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Canadian Cancer Society New Brunswick Annual Community Report

Stories of Hope

February 2007 - January 2008

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Our Mission

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.

A Year in Review

Cancer touches us in many ways. For this year’s annual report, we invited people to share their journeys, hope and optimism with us.

We invite you to learn about these individuals, and how their stories inspire us. Come and meet Malcolm, whose story will highlight progress in research. Cheryl will tell you about the profound impact that advocacy can have. Marie will share with us the power of prevention. Through Dr. MacDonald and Amy Lee, you will learn just how important support can be to someone who is faced with a diagnosis of cancer. We celebrate other successes from this past year as well – Anne and Claudine will tell you about our Relay For Life, engaging whole communities in the movement against cancer.

We begin our journey with Rose-Marie, whose is pictured on our cover. Her story on page 4 inspires us all to join in the fight.

2 Stories of Hope

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Dedication In Every Way

Every day, the Canadian Cancer Society touches the lives of people living with cancer through a committed and dedicated team of staff and volunteers. They transform their commitment into meaningful contributions that help us achieve our mission to eradicate cancer and improve the quality of life of those touched by cancer.

The volunteers profiled in this report share a common characteristic: perseverance. They work in all corners of the Province; they work in different program areas; and they are motivated by a single goal – the need to make a difference. They have a desire to make a difference in the lives of others living the cancer experience, and the desire to prevent it from ever happening at all. They know their work is important, whether it is raising money for research, increasing awareness about cancer prevention, or advocating for better public policy. Theirs is a noble pursuit, and they have found meaning in their experience from which we all benefit. It enables us to move forward in our priorities of research, support, advocacy, information and prevention.

Those featured in this report represent thousands of New Brunswickers who give in many ways to the Canadian Cancer Society each year. To them, we are very grateful. Their dedication continues to inspire hope and progress in our continued fight against cancer.

Dr. S. Eshwar Kumar, MBBS, FRCR Anne McTiernan-Gamble

“Dedication is not what others expect of you, it is what you can give to others.”

Unknown

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Advocacy

From my 40 years of volunteer experience, I feel so proud of the many hard-fought-for successes along that challenging journey towards achieving our Society’s mission. I can truthfully say that not one success was achieved easily or without a great deal of relentless advocacy by volunteers and Canadian Cancer Society professionals with the public and elected officials at all levels of government. – Cheryl Robertson

Advocacy is identified as a strategic priority for the Ca-nadian Cancer Society, but what is advocacy, really? To the Canadian Cancer Society, advocacy is about

effecting change in the community. It is about improving cancer care, it is about better access to cancer services, and it is about making our communities healthier for generations to come, all through better public policy. In the past, we have succeeded in helping to establish provincial breast screening services, a Smokers’ Helpline, the Smoke Free Places Act and the New Brunswick Cancer Network.

In 2007, progress includes:

• The planned removal of retail tobacco displays, which we know have an effect on smokers trying to quit and on youth.

Rose-Marie LeBlanc’s Story

Like most people, Rose-Marie LeBlanc of Shediac was shocked and scared when she was told she had breast cancer. She was afraid for herself, for her family, and for what was to come.

In spite of her fears, Rose-Marie mustered her strength and courage to begin a long and difficult treatment. She endured six months of chemotherapy and radiation, which left her with permanent side effects, yet she has won her battle.

The experience left Rose-Marie with a desire to fight back against cancer, and she began volunteering for the Cana-dian Cancer Society. Five years ago, she became chair of the organizing committee for the first annual Shediac Relay For Life. Under her leadership, and much assistance from many volunteers, it has become one of the largest Relays in the province.

Courage is a common trait among those who volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society. Not only have many bravely battled cancer themselves, they frequently go a step

further by making a difference for other cancer patients. Raising money through Relay For Life, offering comfort and hope to a newly-diagnosed cancer patient or advo-cating for better public policy takes a lot of spirit and a mighty heart.

In November 2006, Rose-Marie’s courage was to be tested yet again. Her husband of 40 years, Roger, was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. Just five weeks later, on January 6, 2007, he lost his battle. In spite of her grief, Rose-Marie summoned her strength and that February, was there to rally her volunteers for the 2007 Relay For Life.

“If I can help even one individual in my lifetime, it is worth the effort.” she said. “For me, it’s a personal thing. We have to work to find a cure and to educate more people. It’s a continuous battle.”

Rose-Marie’s courage, strength and unwavering spirit are a true inspiration to her community and to New Bruns-wickers everywhere.

“I feel so proud of the many hard-fought-for successes.”

