BC Cancer Foundation - Spring 2016 - (Page 6)

WHY I GIVE An Annual Affair Two young sisters help cancer cause in lieu of birthday gifts W ith most young kids, birthdays are synonymous with receiving the latest toys or games. For 10-year-old Emma Linsley and her 7-year-old sister, Julia, however, birthdays are a chance to ask for something that will help others. This year for their birthdays, in lieu of receiving gifts, Emma and Julia asked their friends and schoolmates to make a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation in support of the research taking place at the BC Cancer Agency. "Of all the things I've ever done for my birthday, this is my favourite," Emma said of making the donation. "It makes us feel really good." The sisters are not novices in generosity. Emma collected donations for her seventh birthday as well, and, over the years following, requested books instead of birthday gifts, which she donated to the pediatric waiting room at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Cancer Centre. This year, the sisters' fundraising efforts (including emptying out their own personal piggy banks) tallied $824. A tour of the Vancouver Cancer Centre with their mother, Andrea, brought to life the research and equipment their donations help support. Emma has chosen for her portion of the donation to be directed to pediatric cancer research. "It's very, very important for everyone to donate," Emma said. "Donations help give researchers what they need so they can cure cancer faster." Andrea is proud of her daughters' generosity, explaining that they divide up their allowances between three jars labeled: "Share," "Save" and "Spend." 6 PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY Emma and Julia Linsley see the impact of their giving. "The 'Save' jar is for university," Andrea said. "And money from their 'Share' jars goes to donations like this." She makes a point to ensure both her daughters are aware of the important impact their contributions can make. "We're so lucky with where we live to have exposure to the great work at the BC Cancer Agency," she said. "It's really important for me to show Emma and Julia how really lucky we are, and that donations can help provide a better quality of life for patients." For Julia, who wants to be a scientist when she grows up to "look at germs," donating is a way to help kids who have been diagnosed with cancer. "Making the donation feels awesome," Julia said. "We hope it will help kids get better so they can play again with their friends." Emma echoes the sentiment: "Donating helps research but also gives people with cancer more time to spend with their families, and we like that idea."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BC Cancer Foundation - Spring 2016

BC Cancer Foundation - Spring 2016
Opening Thoughts
Contents
Healthy Insights
Why I Give
Researcher Profile
Defying the Odds: New Prostate Cancer
Clinical Trials Advance Cancer Care for All
Malaria Protein Shows Promise
Legacy Giving
Regional Roundup

BC Cancer Foundation - Spring 2016