Sean McRae

Your donation in action at the LHSC

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The contributions of our donors continue to fund the Breast Cancer Society of Canada Translational Research Unit (BCSC-TRU) at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

We would like to acknowledge the Margaret Rothweiler Charitable Foundation for their continued support and grants towards this research.

The goal of the BCSC-TRU is to foster translational, patient-centred breast cancer research in multiple disciplines throughout London, Ontario. Under Dr. Alison Allan’s leadership, the BCSC-TRU supports research specifically focused on the understanding, prevention, tracking and/or treatment of metastasis, the deadliest aspect of breast cancer.

The BCSC provides valuable support for three major programs within the Unit (2021-2022):

  • Translational Breast Cancer Research Traineeship Program – $125,000
  • Senior Breast Cancer Research Scientist Program – $75,000
  • Translational Breast Cancer Research Catalyst Grant Program – $50,000

Translational Breast Cancer Research Traineeship Program

This program supports the best and brightest graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical research fellows working on patient-centred breast cancer research in different scientific disciplines across the city of London. The goal of the program is to provide the very best training possible for the next generation of breast cancer researchers such that they learn how to work on collaborative teams focused on research that makes the greatest impact on improving the outcome of breast cancer in Canada.

Research projects must have a focus on the understanding, prevention, tracking and/or treatment of breast cancer; and must involve collaboration of both basic science and clinical investigators. Trainees are rigorously evaluated and selected for awards based on their outstanding academic accomplishments, their research experience/potential, the scientific quality of the project, and the translational relevance of the research and applicability to metastatic breast cancer.

2021-2022 Breast Cancer Society of Canada Scholarship/Fellowship Recipients and their Research Projects

In August 2021, we announced the new Breast Cancer Society of Canada scholarship/ fellowship recipients for the 2021-2022 academic year, which included two MSc students, four PhD students, one postdoctoral fellow and one clinical fellow who were selected for awards. One of the MSc students, Britney Messam, was able to leverage BCSC funding and received a larger external scholarship, resulting in these her studentship funds coming back into the program to support additional students next year. Another MSc student, Sean McRae, has expanded his breast cancer research as a result of BCSC support and successfully transferred to the PhD program. The seven currently funded trainees are enrolled in five different academic departments/programs at Western including Oncology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Medical Biophysics, and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. The trainees are working in research laboratories located at the London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care, Robarts, and Western.

Monique Morin is an MSc student in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, under the co-supervision of Dr. Muriel Brackstone and Dr. Jeremy Burton. Her research focuses on characterizing the breast microbiome in women at high risk of breast cancer and subsequently modifying it with probiotics. The goal is to see if harmful bacteria in the breast can be replaced with “healthy” bacteria to reduce inflammation in the breast tissue, a major contributor to the morbidity of breast cancer. Linking abnormal microbiota in breast tissue to breast cancer risk could contribute to improved early diagnosis and therapy.
Rober Abdo is a PhD student in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, under the co-supervision of Dr. Qi Zhang and Dr. Shawn Li. His project focuses on molecular profiling of breast cancer brain metastases. He will study samples from breast cancer patients with brain metastases to identify changes in the cancer cells that allow the cells to spread, evade brain defense mechanisms, and flourish in the brain microenvironment, using cutting-edge techniques known as NanoString Digital Spatial Profiling and mass spectrometry. Rober hopes that his work will identify critical changes that may serve as targets for the future treatment of breast cancer brain metastasis.
Sawyer Badiuk is a PhD student in the Department of Medical Biophysics, under the co-supervision of Dr. Eugene Wong and Dr. Jeff Chen. Sawyer studies the effectiveness of radiation therapy treatments for breast cancer that has spread to the brain using novel imaging techniques. Her research involves monitoring the response of the brain and cancer cells after treatment, to find an optimal radiation treatment that controls the cancer while also reducing side effects. The overall goal of her research is to prevent new and recurring brain metastases.
Sean McRae is a PhD student in the Department of Medical Biophysics, under the co-supervision of Dr. Timothy Scholl and Dr. John Ronald. Sean is working on developing tools to track the spread of breast cancer from the primary tumor site in pre-clinical animal models. By engineering cancer cells to express a transporter, cells are able to take up an administered contrast agent that increases their visibility relative to surrounding tissue on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sean is working on developing new and improved contrast agents that will further improve our ability to study the spread of breast cancer in patients.
Tasnim Reza is a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry, under the supervision of Dr. Michael Boffa. Her research focuses on the anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic role of two proteins called thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and thrombomodulin in breast cancer. Her research will encompass the mechanistic study of breast cancer cells and their response to a protein drug based on thrombomodulin in test tubes and animal models. Tasnim hopes that the results obtained through this research will allow future translation of a novel anti-metastatic therapy into the clinic to benefit breast cancer patients.
Shanshan (Jenny) Zhong is a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry, under the supervision of Dr. Shawn Li. She is currently developing a series of inhibitors for breast cancer immunotherapy and evaluating their therapeutic potential using animal models of breast cancer. It is commonly believed that immune cells such as T cells can effectively inhibit the growth of breast cancer, and a protein called PD-1 expressed on T cells can turn off immune responses. The inhibitors that Jenny is working on are able to block PD-1 signaling and restore the immunity against breast cancer. Her project will offer novel approaches for breast cancer therapy and also lead to a better understanding of PD-1 signaling in metastatic breast cancer.
Dr. Vasudeva Bhat is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, under the co-supervision of Dr. Alison Allan and Dr. David Palma. His project focuses on investigating the potentially paradigm-shifting concept that breast cancer patients with “oligometastasis” may represent a treatable (and potentially curable) subset of patients. Oligometastasis refers to a disease stage where the cancer has spread beyond the breast but is not yet widely metastatic. The goal of this project is to develop and validate a multi-biomarker approach for defining the oligometastatic state in breast cancer using minimally invasive blood tests (“liquid biopsies”). Vasu is carrying out combined assessment of circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and host immune cells. He will then compare these biomarkers to patient survival and disease progression following radiation treatment in order to develop a prognostic/predictive blood-based multi-biomarker panel.
Dr. Diana Paola Arteaga is a Clinical Fellow in the Department of Oncology, under the supervision of Dr. Ana Lohmann. Her project aims to bridge the gap between the detection of circulating tumor DNA in patients with suspected metastatic breast cancer and its clinical use. The goal of this approach is to replace tissue biopsy with minimally invasive techniques such as a simple blood test. This approach may also provide important information to clinicians confirming diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions in breast cancer patients.

