Tasnim Reza

Tasnim Reza is developing anti-metastatic therapies.

Share

1. Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Tasnim Reza, and I am a second-year Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry at Western University working under Dr. Michael Boffa’s supervision. I previously received my Bachelor of Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Honours Biology (Life Science), followed by a Master’s in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Windsor.

2. Why is the TBCRU Studentship Award important to you?

The TBCRU award has allowed me to dedicate my time to the most valuable part of the graduate journey, research. Receiving this award has allowed me to continue working in this critical field. I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. I share this space with the other trainees, whose exceptional work inspires and motivates me to work harder towards our common goal. The studentship alleviated my financial burdens, exposed me to the vast array of research conducted in the breast cancer community, and provided me with a platform to present my research.

3. Tell us about your research. What are you doing, and what problems do you hope to solve?

My research aims to evaluate the inhibitory role of two proteins called thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and thrombomodulin (TM), on the ability of breast cancer cells to invade and spread (metastasize) through the body. The metastasis of cancer cells in part depends on a group of proteins called proteases that helps cancer cells chew through the structural matrix that separates our tissues. TAFI, along with TM, prevents the activation of such proteases; therefore, they may have the ability to reduce or stop metastasis. I am assessing the anti-metastatic role of TAFI and TM in breast cancer using experimental approaches in the lab and mouse models of breast cancer.

4. Why is your research important? How can your research be applied in the real world? 

Metastasis is the leading cause of breast cancer-related deaths, and it is also the most challenging step to treat. My research provides a new opportunity to develop anti-metastatic therapies by targeting proteins that control the movement of cancer cells. We hope that we can create a novel therapy through our studies that will prevent breast cancer from spreading and help patients in the future.

5. What inspired your research?

Currently, there are no drugs present in the market that specifically target the process of metastasis. Previously in our lab, we have determined that TAFI reduces invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. The positive results inspired us to move forward and bring this research into mouse models and explore a new pathway to treat metastasis.

6. Why are you passionate about breast cancer research?

I was always intrigued by the scientific community as it strives to bring new treatments and increase patients’ quality of life who suffer from various diseases. To be a part of this community has always been a dream of mine. Breast cancer is one of the most complex and far-reaching diseases. The challenge posed to the researchers by this disease has always made me curious. It is almost like being in an infinite labyrinth and looking for a clue to get out of it. Unfortunately, like many people around the world, I have lost family members to cancer. The suffering that we went through due to this disease has always pushed me to look for answers. I had the opportunity to meet breast cancer patients when working at the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research. Their stories inspired me to work in this field and try to make a difference.

7. Why do you think breast cancer research matters?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It not only affects women; there are cases where men get affected by this too. Therefore, it is essential to address the disease and work together to develop treatments that will ease pain and suffering. I am thankful to organizations like the Breast Cancer Society of Canada for supporting researchers like me, who are working towards a safer world where breast cancer is irrelevant.

8. What excites you about your work?

The collaborative nature of my work excites me the most. As basic scientists, we do not often get the opportunity to interact with people who will eventually receive the treatment we are trying to develop. I am very excited to work with clinicians and develop therapies that will allow me to observe our protein-based drug’s effect on breast cancer patients’ metastases.

9. What do you see yourself doing in the future?

In future, I would like to combine my experiences I gained in my Master’s with the expertise of my Ph.D. to move with the evolving world. I am always excited to learn from my surroundings, and I will apply it to enhance my biotechnology research.

10. What do you like to do when you aren’t working on research?

I like to cook and try out different recipes from all around the world. I also want to visit other places and learn about ancient civilizations (when the world is not suffering due to COVID-19). I also like to play outdoor and indoor games with my friends and family. I also love to volunteer with charities like Nourish Bangladesh, which helps feed poor people.

 

SUPPORT RESEARCHERS LIKE TASNIM REZA BY CONSIDERING A DONATION TO THE BREAST CANCER SOCIETY OF CANADA. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP FUND LIFE-SAVING RESEARCH, VISIT BCSC.CA/DONATE TODAY.

