BC Cancer Foundation - Fall 2015 - (Page 14)

LEGACY GIVING Mother and daughter become cancer research advocates after each faces skin cancer. Within the decade that passed between mother and daughter having suspicious markings on their skin, researchers at the BC Cancer Agency had been skillfully developing a new technology to aid in the early detection of skin cancer. The Verisante Aura-a non-invasive detection tool-played a key role in confirming that Christie's suspicious mole was in fact cancer. The early diagnosis led to a swift removal of Christie's cancer before it spread. THE GIFT THAT CONTINUES TO GIVE Family Matters After three generations of skin cancer, Claire Harcus' family made a gift to support the research that saved them C laire Harcus is an unwavering advocate for sun safety and cancer research. The former elementary school principal was diagnosed with an advanced form of skin cancer in 2001. She had long been concerned about a mark on her neck before seeking out medical attention. That delay gave the cancer time to advance, which has meant an intense treatment regimen, including multiple surgeries and radiation therapy. FAMILIAR TERRITORY "I saw signs that something was happening with my neck, but I neglected 14 PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY it because of fear ... I was hoping that if I didn't pay it any attention it might just go away," says Claire, whose mother had also been affected by skin cancer. When Claire's daughter, Christie Wilson, noticed a suspicious looking mole on her own shoulder, the family, twice-stricken by the disease, took immediate action to have it examined. Compelled by her family's personal runins with skin cancer, Claire wanted to help the BC Cancer Foundation, knowing that she and her daughter had benefitted from decades of cancer research. She made a decision to leave a gift in her will with the desire to benefit future generations so others won't have to endure the type of treatments she has gone through on and off for over a decade. "I see the efforts the researchers are putting forth, and the results tell me that research is working," says Claire. Legacy donors like Claire ensure that the research breakthroughs of tomorrow will happen. And her gift will ensure that over the next 10 years even greater strides will be made in developing technology to better prevent and detect cancers. In fact, the research group that developed the Aura, which helped in Christie's cancer detection, is currently developing early detection technology for lung and gynecological cancers. LEARN ABOUT LEGACY GIFTS TODAY Legacy gifts mean long-term research programs with the greatest promise to improve cancer care will continue tomorrow. Contact Cary Gaymond at 604-877-6152 or cary.gaymond@bccancer.bc.ca to learn about the many ways you can leave a legacy gift.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BC Cancer Foundation - Fall 2015

BC Cancer Foundation - Fall 2015
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Healthy Insights
Why I Give
Researcher Profile
On the Way to Personalized Cures
Donors Are Saving Lives Today and Tomorrow
The Next Decade of Discovery
Legacy Giving
Regional Roundup

BC Cancer Foundation - Fall 2015