 

Senior Breast Cancer Research Scientist Program

The BCSC supports an outstanding Senior Breast Cancer Research Scientist within the TBCRU, and her expertise and research accomplishments are described below.

Dr. Alison Allan is a Senior Oncology Scientist and the Director of the TBCRU. Her translational research program is focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis; in particular the study of cancer stem cells (CSCs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and the lung microenvironment, and how the knowledge gained from experimental studies in these areas can be translated to the clinic to benefit patients.

Dr. Allan is a Canadian leader in the development and validation of CTC blood tests to track metastasis and has worked closely with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group to move this research into the clinic to benefit breast cancer patients. In 2013, Dr. Allan established a partnership with Janssen Oncology and Laboratory Services at the London Health Science Centre (LHSC) to translate her blood test expertise and instrumentation into the clinical hematology lab setting in order to make this test available to patients and clinicians throughout Canada– making LHSC the first academic hospital in Canada to offer this testing to patients.

Translational Breast Cancer Research Catalyst Grant Program

The Translational Breast Cancer Research Catalyst Grant Program is a rigorous, peer-reviewed program that provides “seed funding” to develop the most promising new breast cancer research ideas in London. Two of these highly competitive grants are given out in the Fall of each year and are intended to either kickstart new research ideas that lead to improvement in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; and/or provide critical bridge funding to move research towards the clinic.

Updates from the 2021-2022 Catalyst Grants:

The recipients of Catalyst Grants this year include Dr. Armen Parsyan and his project “Identification and Validation of Novel Genes Associated with Radiation

Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Based on CRISPR-Cas9 Genome-Wide Knockout Screening”; and Dr. Matthew Hebb and his project “A novel breast cancer brain metastasis PDX rat model for the evaluation of an experimental electrotherapy”. Both Dr. Parsyan and Dr. Hebb are surgeon-scientists who provide clinical care to breast cancer patients as well as carrying out high-impact translational breast cancer research in the laboratory.

Dr. Parsyan’s funded Catalyst study is focused on understanding the genes that are expressed by breast tumors that develop resistance to radiation treatment, specifically in patients with aggressive triple negative breast cancer. For this study, Dr. Parsyan and his team are using sophisticated gene editing techniques combined with patient-derived tumor tissue models. This study has the potential to identify novel targets of radiation resistance in breast cancer and will serve as a platform for developing prognostic biomarkers and novel targeted treatments in the future. This work is being done in collaboration with current BCSC-TRU trainee Dr. Vasu Bhat.

Dr. Hebb’s research interests lie in the use of novel electrotherapeutic approaches for treating brain metastases that occur in patients with breast cancer. This “Intratumoral Modulation Therapy (IMT)” uses an implanted stimulation system to deliver sustained low intensity electric fields directly across affected regions of the brain to treat metastasis.

His Catalyst project focuses on developing a new, clinically relevant animal model to assess this novel therapy approach. If successful, Dr. Hebb hopes to move these studies into early-phase clinical trials in breast cancer patients in the near future.

Importantly, recipients of these Catalyst Grants have a strong historical track-record of leveraging the research findings facilitated by the original BCSC-supported funding of $25,000 into much larger (often >10-fold) government or industry grants to support long-term development of this research. This speaks to the true “catalyst” nature of this critical funding program.

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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]
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 Natalina Hamilton: [email protected]


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 Natalina Hamilton: [email protected]

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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 Natalina Hamilton: [email protected]

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: [email protected]