Cancer Stem Cell Consortium Welcomes Stand Up to Cancer Canada
Initiative aimed at ending cancer’s reign as leading cause of death
Ottawa, Ontario, July 9, 2014 — Members of the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium (CSCC) today welcomed the announcement of a new Canadian initiative to fight cancer and the unveiling of plans for a major televised fundraising event to take place on September 5.
Stand Up to Cancer Canada (SU2C Canada) shares a common mission with the U.S.-based Stand Up to Cancer initiative to make cancer patients into cancer survivors through accelerated, collaborative research that improves cancer treatments and outcomes for patients sooner. Since inception in 2008, SU2C has supported over 750 researchers across more than 100 institutions who have planned, launched or completed more than 140 clinical trials.
The new Canadian initiative will follow a distinct research model designed to bring research innovations to patients sooner. It will convene scientists from different disciplines and institutions to work collaboratively on ‘Dream Teams’ researching new approaches to cancer prevention, treatment and cure.
As members of the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium, Genome Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) are exploring partnership opportunities with SU2C Canada. SU2C Canada is actively pursuing collaborations with Canadian health charities, government-funded organizations and corporations.
“Canadian cancer researchers are world-leading in this complex field and have made significant scientific contributions resulting in improved outcomes for cancer patients. We hope to forge a new collaboration that will build on past investments and expedite health solutions for Canadians and others affected by cancer worldwide,” said Dr. Pierre Meulien, President and CEO of Genome Canada and Chair of the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium.
“As the leading cause of death among Canadians, cancer has touched all of us in some way,” said Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of the Canadians Institutes of Health Research. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to supporting health research projects that will help prevent cancer, reduce cancer-related deaths and improve the lives of patients living with this disease.”
EIF Canada – the charitable organization behind the SU2C Canada brand – unveiled plans to unite with four of Canada’s major English-language networks, and the U.S. Entertainment Industry Foundation for an unprecedented simultaneous television special on September 5, 2014 at 8 p.m. ET, airing from both Hollywood, and for the first time, Toronto. The fundraising event will feature celebrities from both Canada and the U.S.
For more information on Stand Up to Cancer Canada visit:http://www.standup2cancer.ca/.
About the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium
The Cancer Stem Cell Consortium (CSCC) is a not-for-profit corporation that was incorporated in 2007 to coordinate an international strategy for cancer stem cell research and related translational activities. Current Consortium members include: Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Genome Canada, Michael Smith Foundation for Medical Research, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and the Stem Cell Network.
About Genome Canada
Genome Canada is a catalyst for developing and applying genomics and genomic-based technologies that create economic and social benefit for Canadians. Genome Canada: connects ideas and people across public and private sectors to find new uses for genomics; invests in large-scale science and technology to fuel innovation; and, translate discoveries into applications, new technologies, societal impacts and solutions across key sectors of national importance, including health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries & aquaculture, energy, mining, and the environment. For more information, visithttps://www.genomecanada.ca/.
About the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,200 health researchers and trainees across Canada. http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/
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For further information please contact:
Andrea Matyas – Director of Communications, Genome Canada
Phone: 613-751-4460, ext. 231
Cell: 613-790-0106
amatyas@genomecanada.ca
David Coulombe – Media Specialist, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Phone: 613-941-4563
Cell: 613-808-7526
David.Coulombe@cihr-irsc.gc.ca