRESS ISSUE

Albertans know the hardships of cancer — one in two will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. But cancer care is progressing. New cutting-edge clinical trials offer promising results, patients are getting diagnosed earlier, leading to earlier treatment, and many of those facing cancer live longer and healthier lives. This is thanks to exceptional medical professionals but also, significantly, to generous donors who, often because of their personal experiences with cancer, help fund critical advancements to create a brighter future in cancer care.

Meet some Albertans supporting Albertans living with cancer.

A mission to help Albertans facing cancer: KELLY GARDINER

Cancer touches everyone. Kelly Gardiner knows this all too well — it’s why she’s an Alberta Cancer Foundation donor. In 2018, she lost her dad to bladder cancer, and within the last four years, one of her sisters was diagnosed with cervical cancer, another with breast cancer and another had skin cancer removed. Gardiner herself had skin cancer removed, too.

But it was her experience driving her niece Laurel to and from chemotherapy appointments in 2002 that really shaped her desire to get involved in cancer care. Gardiner was with Laurel every step of the way through her cancer journey, driving her two hours from Edson to the Cross Cancer Institute (Cross) in Edmonton every week.

“I know first-hand how hard it is to make the trip to and from major centres for treatments. Not everyone has a person or people in their lives who can afford the time or money to make that trip weekly. I feel blessed that I was able to help with that for numerous people in my life,” says Gardiner.

Following chemotherapy, Gardiner took Laurel for radiation treatment. Unfortunately, Laurel passed nine months later. “I will always remember how well we were treated at the Cross — how positive all the doctors and nurses were,” Gardiner affirms.

Although Gardiner is no stranger to the hardships cancer can bring,

she believes in the progress made through research and improving cancer journeys through patient-care programs. In 2022, Gardiner started making yearly donations to the Cross through the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Her donations support research and clinical trials at the Cross and the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Patient Financial Assistance Program. The program supports patients in need of help with expenses related to their care, like travel costs for patients living in rural Alberta having to drive to appointments in bigger centres — something Gardiner passionately supports because of her experience with Laurel.

Every dollar counts towards the progress of cancer care, and Gardiner knows this — she plans to support cancer research and transportation programs for as long as she can.

“I feel grateful that I am in a position financially to donate money to a cause that touches many lives, mine included,” she says. “I have great hope that with donations, we can push cancer research to a place of evolution, that diagnoses come sooner and treatments become more precise and easier for patients.”

A family legacy: THE SAVARD FAMILY

Donald and Donna Savard were always involved in their community. From creating scholarships for youth who are active in their communities to supporting charity events and making various donations, giving back was central to both their characters. After Donald passed away from lung cancer in 2009, Donna was inspired to honour him through the Savard Family Memorial Fund, supporting the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Following Donna’s passing in 2020, her children, Kim and Shane, didn’t skip a beat and became stewards of the fund, continuing the giving legacy their parents had started.

“It was important to my mom to honour my dad and their lives together, and it’s important to us to honour our parents by keeping it going,” says Shane.

Donald and Donna were very humble — their generous philanthropy was unknown to most, even those within their closest circles, and

it has had a tremendous impact. Their legacy continues to help improve the lives of Albertans.

Donna started making yearly donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in 2011, and in 2020, when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she made a donation to her doctor to help advance pancreatic cancer research. The funds helped support Dr. Jennifer Spratlin’s research and trials in pancreatic cancer treatments, based out of the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.

Beyond dollars, Donald and Donna’s legacy is rooted in the family values they’ve passed on. Today, Kim and Shane’s children are also involved in the memorial fund’s decisions, establishing that legacy of giving back within their own families.

“This is the way we run our families. This is our culture. This is who we are. It’s about building this beyond just my mom and dad, beyond Shane and I, but for our kids and their kids. That’s the long-term hope,” says Kim. “Our parents would be thrilled to see their grandkids as part of this process now and the decisions we’ve made.”

Kim, Shane and their families continue to direct a portion of the Savard Family Memorial Fund to the Alberta Cancer Foundation to honour Donald and Donna’s commitment to the organization and support Albertans facing cancer. They recognize the great care both of their parents received and share hope for more advancements in the future of cancer care.

“As we become older, there are more and more friends and family who are diagnosed with cancer, and to find a cure would be amazing,” says Shane. “If these donations made a change or a difference, not just in our family, but in somebody else’s family, that would be awesome.”

Left: Donna Savard

Bottom: The family at Donna’s 80th birthday.

DEAN HEUMAN

THE MORE PROGRESS ISSUE

“You have cancer.” Three words no one wants to hear, but many, unfortunately, do. Dean Heuman says having family members hear those words was part of the push that got him involved, for the past 22 years, with the Glenn Anderson Day of Golf.

A community-driven golf tournament held in Edmonton, the Glenn Anderson Day of Golf supports the Cross Cancer Institute (Cross) and was spurred by former Edmonton Oiler Glenn Anderson, who began supporting the Cross in 1985. During Anderson’s 1986-87 hockey season, Acklands Grainger and Gasland Oil pledged $1,000 to the Cross for every goal Anderson scored. The companies donated a combined total of $100,000 at the end of that season, leading to the annual golf event that has raised more than $20 million so far.

This year, the tournament celebrated 40 years — a testament to the steadfast support it takes to run and grow a fundraiser of this size for decades. While Heuman’s personal experiences with cancer keep him on the event committee, other driving factors for him are supporting the advancements in cancer care and the unbelievable generosity of Edmontonians.

“In the time frame that I’ve been involved — never mind the 40 years that this tournament has been happening — this tournament has had a measurable effect on how long and how well people live from the time they are told they have cancer. Nothing is more rewarding than that.”

