The Newsletter of the Canadian Cancer Society 5826 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1S6 | 1 800 639-0222 | www.cancer.ca

develop, and Isaac was spared the harmful effects of chemo and radiation therapy.

Children born before these discoveries lost their vision in both eyes. Donors like you made the gift of sight possible for children with eye cancer.

At age seven Isaac was cancer free. He is now a healthy and happy young man of 16 years thanks to your support.

“Research the Canadian Cancer Society funds with your

donations is having an incredible impact on the fight against cancer,” said Brenda Burgess. “I know because it saved my son.”

Every year, the Canadian Cancer Society uses your gifts to fund more cancer research, on more types of cancer, than any other national charity. For Brenda’s son Isaac Crosby, it was research on better ways to treat retinoblastoma – a rare form of eye cancer - that had a critical impact on his cancer treatment.

At 13-months-old Isaac was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a cancer that attacks the retina of infants and young children. Fortunately researchers funded by you, our generous donors, had found ways to effectively fight retinoblastoma.

In Isaac’s case, doctors had to remove his left eye but the five tumors found in his right eye were treatable. Perhaps more remarkable, is that researchers have found a way to bypass the resistance to chemotherapy that many children

Children like Isaac Crosby are living proof cancer research is positively impacting Nova Scotians fighting for their lives

Donor funded research saves the eyesight of children with cancer

LIFETIMES

Isaac Crosby (right) and his brother Taber are thankful that you fund research that saves the lives of cancer patients.

“If it hadn’t been for advances in treatment, things could have turned out very differently,” added Brenda. “I know I speak for every parent who has had a child with cancer when I say, I am very thankful for the Canadian Cancer Society donors. Research is saving the lives of children and improving their quality of life. Thank you!”

WINTER 2013

To learn more about cancer research, please visit cancer.ca

The Newsletter of the Canadian Cancer Society 5826 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1S6 | 1 800 639-0222 | www.cancer.ca

The Lodge That Gives is easing the burden of cancer for Nova ScotiansDave Stoddard is thankful every day for donor generosity

“

My name is Dave Stoddard and I’m from Greenwood,

Nova Scotia. I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2010; thus began my journey towards The Lodge That Gives.

At the time I had no idea that the kindness of donors, like you, would help me on my path to recovery.

I was on a fixed income from a previous illness when I found out I had cancer. I had to travel to Halifax for treatment.

I don’t know what I would have done if it weren’t for The Lodge That Gives. You cannot imagine how thankful I am everyday that my wife and I could stay there during my treatments.

Until I stayed at The Lodge myself, I had no idea that it was helping so many Nova Scotians. I’ve learned that since opening its doors in 1990, 24,000 Nova Scotians have stayed at The Lodge. And, did you know that besides providing a place to stay, The Lodge gives residents

tasty home-cooked meals and offers great support programs.

That is why your support is needed. Things like meals and a warm bed to sleep in can become huge costs for cancer patients, like me, who must travel to Halifax.

The Lodge That Gives offers all the comforts of home, but there is one big problem. The Lodge is often full and most nights some cancer patients have to be turned away. You can ensure that more people are able to stay at The Lodge by giving generously to the Daffodil Place Campaign.

LIFETIMES

Daffodil Place will increase The Lodge’s capacity and the number of meals it serves. It will also provide more supportive care programs, thanks to a new partnership with Wellspring.

The bottom line is treatment, education, hospital stays, places like The Lodge – all cost money. People have to get involved. They have to help.

To donate to the Daffodil Place Campaign visit daffodilplace.com

The Newsletter of the Canadian Cancer Society 5826 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1S6 | 1 800 639-0222 | www.cancer.ca

Halifax teen cuts hair to support cancer patients and survivor momDonors make it possible for cancer patients to access Nova Scotia’s wig lending program

Her thick, shiny brown hair may no longer ripple down her back,

but Marine Robertson – Kempton doesn’t care; she’s done something incredible for a cancer patient.

Donations of hair like that given by Marine Robertson – Kempton (middle) with her mom, Judy, and friend Layla are made into wigs for cancer patients. It can take as many as 12 donations and $1,200 to make one wig.

Fourteen year old Marine recently cut her waist-length hair and donated it to the Canadian Cancer Society for the creation of a wig.

“It was something my mom and I always planned to do together. But then my mom was diagnosed with cancer and she couldn’t. I knew that I had to do this for my mom, and that I could really make a difference for someone who needed a wig,” said Marine.

Marine’s mom, Judy Robertson, is a colorectal cancer survivor, who now helps the Canadian Cancer

LIFETIMES

Would you cut your hair and post it on YouTube if you knew it would help a cancer patient?

Society spread the message about the importance of early detection. She also helped the Society advocate for the at-home colorectal screening kit now mailed to all Nova Scotians between the ages of 50 and 74.

With a role-model like that, it’s no wonder that Marine already has helping others on her mind. And, she’s inspiring others to do the same.

“A few weeks after I cut my hair, my friend Layla decided to cut and donate her hair as well. I haven’t done anything like this before, but I’m so glad I did,” added Marine.

Donors like you, and Marine, who donate their hair make it possible for the Canadian Cancer Society to provide a wig lending program to cancer patients. Hair received from donors is sent to Pantene Beautiful Lengths to be made into wigs. Cancer patients can visit The Lodge That Gives to have a wig professionally fitted and styled for them.

Marine had the whole hair cutting experience captured by her dad and sister. The resulting video posted on YouTube is inspiring and moving – check it out for yourself at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7V49XEIlF0

Charitable Number 118829803RR009

LIFETIMES

Why do you Volunteer?

A My stepfather survived throat cancer and a friend passed away very

suddenly from cancer. I felt like I needed to do something to help. At first that was working at The Lodge’s reception desk. Then I moved over to the kitchen to share my love of baking with the residents. There are lots of different ways to get involved. What has surprised you the most?

A I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of the volunteers at The Lodge, everyone from retirees

to university students.

How do you think the Society is impacting the lives of Nova Scotians?

A There is much work ahead to eliminate all types of

cancer, but the Society’s efforts and accomplishments have made

tremendous strides toward this.

Why should people volunteer?

A It’s a wonderful way to give back to the community and help make a positive difference

in the lives of those who are battling cancer.

Why should I volunteer?

@CancerSocietyNS

facebook.com/CanadianCancerSocietyNS

cancer.ca/ns

Affectionately known as the ‘cinnamon roll lady’ because of the treats she bakes, Jennifer Noel shares her experience volunteering at The Lodge That Gives

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What would you like to know about the Canadian Cancer Society? Send your questions to heather.rice@ns.cancer.ca and it could be featured in an upcoming edition of LIFETIMES.

Donate online at cancer.ca 5826 South St. Halifax, NS B3H 1S61 800 639-0222 | cancer.ca

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