ACHF receives $2.5M as gift from KCCFA in support of childhood cancer research

Feb 17 2010

The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation (ACHF) received a gift of $2.5 million today from the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta (KCCFA) in support of childhood cancer research at the Alberta Children's Hospital, as well as the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute for Child and Maternal Health and the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute - both at the University of Calgary.

"Childhood cancer is such a devastating disease. It's clear that a coordinated effort is required if we're going to find new ways to help more kids," says Saifa Koonar, President and CEO of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. "We're thrilled to be working alongside the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta in this battle. Their gift will go a long way to help our team discover new treatments and cures that will extend beyond cancer, beyond kids and well beyond Calgary."

The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta has been a long-time supporter of the childhood cancer team at the Alberta Children's Hospital. "When I say it is a labour of love to support the childhood cancer team here in Calgary, I mean it," says Christine Wandzura, Founder and CEO of the KCCFA. "Their work is vital. And their efforts will benefit children and families for years to come."

Seven-year-old Michael Andrews is a cancer survivor who personally thanked Christine Wandzura for the support from the KCCFA for kids like him. He benefitted from the use of experimental therapies in his battle with neuroblastoma four years ago. Says his mom, Lisa Colford, "I don't even want to think of where we'd be if researchers hadn't come up with new drugs for Michael. It's great to know that these kinds of breakthroughs will continue for children facing battles with cancer right here at the Alberta Children's Hospital."