The Glenn Anderson Day of Golf committee’s focus is to help lead and establish revolutionary, innovative solutions in cancer care. It takes a risk mentality, explains Heuman. “The business people and entrepreneurs involved think, ’What big steps can we take? What’s something that would make an enormous difference?’ It can be research, ideas, clinical trials or equipment.”

One example is the game-changing Linac-MR machine, a medical tool that currently provides precision radiotherapy to Albertans facing cancer. The tournament raised over $1 million to help fund the Linac-MR

back in 2012, when the technology was still in a research and development stage.

Heuman has watched the progress not only in cancer care but also in the tournament itself. The dollars have increased through the decades, with some ebbs and flows, but the enthusiasm, passion and determination to build a brighter future have been steadily climbing. This year’s tournament has so far raised nearly $1 million towards the $2.5 million goal to equip the CAR T-cell lab at the Cross.

“What an amazing accomplishment to come through 40 years and to see this as not the end but as a foundation to move forward into the future,” affirms Heuman. “I hope that the tournament continues to have this entrepreneurial, reach-for-the-stars attitude. I hope that it continues to have moments where it funds moonshots, if you will, or aspirational research and treatments so that we’re going above and beyond.”

Steadfast support:

Clockwise from left: Dean Heuman; Glenn Anderson with long-time fan; Anderson (middle) with fellow golfers at one of the early tournaments.

LEADING THE WAY

Alberta is home to world-leading research and advancements in cancer care thanks to the incredible work of our innovative research community. by

The steady advancement of cancer research is a success story decades in the making. The last 40 years have seen progress in every area of cancer diagnosis, screening, treatment and research. Today, Alberta leads the way for cutting-edge research, technological development and funding opportunities. Here, meet some of the innovators pushing for the next 40 years of breakthroughs.

DR. ROY PARK

Using PSMA PET to better detect prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men. An estimated 27,900 Canadian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024, accounting for 22 per cent of new cancer diagnoses in men. Sadly, about 5,000 Canadian men die from the disease annually.

But there is hope on the horizon. Advances in imaging technology promise to help doctors detect the disease earlier, diagnose more accurately and improve patient outcomes. Although still in the early stages of being adopted nationwide, Alberta is leading the way in implementing PSMA PET (prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography) imaging.

A constant challenge when it comes to accurately diagnosing prostate cancer is determining what stage it’s

FABIAN MAYER

at, including if the cancer has spread. If cancer cells have spread beyond the prostate, to the bones, for example, surgery may be an unnecessary and ineffective treatment. Traditional imaging techniques, such as CT scans, are sometimes not detailed enough to determine the degree of spread.

Dr. Roy Park is the provincial senior medical director for diagnostic imaging at Acute Care Alberta, and he says PSMA PET imaging provides oncologists with a much clearer picture of a patient’s cancer.

“It’s the most cutting-edge examination you can do for prostate cancer, not only to stage it appropriately, but also to identify recurrence earlier,” Park says. “It not only means that you can avoid unnecessary surgery and that you can target therapy appropriately, but you can also catch it earlier and improve outcomes that way.”

Developed within the field of nuclear medicine, PSMA PET scans make use of radioactive tracer drugs. The radioactive substance is injected into a patient, where it binds specifically and exclusively to a part of prostate cancer cells, which are then made visible to a PET scanner.

“It really is the gold standard across the world, but it’s not yet widely used in Canada. So to be able to work with the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Government of Alberta to be able to bring this test to Alberta, and to make it widely available here, is amazing and will really improve how prostate cancer is treated,” Park says.

Bringing the capacity for PSMA PET scans to the province has also opened pathways to new cutting-edge treatment methods for prostate cancer. The scans can determine eligibility for treatments requiring the same method of injecting a radioactive medicine that only attaches to cancer cells. Such treatments are currently available and can improve patient outcomes while also decreasing unwanted side effects.

DR. DON YEE

Making radiation treatment possible for small cell lung cancer

THE MORE PROGRESS ISSUE

As an oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton and the principal investigator of an ongoing clinical trial involving people diagnosed with lung cancer, Dr. Don Yee is at the forefront of improving treatment and outcomes for individuals with lung cancer in Alberta and beyond. His research focuses on a difficult-to-treat type of lung cancer known as small cell lung cancer. The cancer is hard to treat effectively because by the time it is found, it has often grown to quite a large size. Add to that, its location in the chest makes it almost impossible to safely deliver the radiation needed to effectively treat the disease.

Yee is working to change that. Known as adaptive radiation, the approach Yee and his fellow researchers are using in their clinical trial tracks the size and shape of the tumour in real time over the course of radiation treatments. As the tumour changes shape or shrinks, the radiation dose is adjusted to match, thereby ensuring the tumour is targeted precisely and healthy tissue is avoided.

“If the trial is successful, we will define

a way to safely deliver chest radiation for a wider group of patients with this type of cancer,” Yee says. “By doing that, you’re potentially offering patients with this type of lung cancer a chance of being cured, and if not cured, it could give them a chance of at least controlling their cancer for a longer period of time.”

Though not the most common, small cell lung cancer is one of the deadliest. This is in large part due to the difficulty of administering radiation treatment. The trial could harness ever-improving radiation technology in hopes of giving people with small cell lung cancer more treatment options and improving their outcomes.

“It used to be that past a certain size of tumour, we would just say there’s no way to give radiation to this patient. That patient loses all the benefits that they could derive from radiation therapy,” Yee explains. “It’s potentially a stepping stone to establishing a new accepted standard of care for giving radiation for this type of lung cancer.”

