London Cancer Research Center receives $1.7 million donation

Article content

The Gerald C. Baines Center for Cancer Research at the London Health Sciences Center on Wednesday received a $1.7 million gift, the first contribution to the Baines Center’s $5.6 million vision.

The funding, made possible by the center’s namesake son and philanthropist Kirk Baines, will enable computational theranostics, a new field in cancer diagnosis and treatment that combines imaging and therapy. will be allocated to the development of

Article content

The larger vision also requires upgrading and enhancing data storage and computing, radiochemical equipment, and AI diagnostic tools.

Following Mr Baines’ $1.7 million donation, the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF), the charitable arm of the London Health Sciences Center, has launched a matching fundraising campaign as part of its efforts to reach its $5.6 million goal. .

John McFarlane, president and CEO of the foundation, said he was pleased to receive the donation. He said donations are essential to support medical care in the city.

“Without this kind of leadership from donors like Kirk and his family, it would be impossible to have the kind of research and clinical care we enjoy in London,” MacFarlane said. “We know we are in a very special position with LHSC and the London Regional Cancer Program, and that is because of our donors.”

Article content

The Gerald C. Baines Translational Cancer Research Center was founded in 2010 and has received repeated gifts from the Baines family.

Mr. MacFarlane detailed that LHSF, the Baines Center and the Baines family have a close and collaborative relationship, having donated $5 million to cancer research over the years.

These collaborations focused on fundraising goals and what kind of money would be needed, and MacFarlane said Baines was enthusiastic from the beginning.

“I think one of the things that was important to Kirk and his family was to bring the concept of translational research, in other words, from the bench to the bedside, because that’s what we do best in London. ” he said.

Kirk Baines, who lost his father Gerald and mother to cancer, remains passionate about cancer research. He explained that the donation was intended to invest in the center’s supporters to improve the standard of care.

Article content

Regarding Wednesday’s donation, he said the amount was recommended by the center itself.

“We said, ‘Find out what you want to do in the next 10 years and we’ll do our best to make sure you get there,'” Baines said.

Jackie Schleifer-Taylor, president and chief executive officer of the London Health Sciences Center, told the audience at Wednesday’s announcement that the donation represents a “significant step forward” in reducing the impact of cancer. ”.

“A donation of this size is about more than just a number on a check. . . . It’s about extending lifespans, keeping families intact and strengthening communities,” she said.

The donation announcement was followed by a discussion panel on cancer research led by Baines Center staff and recognition of Center patient Jessica Wright.

Both Mr Baines and Mr Macfarlane are encouraging all Londoners to donate what they can to the matching campaign. You can find it online.

jmoulton@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/jackmoulton65

Article content