How to

Support an Event

Make a contribution to a fundraiser being held in support of Breast Cancer Canada. You can search for the organization or person you wish to support; or click on the event name to make a general donation to the Raise More initiative of your choice.

How to

Sponsor

Thinking about becoming a corporate partner of Breast Cancer Canada? Amazing. We work with all types of organizations. We’ll help you deliver results which are measurable. National or local.

A partnership with Breast Cancer Canada is a win-win. It improves employee engagement, boosts morale, fosters a tighter culture. It raises your organization’s profile and demonstrates your support for breast cancer research. To customers. To employees. To suppliers. Most of all – it makes a positive impact for those affected directly by breast cancer.

We’ll raise money for life-saving breast cancer research, together.

Let’s talk about building your program!

Contact Charlene Politano today to get started.
Email: cpolitano@breastcancerprogress.ca
Phone: 1-800-567-8767 or 416-352-8567

To make an online corporate donation, please click here.

If you would like to explore other ways to give, we invite you to learn more.

How to

Fundraise

Join the Raise More Challenge

The more money we raise, the sooner we can end breast cancer. The more time researchers have in the lab. The more technology they can use. The more support we can get. Advancements in early detection and personalized treatment are in reach, and with your help to raise funds, we can find a cure sooner.

There are many ways to fundraise – whether you want to create a competition or tournament, fundraise with your team, challenge your colleagues, host a pink party, have a bake sale or cook-off, the idea is to raise more for breast cancer research.

Breast Cancer Canada will empower you with all the tools you need for a successful fundraiser, and if you need more information, contact Dawn Hamilton at: dhamilton@breastcancerprogress.ca  

I am a

Corporate Donor

Support life-saving breast cancer research. A corporate donation is a simple and efficient way to demonstrate your corporate support.

To make a one-time or reoccurring corporate donation online, please click here.

Learn more about

How to Sponsor

Thinking about becoming a corporate partner of Breast Cancer Canada? Amazing. work with all types of organizations. We’ll help you deliver results which are measurable. National or local.

A partnership with Breast Cancer Canada is a win-win. It improves employee engagement, boosts morale, fosters a tighter culture. It raises your organization’s profile and demonstrates your support for breast cancer research. To customers. To employees. To suppliers. Most of all – it makes a positive impact for those affected directly by breast cancer.

We’ll raise money for life-saving breast cancer research, together.

Let’s talk about building your program!

Contact Dawn Hamilton today to get started.
Email: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca
Phone: 1-800-567-8767 

To make an online corporate donation, please click here.

I am a

Legacy Donor

Over the last 30 years, many generous donors have left a legacy to Breast Cancer Canada in efforts to advance breast cancer research.

No matter what the form of your gift, you will be remembered by your legacy which will live on through each of the lives you touch with your gift.

Learn more about

Legacy donor

Leave a legacy. Plan for a future gift.

  • Leave a gift in your will
  • Donating a life insurance policy
  • Donate a TFSA, RRSP, or RRIF

Support Breast Cancer Canada with a future gift to create a better future for breast cancer patients. Your gift helps to save lives through early detection and improve outcomes with better treatments.

or more information, please contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca


LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

This is often called a bequest. It’s the simplest way to make a legacy gift. A gift in your will has no effect on your current income and your estate receives a charitable donation tax receipt. Here’s a sample of simple bequest wording : “To pay the sum of $_________ OR _______% of the residue of my estate to Breast Cancer Canada.”


DONATING A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Life insurance is a way to provide financial security for your family. If the needs of your family are already taken care of, a life insurance policy is a smart way to donate to charity including tax savings for your estate. Speak to your financial advisors for your personalized advice and learn how a gift of life insurance can work for you. Here’s the top-line on ways of leaving gifts of life insurance:


Bequeath your policy to Breast Cancer Canada for the future:

  • Name Breast Cancer Canada as the beneficiary of your policy. BCC will receive your insurance proceeds tax-free. Your estate will receive a donation receipt.