DR. STEVEN YIP

Allowing for more targeted treatment with precision oncology

As an indication of just how far science and medicine have come, some of the most exciting areas of advancement in cancer treatment and research today didn’t even exist 40 years ago. Precision oncology is one such area of research. The relatively new field seeks to better understand specific tumour types, allowing for more tailored and effective treatment.

Scientific and technological advances enable researchers to delve into the genetics of specific cancer types in a highly detailed way. This allows for ever more precise differentiation of tumours into types and subtypes while simultaneously discovering where and how these tumours could be vulnerable. Dr. Steven Yip is a medical oncologist at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary and the medical lead for Precision Oncology & Experimental Therapeutics (POET).

“Precision medicine is making a big impact in the care of patients with advanced cancers and unmet clinical needs,” Yip says. “We’re aiming to incorporate novel biomarkers and diagnostics into practical, clinically

WHERE HOPE MEETS HEALING

THE MORE PROGRESS ISSUE

On March 9, 2025, the official dedication of the Gay Young Systemic Therapy Unit at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton took place, demonstrating the continued impact of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s We Cross Cancer campaign.

Brought to life by the generosity of Gay Young’s friends and family, the unit stands as a living testament to the hope, care and compassion that Young so warmly shared with others. Quiet and spacious with bright windows and a nature-filled view, the unit has become an inviting and refreshing space for up to 40 patients to receive treatment every day. Efficiency and delivery of care were also considered in the design as the treatment beds and chairs are configured to make it easier for medical staff to support patients.

The Gay Young Systemic Therapy Unit demonstrates how innovative cancer research can be realized into life-saving treatments. More than 50 per cent of patients facing cancer will require systemic therapy as part of their treatment. Systemic therapies include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. These treatments circulate throughout the body to target cancer

driven precision oncology research initiatives to impact patient care with cutting-edge medicines, tests and treatments.”

One precision oncology initiative being spearheaded by Yip, along with Dr. Omar Khan and Dr. Sasha Lupichuk, is the Alberta metastatic breast cancer registry. Through genomic sequencing of biopsies and surgically removed tumours, the project aims to create a comprehensive, province-wide database of breast cancer information. Yip hopes this approach will yield clues as to what treatments could be most effective for individual patients in Alberta.

“Some directed treatments target specific

cells wherever they may be, making them especially important for cancers that have spread or are at risk of spreading.

Every year, more than 2,500 Albertans will receive treatment in this vital space, thanks to the incredible researchers, health care professionals and donors who make places like the Gay Young Systemic Therapy Unit possible.

biomarkers. By identifying these patients earlier, we can offer this specific DNA testing or genomic testing, which can be performed on the tumour, either through a biopsy or when the tumour is removed at surgery,”

Yip says. “Then we can look for individual genes and molecular signatures, which may tell us how their disease might behave. It could inform us how we should treat these individuals and could result in a more tailored and targeted approach for these patients.”

The ability to sequence the genes of cancer cells — something that was unthinkable just a few decades ago — has since become an extremely promising new area of research and cancer care.

IN THIS LEAP SERIES, WE CAPTURE THE BRAVERY, STRENGTH, HONESTY, HOPE AND RESILIENCE OF ALBERTANS LIVING WITH CANCER.

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF CHARLENE BROUGHTON

Charlene Broughton with husband, Cody, and kids (left to right) Brock, Whitney and Emery.

LIVING WITH CANCER Meet CHARLENE BROUGHTON

As told to ELIZABETH CHORNEY-BOOTH

A cancer diagnosis is a major disruption in anyone’s life, and navigating treatment while raising a young family presents unique challenges. Charlene Broughton knew that bringing a third child into her already busy home would make life more hectic. But she did not expect to be diagnosed with Paget’s disease, a rare form of breast cancer, shortly after giving birth to her now-three-year-old daughter, Whitney.

Now officially cancer-free, Broughton underwent multiple surgeries, including the removal of one of her breasts. She also underwent breast reconstruction surgery, all while running a household and caring for an infant and her two older kids, both under 10. With a can-do attitude and the support of her family, Broughton was able not only to get through cancer treatment over the course of three very busy years, but she has also come out of it with a new lease on life.

“While I was pregnant, I was having some discharge and skin problems on my breast. At first, I thought it was early colostrum and [my doctors] told me to get it checked after I had the baby. My skin wasn’t healing. I was exhausted, and I kept blaming myself. But once I had the diagnosis, as much as it was bad news, I was relieved because at least I had an answer.

“[My oncologists] didn’t have to take the other breast because I was negative for the genetic component [that could cause a recurrence]. Reconstruction required using tissue from my lower abdomen to fill the breast. I did have to get a couple of extra surgeries to balance everything out — there was liposuction and revisions to get the breasts to be the same size. Then they had to create a nipple, and I had a tattoo of the nipple as the last piece. Things [with my reconstruction] are looking pretty good.

“I also have two older kids to care for, so life didn't stop. We did have lots of help — my parents or my husband's parents would take the older two, and then my husband and I would take Whitney to my appointments. Once it came to surgery time, my sister was a big help. She just took Whitney for three weeks while I recovered.

“I had so many questions and thoughts throughout it all, but for the most part, it was good news after the diagnosis. I definitely tried to stay positive and put on that brave face.

“But it really puts how I look at things going forward into perspective, too. I don't know what life is going to bring. I've gotten a real passion for coaching girls’ softball and want to focus more on that. I should be doing the things I enjoy. I’m getting there.”