Cheryl Robertson

• The introduction of an HPV vaccine program and organized provincial cervical screening program that will provide an opportunity to prevent 70 per cent of cervical cancers.• With other partners, we continue to help develop a provincial strategy on children’s environmental health. • We also continued to advocate for the elimination of the cosmetic use of pesticides.

In 2007, the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick invested $309,409 in advocacy.

“I can truthfully say that not one success was achieved easily or without a great deal of relentless advocacy by volunteers …”

Cheryl Robertson

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My name is Malcolm Elliot, and I’m a cancer survivor. I am a student at Marshview Middle School in Sackville, New Brunswick, and I’m 13 years old.

On the 16th of April 2005, I was sitting in the car, waiting for my Dad, when I looked in the mirror and I saw something unusual. It was a big lump inside my throat. It didn’t hurt, but I thought I should tell my parents anyway. We went to outpatients at the Sackville Hospital right away, and then we were sent to the hospital in Moncton for a biopsy.

A week later I found out that I had a tumor, although I didn’t even know what a tumor was. Dr. Fernandez at the IWK Hospital told me that I had Non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s Lymphoma. This is a kind of cancer of the lymph glands, which spreads very fast to other organs. It had already spread to my liver, my shin bones in both

legs, and my spine. It was very fast-growing and rare, but it was still treatable.

The treatment was very intense. I had five bouts of chemotherapy at the IWK in Halifax, where I stayed until July 12, 2005. It was very miserable, and I lost all my hair. For weeks on end, I couldn’t eat, my mouth and throat were sore, I threw up most days, and I had no energy….

But there were also good times! I stayed on the 6 North hospital floor at the IWK for three months, and all the cheerful nurses, doctors and staff were super friendly and understanding. They did everything in their power to make me comfortable and happy… my friends, my family and lots of people in Sackville who were thinking of me really helped me through my hardship.

Malcolm Elliot’s Story

Research

Cancer is a devastating illness, and it’s particularly devastating when it affects children. The good news is that most will survive. About 1,300 Canadian children develop cancer each year, but due to the successful treatment of the most common cancers, most will survive. Malcolm’s story is a true testament to the strides made in cancer research.

Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick invested more than $700,000 in cancer research. A portion of the money we invest helps to fund clinical

trials in New Brunswick. These trials, or studies, lead to improved medications and treatments for cancer patients.

The Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick also provided funding for research that examined the economic burden of childhood cancer in the province in order to better to advocate for improved access to care and treatment. The study confirmed that the economic burden on families is substantial.

Now I am completely cured! All my energy is back, and I have grown lots of wavy hair. I am playing lots of sports, such as soccer, hockey, tennis, and biking, just like before. I was captain of my hockey team and the top scorer last year.

There have been many improvements in treatment of my type of cancer in the last thirty years. If my Dad had had lymphoma at the same age as me, he would probably not have survived. But thanks to money raised for research by groups like the Canadian Cancer Society, over 80 per cent of patients with this type of lymphoma now survive….

Thank you all for helping me and lots of other kids.

“My name is Malcolm Elliot, and I’m a cancer survivor.”

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Prevention

Marie Hansen is well aware of the harmful effects of smoking. The retired nurse has worked with many patients with cancer. She has friends who have died from the disease. She herself is a former smoker.

About seven years ago, Marie became a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Speakers’ Bureau, helping us share prevention information with the public. Volunteers are available to speak on a variety of topics, including: What is Cancer, Healthy Eating, Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, SunSense and Tobacco. They do this at a variety of venues, including wellness fairs, educational institutions and workplaces.

Armed with information and visual aids (including a pig’s lung that has been exposed to 20 years’ worth

of tobacco smoke), Marie talks about tobacco and its effects on human health. Her goal is simple – to help someone make the decision to quit.

“If just one person I meet decides to quit smoking, I think it’s worthwhile,” she said.

We now know that up to 50 per cent of cancers can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyles. The Canadian Cancer Society relies on a variety of prevention initiatives to help individuals lower their risk of cancer. Our SunSense program, for example, targets Grade 2 children and uses an interactive approach to being safe in the sun.

Pink Parties introduced a creative way to raise awareness about breast health and the importance

“If just one person I meet decides to quit smoking, I think it’s worthwhile.”

Marie Hansen

Information

A diagnosis of cancer often brings many questions, and providing answers is a priority at the Canadian Cancer Society. Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick invested $742,753 to ensure the most up-to-date cancer information is available to all New Brunswickers.

One of the ways we provide information is through our Cancer Information Service. This bilingual, toll-free number is set up to inform Canadians about a variety

of cancer-related topics. Trained specialists can provide answers about all types of cancer, about treatments, about medications and side effects, and about support services and prevention.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s website, www.cancer.ca, also serves as a valuable source of information for Canadians. It offers information about prevention, our advocacy efforts and our events. It also invites individuals to share their cancer stories.

