As part of Brendan Wood International’s generous Christmas time charity program, I will be continuing to make my donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

According to the CCS, an estimated 145,500 new cases of cancer and 68,300 deaths occurred in Canada in 2004. Just from those numbers alone it is easy to understand why it is not a complete surprise to discover that this disease has affected many of my close family and friends, including my father who passed away 14 years ago from lung cancer. It was a shock at the time as he was a non-smoker and seemed to live a fairly healthy lifestyle. Luckily, his suffering was short as the time from diagnosis around Christmas time until his death in May the following year was relatively short. Having been diagnosed around Christmas makes the timing of BWI’s program all the more meaningful.

As a charity whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer, I believe that the CCS is a deserving organization. Their advocacy, support/services, information, and research initiatives will undoubtedly be a large part of the development towards a cancer free world while aiding those who are faced with the disease everyday. Administrative costs are kept as low as possible, making up 6% of the total budget, 49% is used to fund research, 33% goes to community services, and another 12% to further fundraising. Hopefully, we will all be around in the near future to see the Canadian Cancer Society’s vision, and live in a world where no one fears cancer.
— Eugene Chan

Vincent Fazari was a light-hearted friend and classmate, who fought his battle with cancer with optimism and humor. I will never forget the day in first year university when Vince came to my friends and I, bearing the news of his illness. Overwhelmed and shocked by the news, Vince consoled us and wiped our tears, when it was in fact our job to comfort him. Although Vince excelled in school and joined countless clubs, it is his determination, strength, and wisdom that I will always remember. In the words of Vince, “The cancer can not defeat me. All it can possibly do is kill me, But it shall not defeat me.” Vince died a year ago at the age of 22.

Based on current rates, about 40% of men and women will develop cancer during their lifetimes. It is the leading cause of premature death in Canada.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.
— Ginger Tien