Fostering Innovation

Meet the inaugural Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant winners.

by FABIAN MAYER

You never know where the next big cancer breakthrough will come from. That’s why fostering innovation across a broad array of research areas is so important. The Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant Competition provides up to $300,000 to University of Calgary researchers pursuing projects that enhance the screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care for individuals affected by cancer. Sponsored by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the grants provide support for projects from a variety of different fields that may be unlikely to receive funding through traditional academic sources. Many of the projects, which usually last two years, take their own unique approach to specific aspects of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

Meet the 2024 Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant winners.

DR. RUI FU

Harnessing artificial intelligence

One of artificial intelligence’s (AI) most promising uses is in supporting scientific and medical research and practice. AI can analyze the enormous amounts of data produced by the medical field to discover trends and gaps to help support researchers and doctors. Dr. Rui Fu, an assistant professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, is using the Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant funding for just such a project. Her research could lead to a life-saving tool for Albertans diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

“My project is a pilot study of developing a machine learningbased clinical support tool that can help head and neck cancer doctors to better detect patients at risk of experiencing a catastrophic health event within 14 days after a visit to an oncologist or a treatment appointment,” says Fu. Specifically,

the tool could help identify what level of risk a patient may have for a health event like radiation-induced toxicity, carotid blowout or hospital admission.

Recently relocated from Toronto, where she completed a masters and PhD in health economics at the University of Toronto, Fu is a quantitative methodologist who uses statistical methods to analyze the vast amounts of data generated by health care systems with the goal of improving patient care and outcomes.

Beyond the numbers, Fu also plans to integrate the knowledge and experiences of health care professionals, policymakers and patients and their families to ensure the resulting tool is useful and effective.

“Head and neck cancers are a very understudied but devastating cancer type. The research group I am currently with, the Ohlson Research Initiative, is the only Canadian group dedicated solely to improving care for patients with these cancers, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been selected as a grant winner,” says Fu.

DR. JONGBOK LEE

Teaming up exercise with immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting areas of cancer treatment research today. The idea is to harness the body’s own immune system to help target cancer cells. Dr. Jongbok Lee is an immunotherapy researcher and professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, and his research explores how exercise affects immune cells.

Specifically studying a unique subset of immune cells known as double-negative T-cells, Lee’s project will compare the cancer-targeting abilities of immune cells from highly active individuals versus less active individuals. The project will then explore whether regular exercise can improve the cancer-targeting ability of immune cells in the same individual, by conducting tests before and after either a single exercise session or a six-week exercise program.

“We expect that immune cells from trained individuals

PHOTOGRAPH BY JONATHAN FERGUSON, COURTESY

and those obtained after six weeks of regular exercise will demonstrate stronger anti-cancer activity,” says Lee. “Lastly, we'll investigate the specific changes exercise induces in immune cells, focusing particularly on cellular metabolism, to better understand why these cells become more effective against cancer.”

This work involves a close collaboration between Lee and professors from the faculty of kinesiology, Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed and Dr. Brittany Edgett, with the research being spearheaded by Heejae Lee and Dr. Jonathan Low.

The team is leveraging the well-established knowledge that exercise enhances immune cell function. Lee hopes this project can shed light on how immune cells can be most successful at targeting cancer.

“This project is highly interdisciplinary, and we are grateful for the support from the Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant,” says Lee. “It would have been challenging to find a single funding source that covers such a broad and multidisciplinary scope. Our ultimate goal is to develop more effective immune cellbased therapies by using exercise as a lifestyle intervention.”

DR. SORANA MORRISSY

Creating a vaccine for glioblastoma

It’s an unfortunate reality that some kinds of cancer remain incurable. Glioblastoma, the most common and deadly form of brain cancer, is one such type. Still, researchers continue to hunt for ways to better treat and perhaps even cure the disease.

Dr. Sorana Morrissy is one of those researchers. Her Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant project explores the potential of a vaccine as a treatment strategy. Unlike conventional vaccines that are used to prevent disease, this vaccine would be given to patients already diagnosed with glioblastoma.

Morrissy says tumours are like their own mini ecosystems, and the vaccine would aim to change that ecosystem in a way that lets the patient’s immune system more readily target the cancer cells. This strategy has been effective in mice, and Morrissy hopes that the funded research can develop the approach into a new treatment avenue for people with glioblastoma.

“We know some cancers can be cured by leveraging the power of the immune system. That hasn't happened yet for glioblastoma, but our immune system has the capacity to respond to this cancer, potentially in a way that's more effective than standard-of-care treatments,” says Morrissy. “Our hope with this research is that we can test this theory in a clinical trial on patients and significantly extend their lifespan.”

PHOTOGRAPHS (LEFT) BY JONATHAN FERGUSON, COURTESY OF THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION; (RIGHT) BY JARED SYCH

DR. AMIR SANATI-NEZHAD

Using biomarkers to personalize cancer treatment

Dr. Amir Sanati-Nezhad’s research doesn’t typically focus on cancer. A professor of biomedical engineering, his prior work has included developing biosensors for the rapid detection of concussions. With the help of the Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant, he hopes to apply his knowledge and expertise of biomarkers and biosensing to cancer treatment.

Sanati-Nezhad hopes that examining tiny particles in the blood called exosomes will yield a way to detect how individual cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy treatments.

“The ultimate goal is to give doctors and patients better tools to personalize cancer treatment — especially immunotherapy,” says Sanati-Nezhad. “Right now, many patients undergo immunotherapy without knowing whether it will work for them. We want to change that by offering a quick test that shows if someone’s body is ready to respond to treatment, using just a drop of blood or urine.”

Bridging the fields of engineering, biology and medicine, Sanati-Nezhad says if successful, the innovative test would give oncologists a powerful tool to more precisely determine treatment strategies.

“The grant support means we can take bold steps forward — testing an idea that could truly change lives,” SanatiNezhad says. “It also reflects the growing recognition of how innovative, cross-disciplinary science can improve cancer care.”

