From offering patients whole-person care to equalizing access to clinical trials, and more, the life-changing projects supported by Together Against Cancer are already improving patient experiences and outcomes. But there is still more work to do. Every day, patients, families, and medical teams give their best against cancer. This World Cancer Day, we ask that you give the best you can to help them.  

Thank you for your support! Your vision, compassion, and generosity have brought Together Against Cancer closer to our $100M fundraising goal. So far, we’ve raised $80M to fund transformative projects that offer: 

Collaboration for Greater Impact

This collaborative campaign between the Cedars Cancer Foundation and Montreal General Hospital Foundation aims to raise $100M to support transformative initiatives that will improve the experience, quality of life, and outcomes of cancer patients at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), throughout the province, and beyond.

Thanks to the campaign, significant progress has been made in advancing initiatives such as:

The Cedars Whole Person Cancer Care Centre (CWPCCC)

“Supportive and palliative care are part of our DNA at Cedars. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that the construction of the CWPCCC is about to begin and that it’s expected to open at the end of the year,” explains Jeff J. Shamie, Cedars President and CEO. “The $15 million that we are raising for this project, which is being led by Dr. Justin Sanders, Director of the Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, will allow us to build a world-class facility and to sustain the vital programs and services that it will offer for years to come.”

Jeff J. Shamie, Cedars Cancer Foundation President and CEO

The CWPCCC will be the first of its kind in Quebec and mark a new era of whole-person cancer care. Located at 5252 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, its 3,200 ft2 of space will house many of the Division of Supportive and Palliative Care’s existing clinics, programs and services, as well as several new, evidence-based health and wellness initiatives. It will be home to transition and survivorship programs, to Psychosocial Oncology programs, and to Cedars CanSupport programs like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, art therapy, music therapy, writing therapy, and massage therapy, which improve the health and wellbeing of oncology patients.

Equalizing Access to Life-Saving Clinical Trials 

Based at the Montreal General Hospital’s Division of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Jonathan Spicer aims to provide thoracic cancer patients throughout the province with equitable access to clinical trials — even those who live far from big-city teaching hospitals. Thanks to your support, Dr. Spicer has already increased access to clinical trials by hiring clinical research coordinators in two new regions of the province. The goal is to expand this initiative to hospitals in other regions. 

Dr. Jonathan Spicer, Thoracic Surgeon, MGH-MUHC, Medical Director, McGill Thoracic Oncology Network.

“We see a huge opportunity to enable our network of referring hospitals to participate in these innovative trials and overcome postal code disparities, improving outcomes and advancing scientific discovery.” says Dr. Jonathan Spicer, Thoracic Surgeon, MGH-MUHC, Medical Director, McGill Thoracic Oncology Network. 

Dr. Spicer was also among the investigators of a groundbreaking worldwide study that successfully paired immunotherapy with chemotherapy before and after surgery resulting in a higher rate of overall survival for lung cancer patients with resectable disease. 

Let’s Cross the Finish Line Together 

“This campaign will also allow us to help usher in a new era of radiation oncology at the MUHC using AI and advanced technologies, to support programs that provide age-appropriate care for patients of all ages, like the Jackie Aziz Adolescent and Young Adult Program at Cedars and Sarah’s Fund for Cedars, and to help advance research into sarcomas and cardio-oncology,” says Mr. Shamie. “There’s something to inspire everyone – something that may inspire you – to help us reach our fundraising goal.”

“The success of this campaign so far showcases the powerful and tangible impact that philanthropy has on innovative care. The medical teams supported by Together Against Cancer are doing amazing things, such as bringing AI and robotics into the operating room, developing precision treatments based on the unique biology of a patient’s tumour, and leading projects to equalize access to life-saving clinical trials, as Dr. Spicer is doing – all thanks to generous donors,” says Brian Thompson, President and CEO of the Montreal General Hospital Foundation. 

Brian Thompson, President and CEO of the Montreal General Hospital Foundation.

Help Together Against Cancer surpass its $100M fundraising goal! Give the best you can. Thank you so much for your support.