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who will offer compassion and kindness, and we will In 2019, BTFC launch the national Brain Tumour
continue to hope that one day we find a cure and an Registry of Canada alongside Dr. Faith Davis, a
end to brain tumours.” brain tumour epidemiologist at the University of
Alberta and current vice-chair of BTFC Board of
MAKING ADVANCEMENTS Directors. This is a first-of-its-kind registry providing
exclusively Canadian data on both malignant and
Since its inception, Brain Tumour Foundation of non-malignant tumours, to better understand
Canada (BTFC) has raised nearly $10 million in prevalence and survival rates for brain tumours, and
direct funding to research, says LaHay. The impact get a better picture on who is affected, and possible
of research funded by Brain Tumour Foundation causes. The new 2021 Incidence and Mortality
of Canada is undeniable. It has helped improve Report is the most thorough report of its kind in
the accuracy of radiation treatments, shorten Canada.
treatment regimen times, limit side effects from
chemo, and improve quality of life for patients after “One of our recent advocacy efforts resulted in the
surgery. BTFC is also the sole funder of the first delay of the discontinuation in Canada of a key
Brain Tumour Tissue Bank in Canada, providing free chemotherapy drug, lomustine (CCNU), that is often
samples to clinical researchers around the world to used to treat glioblastoma,” says LaHay. “Following
further the search for a cure. our outreach and advocacy letter, representatives of
Shannon LaHay, CEO
BTFC were able to meet with representatives from Adam Fanaki Brain Fund, BTFC launched a first
the drug manufacturer, Bristol Myers Squibb, who of its kind App, available through the Apple and
indicated an extension of nearly two years from the Google App stores. Until now, the handbooks have
original date announced to discontinue the supply only been made available in hard copy or as a PDF.
and distribution of lomustine in Canada. Our efforts This valuable information is now available on your
on this issue are not yet complete, as we continue phone or tablet, either as a PDF, or as an accessible
to work towards a long-term solution for patients.” version, where you can increase the size of the text,
highlight text, make notes, skip ahead to another
This year, as Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada section, or even share key points of the text with
celebrates 40 years of hope, BTFC reached another others. “This is an example of how we continue to
milestone in providing much-needed support and work to support and meet the needs of the brain
resources to the brain tumour community, says tumour community as we look ahead,” says LaHay
LaHay. With the support of its funding partner, the
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