DR. PERRI TUTELMAN

Supporting young adults facing cancer

One of the things that makes the Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grants unique is the competition’s openness to a wide variety of disciplines and areas of research. That’s great news for Dr. Perri Tutelman, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the department of psychology.

Born out of her clinical work with adolescents and young adults in cancer care, Tutelman’s project is dedicated to producing resources that inform these patients about the care available to them and how to access it.

“We are incredibly fortunate in Calgary to have significant services within the cancer care system and a community to support patients diagnosed with cancer,” says Tutelman. “Counselling services, social work support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more are all available. Yet, many patients aren’t aware of these services or how to access them.”

Each year, 2,800 adolescents and young adults between the ages of 18 to 39 years are diagnosed with cancer in Alberta, notes Tutelman, adding that this cohort has specific needs and may be less aware of the supports available. Tutelman’s project seeks to address this problem by creating a brand new digital resource known as ANCHOR. With a research phase confirming the need for such a platform already completed, the grant funding will help develop ANCHOR and put it into clinical practice at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

A Life Lesson in Generosity

Long-time monthly donor Norman Sanders shows his gratitude for his successful cancer treatment by supporting other Albertans facing cancer.

Every morning, 85-year-old Norman Sanders wakes up in awe. “I am very fit and active and love my life,” he affirms. His outlook is all the more impressive when you consider that nearly 25 years ago, Sanders was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and his prognosis was not good.

Leading up to his diagnosis, Sanders had always been healthy and active. He ran sub-three-hour marathons, competed in cross-country ski races, went scuba diving and was a pilot. So his cancer diagnosis, at the age of 61, caught him by surprise, putting his active lifestyle on pause.

Sanders was referred to surgeon Dr. Azim Valji, who told him the average person would have eight to 12 months to live, maybe a bit more with surgery. Unfortunately, surgery was too risky as Sanders’ tumour was too close to his heart and trachea. But Sanders isn’t your average person, and he wasn’t going to let cancer stop him.

The father of four did some research and learned of a drug that showed promising results in clinical trials for treating esophageal cancer. His medical team put Sanders on the experimental drug Gleevec, and the tumour began to shrink. After a year, it had shrunk to a

small enough size that Valji could perform an esophagectomy (removal of the esophagus). With the surgery a success, Sanders continued to take Gleevec for another year. Since then, he has remained healthy with his only side effect being controlled acid reflux.

GIVING BACK

Today, Sanders has resumed his active lifestyle, hiking 30 to 40 kilometres every week. And he’s deeply grateful to be able to do so. That gratitude inspired him to become a donor to the Alberta Cancer Foundation for the last 20-plus years.

“During my treatment, I was treated so well at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton,” Sanders says. “When you give, you do what you can. I love to be involved with anything I can do to help get people to give. Every time I get a CT scan at the Cross, I love to hear of the impact my donation makes.” Sanders and his wife, Carolee, have participated in many cancer fundraisers over the years in addition to their monthly donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. “We are not wealthy, but we will support the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Cross forever,” Sanders says. “The cost of research and drugs is huge.

“Cancer is a scary word, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.”

—NORMAN SANDERS

We can't expect the government to do everything and feel we all have to help out as well.”

Donors like Sanders demonstrate how a monthly donation, given over a number of years, can help the cause and also shows an important commitment to Albertans facing cancer. When asked what advice he has for others who have received a cancer diagnosis, Sanders has this to share: “Cancer is a scary word, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Don't think that you are going to die. Be your own advocate and learn as much as you can about your type of cancer. And be kind to everyone at the treatment centre. The people at the Cross are the most wonderful people on the planet.”

True Calling

Joan Hauber has dedicated more than three decades to life-saving work — early breast cancer detection.

by ELIZABETH CHORNEY-BOOTH

photographs by RYAN PARKER

Back in 1991, when Joan Hauber landed a job as a clerk with Screen Test, the breast cancer screening program, she never imagined that nearly 35 years later, she would be managing Screen Test for the whole province or how different mobile screening would look. In the early 1990s, most Albertans, including Hauber herself, were only starting to learn about mammography and the benefits of early breast cancer detection.

The first mobile screening units in Alberta were vans filled with mammography and other clinical equipment that traveled to rural communities to set up makeshift clinics in health centres, community centres, churches or whatever spaces the program could find. Since those early days, Hauber has seen her own career in health care evolve and now oversees Screen Test program advancements that make it easier for Albertans to take advantage of regular breast cancer screening.

Today, in addition to a permanent screening facility in Edmonton, Screen Test runs two brand-new, state-of-the-art, digitally-equipped trailers that visit 120 rural

Alberta communities every year, all under Hauber’s leadership. Mammograms can detect small abnormalities in breast tissue, often several years sooner than a physical exam would be able to, significantly increasing breast cancer survival rates through early cancer detection. With approximately one in seven women in Canada being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime and one in 36 dying from the disease, Hauber’s zeal for advocating for the program’s continued evolution has helped countless Albertans uncover their breast cancer while it’s still easily treatable.

“People tell us they would never get a mammogram done if Screen Test didn't come out to them,” Hauber says. “That's the whole purpose of what we do — to make sure everybody has access to the same health care and the same service across the province.”

AN UNEXPECTED PASSION FOR LIFE-SAVING WORK

Hauber — who grew up in Camrose, Alberta — took her initial job with Screen Test in Edmonton with little enthusiasm for health care, let alone mammography. With a degree in biology from the local Augustana University College, she thought she might pursue a career in ecology. But she needed a regular paycheque while she figured out her next steps. It turns out she did develop a strong interest in cancer screening.