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of breast screening, allowing friends and family to get together in a fun setting to share important information.

Our Health Promotion Guide gives volunteers the tools and information they need to take action to reduce cancer risk in their communities and to help them recruit and train other volunteers.

In 2007, the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick invested $601,704 in cancer prevention.

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“There’s got to be a reason why I got cancer.” Dr. Ian MacDonald

Camp Goodtime

The Canadian Cancer Society supports children who have experienced cancer. Since 1989, Camp Goodtime has been a summer haven for New Brunswick children thanks to the generous support of the New Brunswick Masonic Charities and Housing Company Ltd. In 2007, over 50 New Brunswick children attended Camp Goodtime for an unforgettable week of swimming, sports, games and sing songs around the campfire.

The fun and the friendships have lured 15-year-old Amy Lee Doucette back to Camp Goodtime for the past seven years. She was just four when a malignant tumor was discovered on her tailbone and a spot on her lung. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor, and 11 years later, she remains cancer-free.

Camp Goodtime is for children between the ages of 7 and 16 who have cancer or who have battled cancer. Having children who have survived cancer attend at the same time as those still going through treatment is meant to encourage and inspire hope in the young patients. It is also inspiring for the survivors.

Support

Cancer has a tremendous impact on an individual and his or her family. It takes a toll physically, emotionally and spiritually. It sometimes leaves one with more questions than answers.

Sharing one’s hopes and fears with someone who has been through a similar situation, however, can make the experience a little easier to bear. Dr. Ian MacDonald, a cancer survivor from Fredericton, knows this first-hand. He has been involved in peer support programs offered by the Canadian Cancer Society for the past 15 years.

Dr. MacDonald has battled cancer not once, but twice. In 1993, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While this type of cancer has low survival rates,

Dr. MacDonald’s symptoms presented early and his treatment was successful. Seven years ago, Dr. MacDonald battled cancer a second time when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Once again, he won his battle.

Dr. MacDonald’s cancer experience led him and his wife, Jane, to join a Canadian Cancer Society peer support group, and today, he serves as its facilitator. In 2002, Dr. MacDonald also began volunteering with CancerConnection, a Canadian Cancer Society telephone-based peer support program that connects patients with survivors.

“Once a person receives a cancer diagnosis, it rarely leaves his or her mind, and sharing with others through

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CancerConnection can help ease the burden,” noted Dr. MacDonald.

“With CancerConnection and the support group, you share a common bond, a cancer experience,” he said. “There’s got to be a reason why I got cancer, and why I survived, and maybe this is the reason.”

Through CancerConnection, patients can request a survivor with a similar cancer who also matches closely to their individual needs. Caregivers are also encouraged to access the program for emotional support and information that will help them care for their loved ones.

In addition to CancerConnection, the Canadian Cancer

Society also offers peer support groups in communities throughout the province, as well as Reach to Recovery, a one-on-one peer support program that brings together breast cancer survivors and newly-diagnosed patients. Practical support is provided, including breast prostheses, wigs and turbans, and financial assistance to help cover travel costs for treatments.

In 2007, the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick invested $672,489 in support programs.

Revenue Development

Anne Bossé has always loved everything about the Relay For Life experience. Seeing everything come together after months of hard work is extremely gratify-ing for the Edmundston newspaper sales representative.

One of the more emotional moments for Anne, however, comes at the beginning of Relay For Life, when dozens of survivors begin their victory lap. They are celebrating their victory over cancer.

Anne has a victory story of her own.

In 2002, she was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland, which is the largest of the salivary glands. She underwent surgery in February 2003, followed by four months of treatment in Quebec. It was there that she first heard about Relay For Life, and she subsequently discovered that one would take place in her hometown of Edmundston that June.

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“I’m so proud to be part of the Relay For Life experience.”Anne Bossé

Ten days after Anne returned home from Quebec, she stepped on the Relay For Life track to walk the Survivors’ Victory Lap. It was an emotional moment for her and her husband, Guy, who earlier that year had marked his fifth anniversary as a kidney cancer survivor. Together, wearing yellow, they walked the first lap.

That first Relay For Life experience left Anne with a desire to do more. The following year, she signed on with the organizing committee to become the team recruiter. She has carried the title ever since and has helped to establish the Edmundston Relay For Life as the most successful in the Atlantic provinces, raising $260,000 in 2007.

Anne is one of thousands of volunteers who, year after year, lend their time and support to the Canadian Cancer Society. Dedicated and tireless, they have a desire to make a difference in the fight against cancer – and they are. Today, it is estimated that two in five Canadians will

battle cancer in their lifetime, and of those, 60 per cent will survive. This can be attributed to great strides made in cancer research – a victory in its own right that is made possible by volunteers like Anne.

