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Donation helps advance research

The establishment of the Britton Smith Foundation Clinical Trials Fund

At the Canadian Cancer Society, our vision to create a world in which no Canadian fears cancer is only achievable if we work collectively with people united by the same goals. With nearly one in two Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, cancer affects us all.

At the cancer society, we believe research is the best way to accelerate progress so that more cancers can be prevented, and more people will not just survive cancer, but live longer and fuller lives.

Today more than 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive, compared with about 25 per cent in the 1940s, because of the advancements discovered through research. We are determined to empower people with cancer and ensure there are new treatment options for Canadians. One way we do this is through our support of life-saving clinical trials.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the cancer society has been able to provide core funding to the Canadian Cancer Trials Group based at Queen’s University in Kingston for almost 40 years. The trials group is a co-operative oncology group that designs and administers clinical trials in cancer therapy, supportive care and prevention through a network of researchers across Canada — finding the treatments that give people with cancer longer, better quality lives.

Recognizing the impact that society and trials group have made in the lives of those living with cancer, local Kingston philanthropist and businessman Britton Smith recently donated $1 million to establish the Britton Smith Foundation Clinical Trials Fund to support and fund cancer research and high-impact clinical trials. This generous donation allows both groups to generate new discoveries and approaches that will assist thousands of Canadians struggling with cancer. This local investment in the community here in Kingston will have an impact far beyond the city, helping us move towards a day with significantly increased cancer survival rates.

To Smith, we want to say thank you for your generosity and forward thinking. Your support helps people with cancer see life beyond their diagnosis.

Doug Kane, senior manager, Canadian Cancer Society FLA & The Waterways Community Office

CCTG Trialblazers with Doug Kane --- photography Bryce Murdoch

CCTG Trialblazers with Doug Kane --- photography Bryce Murdoch