“People tell us they would never get a mammogram done if Screen Test didn’t come out to them.”

—JOAN HAUBER

when she accepted her entry-level position. Back then, not only did the technologists have to unload their equipment into a public building in each town but all of the imaging was captured on film, so they also had to set up remote darkrooms at each stop.

Hauber says that, as rudimentary as the process may sound by modern standards, she and the rest of the team were proud to facilitate such a potentially life-saving service to Albertans.

“The group of people I was working with when I started here were so upbeat and positive,” she says, looking back. “There was a sense among us that this was important. We were making a difference by helping people in rural communities. And that has stuck ever since.”

AN EVOLVING SERVICE

“It happened quite by accident,” she says. “But it really was a position I found interesting, and I thought I would give it a try.”

Attracted to the positive attitudes of the team at Screen Test, she was similarly drawn to the idea of making a direct impact on patients’ lives. The mobile screening program had just started

Providing patients in rural communities with mammograms may have felt a bit revolutionary in 1991, but Hauber and the rest of the screening team could not have predicted how much the program would change — and how Hauber’s career would grow along with it. In 1996, one van full of screening equipment grew into three.

Hauber found herself being promoted into a leadership position, coordinating the northern portion of the Screen Test program's growth and operational logistics.

“I took on a coordinator role to get one of the new mobiles up and running and to put everything in place to support that,” she says. “Then just as time went on, I continued finding different roles and responsibilities.”

A bigger jump came in 2009 when the program did away with vans and darkrooms. Hauber was part of the committee that oversaw the transition to digital technology, which meant shifting to all-in-one trailers, allowing patients to more comfortably receive exams. While it meant the program’s fleet went down from three vans to two trailers, each trailer was given two teams of technologists, which expanded the capacity to screen patients.

“When I started, I would have never thought we would have two great big trailers sending images across the internet,” Hauber says. “But who's to say what's going to happen in the future? There's all sorts of studies and research into different ways of finding cancers. Within 10 years, it could be so different from what we're doing now.”

DRIVING INTO THE FUTURE

While Hauber may not know exactly what mobile screening will look like in a decade, she does know that after 15 years of service, that first fleet of digital screening trailers is getting an upgrade. With funding from the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the program acquired two new trailers in 2025 to replace those that hit the road in 2009. The new trailers can better accommodate mobility issues and have tomosynthesis capability, allowing for 3D mammography, which provides a more detailed view of breast tissue than

traditional 2D scans. Hauber is also working towards introducing a third, smaller mobile unit that will be able to traverse smaller remote rural roadways, potentially bringing breast cancer screening to communities the program has, so far, been unable to access.

The program has come a long way, and so has Hauber, who, true to form, keeps her focus not on her career but on leading her team to serve Albertans in as many corners of the province as possible. This commitment has no doubt played a key role in the longevity and impact of Hauber’s work in early cancer detection.

“We are decreasing people’s mortality from breast cancer,” Hauber affirms. “It is in part by early detection through screening, and also the advances we’re seeing in treatments. You put those two together and it just makes the outcomes even better. Everybody is working together and we’re doing our piece of it.”

JOAN HAUBER’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1991

Joan Hauber began working at Screen Test in an entry-level role with the mobile breast screening program.

1996

Takes on a coordinator role at Screen Test as it expands from one mobile unit to three, expanding its reach.

1997

Begins overseeing all aspects of the Screen Test North office and northern mobile units.

2001

Becomes coordinator for the entire provincial Screen Test mobile program in addition to the north office.

2009

Becomes the manager of Screen Test for both fixed and mobile sites, working with a committee to oversee the transition of the mobile program to digital technology to better serve rural patients.

2025

Hauber and her team launch two new trailers to replace the aging units and introduce new technology.

Changing the Narrative

Through the support of grants and donors, Dr. Michael Monument rewrites Calgary’s role in identifying new therapies to treat sarcoma.

by ELIZABETH CHORNEY-BOOTH

When Dr. Michael Monument returned to his hometown of Calgary in 2014 after a fellowship at the University of Utah, colleagues warned him that the city might not be the best place for him to pursue his interest in sarcoma research. Sarcoma (a relatively rare type of bone or soft tissue tumour that disproportionately affects younger patients) wasn’t a research specialty at the University of Calgary at the time. But Monument was determined to change that narrative. With the help of donations and community support, Monument built and became program director of the Integrated Sarcoma Research Program (iSARP) at the University of Calgary, a multidisciplinary, team-based centre of excellence that provides hope for those affected by sarcoma.

Sarcoma does not typically respond to chemotherapy and must be removed with surgery, which can permanently alter a patient’s quality of life. If the surgery is not successful, life expectancy becomes extremely limited. The 40-plus members of the iSARP team work to develop new treatment options through initiatives

including mice models and genomic sequencing. That sequencing creates what Monument calls a “molecular fingerprint” helping identify effective treatments unique to each patient.

“These are the early necessary steps to develop a precision oncology program,” Monument says. “The molecular readout can help identify certain drugs that have a high probability of working.”

STRATEGIC GIVING MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

These game-changing breakthroughs can only happen through successful fundraising. iSARP has received critical grants from organizations like the Alberta Cancer Foundation to build the infrastructure needed to facilitate its work. In particular, it’s because of strategic giving from donors like Ron Daye of Rangeland Engineering and Rob Pearson to the Foundation that iSARP has come to fruition.