Transfer ownership of a paid-up policy to Breast Cancer Canada now:

  • Want to gift us your existing, paid-up policy right now? Make Breast Cancer Canada the beneficiary and owner of your policy. You will receive a donation receipt for the fair market value of the policy. BCC may redeem the policy now, or hold it and receive the face value in the future – however your gift can be put to best use.


Transfer ownership of a policy on which premiums are still owing to BCC now:

  • Premiums still owing? You can still opt to transfer your policy ownership to BCC. You’ll receive a donation receipt for the policy’s fair market value. Want to make it an ongoing gift? Transfer the ownership to BCC, and still continue to pay the premiums owing. You’ll receive donation receipts for those payments too.


DONATE A TFSA, RRSP, RRIF

Register a significant difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Donate the proceeds of a registered account: Tax-free savings account (TFSA); Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP); Registered retirement income fund (RRIF). It’s a smart way to make a major contribution. Without reducing your current assets. Without subjecting the funds to probate fees. While reducing taxes on your estate through a donation receipt.

Making a gift like this is easy. Designate Breast Cancer Canada as the beneficiary of your registered account.  You benefit from the full use of your account(s) during your lifetime. We receive any remaining funds after your passing.

For more information, contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca

I am a

Individual Donor

When you support Breast Cancer Canada, you are helping to improve and save lives through better treatments and early detection of breast cancer.

Learn more about

Gifting securities

Donating securities is becoming more popular, and supports Breast Cancer Canada just like cash donations. Gifts of publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) are an easy, tax-effective way to make a contribution towards life-saving research that helps with early detection, better treatments, and ultimately  Securities can be of any size and given immediately, or you can bequeath them to Breast Cancer Canada in your will. Just like a cash donation, you’ll get a donation tax credit for your gift of securities.

Today, most securities are held electronically and are easily transferred from your brokerage account to our BCC brokerage account. Your Financial Advisor can make all the arrangements.

For more information, contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca

Send e-cards in memory or honour

Bravery is beautiful. That’s why we encourage you to make a donation in honour of a loved one’s own experience with breast cancer. With your donation, we’ll send a email to acknowledge the dedication to the individual or family.

Make a donation with  eCard by dedicating your donation:

Let’s get started

Corporate matching

Multiply the impact of your donation

Fact: thousands of companies will match donations made by employees.

It’s true, and it’s very generous. Want to know if your company will match your donation to BCC? Use the search tool below. It also has access to all the forms, guidelines, and instructions you need to submit a company-matchable gift donation today.

Search Tool

Monthly Giving

Support life-saving breast cancer research every month of the year.

 

When you make a monthly contribution to Breast Cancer Canada, you provide stable funding for year-round campaigning and allow us to continue to support research projects across Canada.

 

To join, simply pre-authorize a monthly deduction from your credit card.

  1. Online:  Donate Now
  2. By Phone: Sign up as a monthly donor by calling Toll Free: 1-800-567-8767
  3. By Mail


Breast Cancer Canada, National Office
415 Exmouth Street Unit # 101
Sarnia, ON N7T 8A4

You will need to provide us the credit card type, number and expiry date, and the amount you would like to give each month.

How to

Volunteer

Volunteers are Breast Cancer Canada’s most important resource, and the backbone of our organization. From helping build our PROgress research to helping breast cancer patients, to supporting events, special fundraising projects and administrative tasks, our volunteers are dedicated to making a positive, life-changing impact.

We ensure our volunteers have the best possible experience and apply the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.

You can help us end breast cancer by:

  • Volunteering with one of our fundraising campaigns. Or a BCC signature event
  • Helping with local community events where you live
  • Joining our PROgress research at a local hub
  • Assisting us with virtual office tasks

Learn more about our volunteer driven Regional Hubs.

Regional Hubs are an integral part of Breast Canada Canada. We connect communities and those committed to our mission to make the goal local. Together, we can save lives through advancing breast cancer research, coast to coast.

Connect to learn more about what is happening in your area: volunteer@breastcancerprogress.ca