Vy Ngo

Vy Ngo is investigating chemotherapy resistance

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1. Welcome back to the TBCRU, can you remind our readers who you are and tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Vy Ngo, and I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Western University. I work under Dr. Martin Duennwald, and this is my third year in the Translational Breast Cancer Research Unit (TBCRU) program.

2. As a senior researcher, why is the TBCRU Studentship Award important to you, how does it allow you to advance your research? 

This award has helped fund important resources for my work and has given me new opportunities to learn, network, and be a part of London’s breast cancer research community. It has allowed me to produce some exciting research results!

3. In a few lines, can you remind us what you are doing and what problems you hope to solve with your research?

I am investigating chemotherapy resistance in HER2+ breast cancer. HER2+ is a type of breast cancer that produces a protein that promotes the growth of the tumour. I am designing a unique approach to enhance breast cancer therapies that target this protein. Through this research, I hope to improve outcomes for patients with HER2+ breast cancer.

4. Since we last spoke, have there been any changes or any advancement in your research? 

Previously, I found that HER2+ breast cancer cells produce high levels of a protein called Hsp90, associated with reduced patient survival. I have now discovered a strong link between Hsp90 and another protein called GPX, particularly in HER2+ breast cancer cells. This may explain why HER2+ breast cancers don’t respond to cancer therapy and end up spreading. Targeting this cellular mechanism could improve future patient treatment outcomes.

5. Have you had an opportunity to present your research to your peer researchers? Was it at a national or international meeting or in some other way? 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have not had the opportunity to present my research this past year. However, in previous years I presented part of this work at the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Research Day in March 2019. I was awarded the Dr. M. Daria Haust Award for the Best Basic Science Presentation. Other conference presentations include the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) ’s Model Systems in Cancer Research, and the Proteostasis Researchers in Canada, Eh (PRinCE) meeting.

6. Did that presentation setting help you share your breast cancer research with the broader scientific community? 

Presenting my work has allowed me to share my findings with three different scientific communities. I obtained feedback on my work from researchers and experts in various fields, which has been enormously beneficial.

7. Did any of the feedback or conversations that came about from presenting your research, help you and your research in any way?

I received a lot of great feedback and suggestions from researchers, some of which I have already incorporated into my research. I also had the opportunity to meet some new breast cancer researchers from whom I gained valuable knowledge and insight from.

8. Now that you have had some more time with your research, how do you think your research will be applied in a real-world situation?

A significant portion of HER2+ breast cancer patients develop resistance to therapy, which is a challenge. If my research project is successful, our approach could potentially be used to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments for HER2+ breast cancer patients.

9. Tell us about your involvement in the Breast Cancer Society of Canada fundraising events (Dress for the Cause, Mother’s Day Walk)?

Since becoming a TBCRU trainee in 2018, I have had the privilege to volunteer at numerous events, including Dress for the Cause and the annual Mother’s Day Walk. This year for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the TBCRU trainees hosted fundraising events over a virtual platform. A silent auction and games night were hosted to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. These events also allowed us to network with each other despite the ongoing pandemic.

10. What about your participation in other Breast Cancer Society of Canada donor events or tours, how has that impacted your perspective on breast cancer research?

Over the years, participating in BCSC events has led me to appreciate those involved’ efforts and accomplishments. I admire the sense of community and collaboration between breast cancer researchers, BCSC members, community members and partners, all working together towards a shared goal. This reinforces the importance of what we do and motivates me to keep pushing forward in my breast cancer research.

11. What are you currently reading, watching or listening to outside of the lab?

I am currently watching a detective mystery TV series called “The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited.”

Support researchers like Vy Ngo 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.

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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.

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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  

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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.

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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.

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Leave a legacy. Plan for a future gift.

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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:

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

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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  • 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