“In 2014, our sarcoma program was all clinicians,” says Monument. “Fast forward to 2025. We have expanded the clinical program and grown a sarcoma-

focused research program, including PhD scientists, highly qualified personnel and research students.” The expansion of iSARP from a team of 10 clinicians to more than 40 multidisciplinary members would not have been possible without strategic donor support through the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

As Monument and his colleagues begin to identify specific therapies to better treat sarcoma, those drugs will become more readily available for clinical trials or partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, improving outcomes for patients who previously would have had to rely entirely on surgery. Though Calgary wasn’t an epicentre for sarcoma research when Monument began his work, iSARP is now well on its way to finding potential cures thanks to the generosity of its donors.

“We’ve really grown this program in the span of a decade,” Monument says. “We’ve gone from a very small centre of good clinical sarcoma care to one that’s integrated that care with cutting-edge research, education and training.”

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DR. MICHAEL MONUMENT

A Legacy Donation Supports Community Care

Bruce and Edna Moffat gave the gift of improved care closer to home through a generous $2.9 million donation to support their Lethbridge community.

by OLIVIA PICHÉ

In July 2024, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation received its largest legacy donation. Edna and Bruce Moffat left a bequest of $2.9 million to the foundation after their passing in 2022 and 2023, respectively, with the hope of improving the lives of those in their Lethbridge community.

“Bruce very much wanted his estate to remain local in Lethbridge, guaranteeing that the money would be used here and benefit the people here,” says Crystal Elliott, CEO of the Lethbridge-based Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.

Two million dollars have gone towards purchasing a new linear accelerator (linac). The new linac, which delivers radiation therapy, scales up advanced technology and optimal performance at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre. Purchased in partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the linac offers the latest in radiation treatment, providing those in Lethbridge and the surrounding area with more opportunities to receive advanced care within their community. It is one of only two linacs in southern Alberta.

“People are going to receive better technology closer to home, so they don’t have to travel, and their loved ones don’t have to travel. That’s an incredible service to Lethbridge and area residents and their families,” says Elliott.

A LIFETIME OF GIVING

The Moffats’ legacy donation was remarkable, but it was not their first time giving back. The couple were lifetime donors and had been donating to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation for 35 years prior to their passing. Although neither was ever diagnosed with cancer, the couple supported cancer care for over a decade, believing that it could improve lives — their mission was always to build a stronger community. And with the new linac machine that is expected to be fully operational in 2026, the Moffats have helped do just that.

“This humble family saved throughout their lifetime,” says Elliott. “People can make a difference; every dollar makes a difference. It doesn't matter the amount. It's really about that heartfelt generosity to build a stronger, healthier community, one act of kindness at a time.”

Crystal Elliott

Linear accelerator at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre.

RECOGNIZING GENEROSITY

In May 2025, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation named the waiting room in the radiation department the Bruce and Edna Moffat Wellness Lounge in honour of the couple and their generous gift. The lounge is a space where patients and their loved ones can comfortably rest and reflect during treatment. Elliott says it’s fitting that the space is in the radiation department near the linac they helped fund.

Just outside the wellness lounge, multitudes of ribbons hang from a tree on the wall, symbolizing hope and healing. Patients can hang a ribbon on the Ribbon Tree when they complete their radiation treatments.

“It was a beautiful fit to be able to have people lay a tribute, as well as having Bruce and Edna's names there,” says Elliott. “We wanted it to be a healing space and recognize that people aren't always there for good news. So we wanted it to be comfortable, warm and welcoming.”

Together, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and Alberta Cancer Foundation, along with their collective donors, continue to positively impact the lives of those touched by cancer with innovative treatments and comforting spaces.

“We’re honoured to be in partnership with Alberta Cancer Foundation,” says Elliott. “It’s important for people to recognize that local foundations work in partnership with Alberta Cancer Foundation and that we all want what's best for the patient, and that's improved patient care.”

Celebrating the Next Step

For young researchers beginning their careers, research opportunities in the form of studentships at post-secondary institutions like the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary can be an integral stepping stone to future work that will improve the lives of individuals living with cancer.

Congratulations to all the 2025 award recipients! The Alberta Cancer Foundation is grateful to everyone who generously gives back to make these awards possible and support young Albertans’ careers and important research.

RECIPIENT

David Guo Betty K. Brown Studentship

Cale Kooyman

Alex Kwan

David Le

AWARD

Cathy Compton McNabb Studentship

David C. Stokes Summer Studentship in Brain Tumour Research

Hannah Dean Ed and Barbara Prodor Studentship

Brielle Airey

Jaden Lei

Tracy Cui

Radha Maradiya

Clare Gilmour

Allison Clarke

Zachary Cox

Jack MacArthur

Zahraa (Zaza) Yassine-Hojeij

Jinsu An

Eli Zeinali

Madhumita Subramani

Manivannan

Lynda Doiron Studentship

Richard R. and Linda A. Singleton Summer Studentship in Cancer Research

Sartore Multidisciplinary Summer Studentship

Victor-Osten Studentship

Antoine Noujam Cancer Research Graduate Studentship

Richard R. and Linda A. Singleton Summer Graduate Studentship in Cancer Research

Dr. Herbert Meltzer Memorial Award in Oncology

Recipient list current at time of publication.

SUMMER STUDENTSHIPS

GRADUATE STUDENTSHIPS

HOST INSTITUTION CATEGORY

University of Alberta

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

University of Alberta

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

University of Alberta

University of Alberta

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

University of Alberta

GRADUATE AWARD

Next Generation Research

A neuro-oncology fellowship helps Dr. Candace Marsters perform research to directly benefit Albertans facing brain cancer.

by FABIAN MAYER

Dr. Candace Marsters is part of the next generation of homegrown talent training locally and searching for breakthroughs in the field of neuro-oncology.

Named the inaugural Dr. Wajid Sayeed

Endowment for NeuroOncology award winner in 2021 and again in 2024, Marsters was most recently awarded the Lynne Marshall and Wayne Foo Brain Cancer Fellowship at the University of Alberta.