The Canadian Cancer Society relies almost entirely on donations from the public to fulfill its mission. The many ways in which donors support us include In Memoriams, Planned Giving, Direct Mail programs, Daffodil Days and the Residential Campaign in April. Many others also help by supporting special event teams during Curl for Cancer, Golf for Cancer, or Relay For Life. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick raised more than $5 million in 2007.

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Relay For Life

Relay For Life is the Canadian Cancer Society’s signature event, held every June to bring communities together in the fight against cancer. It is a night of music, fun and laughter. It is also a night to share triumphs and to honour those who have lost their battle with cancer.

Those who have taken part in a Relay For Life know first-hand that it is a powerful, unforgettable experience. It begins with the Survivors’ Victory Lap, which invites survivors, wearing yellow, to walk the first lap cheered on by the crowds lining the track. As night falls, candles in white paper bags are lit for a moving Luminary Ceremony. Each bag, gently glowing, represents a memory – a loved one who has battled cancer.

“I remember it was about 8:00 p.m., and I had a chance to walk a lap,” said Claudine Fournier, chairperson of the Petit-Rocher Relay For Life. “I heard people talking on their cell phones as they were walking, encouraging people to come…. People were happy to be there and were inviting others to come and experience what was happening that night.”

Money raised from the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life funds our priorities in cancer control through research, support, prevention and advocacy programs. Last year in New Brunswick, approximately $2.3 million was raised in 28 Relay For Life events throughout the province. The Edmundston event raised more money in 2007 than any other Relay For Life event in Atlantic Canada. Five communities held Relays for the first time, including Hampton, Petit-Rocher, Lamèque, Kent Centre and Restigouche West. Other key highlights from 2007 include:

• More than 4,000 survivors were celebrated• 1,000 teams joined together in the fight against cancer• More than 11,500 New Brunswickers participated• More than 55,000 luminaries lit the tracks• 2,000 volunteers made it all possible

“People were happy to be there and were inviting others to come and experience what was happening that night.”

Claudine Fournier

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Canadian Cancer Society, New BrunswickStatement of Financial Activities - Operations

Year Ended January 31, 2008

RevenuesCampaign $ 1,549,758Special events 3,110,721External program support 201,627Personal giving 382,332Investment income (loss) realized 56,048 Change in unrealized investment (loss) gain (12,005

Total revenues 5,288,481

ExpendituresCancer Research 700,000Prevention 601,704Information 742,753Support for people living with cancer 672,489Advocacy 309,409Revenue development – general 1,046,655Revenue development – special events 554,006Management and general 546,548

Total expenditures 5,173,564

Increase (decrease) in resources $ 114,917

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Board of Directors

S. Eshwar Kumar PresidentRothesay, NB

Allen I. Murray Past PresidentOromocto, NB

Adélaide LaPlante President-ElectMoncton, NB

Glenn Beers Vice-PresidentQuispamsis, NB

Cheryl Johnson Honorary SolicitorQuispamsis, NB

Neil Russon TreasurerMazerolle Settlement, NB

Marc Angers Beresford, NB

Pennie Barbour Dalhousie, NB

Michael Costello Saint John, NB

Ron GoodineSt. Stephen, NB

Colleen Daley Miramichi, NB

Julie EasleyDurham Bridge, NB

Danielle Michaud Edmundston, NB

Rodney OuelletteMoncton, NB

New Brunswick Division133 Prince William Street, PO Box 2089Saint John, NB E2L 3T5Telephone: 506 634-6272Fax: 506 634-3808Email: ccsnb@nb.cancer.caToll-free: 1 800 455-9090

Cancer Information and Support: 1 888 939-3333

Smokers’ Helpline: 1 877 513-5333

www.cancer.ca

Southern District133 Prince William Street, Saint John, NB E2L 2B6Telephone: 506 634-6277Fax: 506 634-6722

Eastern District272 St. George Street, Suite 130Moncton, NB E1C 1W6Telephone: 506 859-6977Fax: 506 853-7061

Western District346 Queen Street, Suite 102Fredericton, NB E3B 1B2Telephone: 506 453-1551Fax: 506 450-1569

Northeast District219 Main Street, Suite 2Bathurst, NB E2A 1A9Telephone: 506 548-4590Fax: 506 548-4498

Northwest District174 Boulevard HebertEdmundston, NB E3V 2S7Telephone: 506 739-5423Fax: 506 739-5372

New Brunswick office locations

This information has been extracted from the financial statements of the Canadian Cancer Society, New Brunswick, as at January 31, 2008, audited by Grant Thornton LLP.