“My ultimate career goal is to be a PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DR. CANDACE MARSTERS

clinician scientist. I’ve done a lot of research in the past, and I’m very passionate about it,” says Marsters. “This fellowship gives me that time to really focus on my training and get into the nitty gritty of all the studies that have been done, and also to really get involved with the patients and have that extra time to dedicate to them.”

Made possible by a generous donation by local philanthropist and businessman Wayne Foo to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the one- to two-year fellowship is intended to help train exceptional clinical fellows in research while simultaneously funding work that will help improve the lives of Albertans affected by brain cancer. Previous fellows have explored the role sugars play in brain cancer’s metabolic processes and whether a ketogenic diet could help slow tumour growth.

Marsters hopes to build on that work and also initiate studies of her own. Growing up in a small British Columbia town, she initially pursued a PhD in neurodevelopment before becoming a medical doctor and completing a neurology residency at the University of Alberta. She says that throughout her residency, she became more and more interested in oncology and autoimmune neurology. As part of the fellowship, Marsters is planning two studies, both examining the neurological side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors — a class of drug commonly used in cancer immunotherapy treatments. One will take a population-level approach using health administrative data, while the other aims to recruit patients for a more focused study.

“The fellowship is actually a combination of the two fields, which is really exciting. A goal is that we will be able to produce research that's impactful and that will actually change and help the lives of Albertans,” says Marsters. “On top of that, the other goal is to ensure that I'm an expert in the field by the time my training is complete.”

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Raising Money and Awareness for Cancer Care

AGAT Foundation is built upon meaningfully supporting its communities.

Supporting communities is an integral part of the work that AGAT Laboratories does. For 45 years, the company has provided analytical laboratory testing and datadriven solutions, servicing a number of communities and industries nationwide, from environmental consulting to life sciences. Through the AGAT Foundation — the philanthropic arm of AGAT Laboratories — the company gives back to its communities through a variety of STEM programs and non-profit organizations.

“When we created the foundation in 2018, it was about formalizing the community support that’s always been part of our DNA,” says Marissa Reckmann, CEO of AGAT Laboratories and director of the AGAT Foundation. “We wanted to go further, not just with our own giving, but by bringing others to the table too.”

MAJOR FUNDRAISING IN ACTION

Most notably, AGAT Foundation’s partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation connects support to its local communities through the annual AGAT Foundation Priddis Greens Charity Classic. Every August, the golf tournament brings together dozens of volunteers, and a wide network of sponsors and community supporters to raise money for cancer research and care. In 2024, the AGAT Foundation raised $897,000 from the tournament, contributing to the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s vital Patient Financial Assistance Program. That contribution raised the program’s annual budget from $1 million to $1.5 million, helping more patients with essential needs like groceries, transportation and rent during treatment. AGAT Laboratories understands

the impact cancer has had on its own communities. “We've had lots of individuals in the company who undergo cancer treatments through the years or their family members or loved ones,” says Reckmann. “We truly believe that science, innovation and technology can find solutions for the challenges that our communities face. When we're looking in the field of medicine and diagnostics, there's this really strong part we play in helping communities like those of the Alberta Cancer Foundation."

The Charity Classic caps off the AGAT Foundation’s Drive for Hope campaign, a year-long fundraising initiative that also leveraged World Cancer Day to kick off a matching strategy to amplify the campaign in the community and dollars raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

For AGAT, the decision to support cancer care isn’t just about the dollars raised but helping to promote awareness and share the impact of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s initiatives. “We want to draw awareness to our communities, our initiatives and its reach. I think education about the Alberta Cancer Foundation programs is so critically important to making a difference. And so for us, it's not necessarily just about the funds raised or the dollars received, but also about how far that message can travel in the communities that it affects,” says Reckmann.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MARISSA RECKMANN

by VIANCY SALUBRE

Left to right: Elliot Negelev, Marissa Reckmann, Katie Phillips, Fallon Huffman, Nadia Kearl and Kristy Bilton of the AGAT team.

Marissa Reckmann, CEO of AGAT Laboratories, at the Priddis Greens Charity Classic.

More hope. Better outcomes.

Less tax.

Donate your publicly traded securities by December 15.

Support the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s More Hope Movement in the most tax-efficient way by donating publicly traded stocks or mutual funds.

REDUCE TAX ON CAPITAL GAINS

When appreciated securities are gifted directly to charity in Canada, the capital gains on the appreciation is eliminated in most cases.

GET A CHARITABLE RECEIPT

Your charitable tax receipt, which generates tax credits, will be for the full market value of the donation received.

CREATE MORE HOPE

You ensure Albertans have access to the support they need and the treatment they deserve.

Visit albertacancer.ca/securities

Interested in more strategies to maximize impact and minimize taxes? Join us at our next Tax Saving Seminar. For upcoming dates, visit albertacancer.ca/taxsavingseminar

‘One Day’, your gift will change everything.

One Day, fear will be replaced with hope.

One Day, a patient will hear the words “you’re in remission.”

One Day, a family will celebrate more time together.

And when those days come, it will be because of you. Your future gift ensures that hope continues to be possible for generations of Albertans you’ll never meet but whose lives you will profoundly touch.

Learn more at albertacancer.ca/legacy-giving

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Pedal for more hope at Alberta’s largest cancer cycling fundraiser on July 18-19, 2026 in Strathmore Alberta.

Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider, you’ll find a fully supported experience and a community cheering you on every step of the way.

Over 17 years, more than 20,000 Albertans have raised $111 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, fueling innovative research, life-saving equipment, and compassionate care across Alberta’s cancer centres.