Bev Crushes It 2023

Anyone can get lung cancer. Approximately 20% of those diagnosed are never smokers. And it accounts for 26% of cancer deaths, but receives 5% of research funding. It kills more Canadians yearly than combined breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Despite this, lung cancer is underfunded and designated as an 'orphan cancer' by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Now some good news ....

Recent cancer diagnostic advances help more cancer patients live longer and better lives. Biomarker testing, an advanced diagnostic test, identifies patients eligible for therapies that more precisely and effectively target their tumour cells. As a result, patients experience fewer toxic side effects than conventional therapy.

Sunnybrook leads the way

As a major lung cancer diagnostic centre in Ontario, Sunnybrook handles annual testing volumes of about 1,200 lung cancers. Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive test that detects fragments of cancer cells (biomarkers) circulating in the bloodstream.

Fundraisers like ours play a powerful role in bringing the latest technologies, testing and treatments to patients at Sunnybrook. We are making a difference.

Best purchase ever!

In 2021, we purchased an Ion Chef – a specialized tool which automates lung cancer biomarker testing to ensure accuracy and efficiency. This lets Sunnybrook test tumour samples faster and increases its capacity so that more patients can receive personalized, precision diagnoses and treatments.

In 2022, your donations helped support clinical trials and train the next generation of specialists to advance lung cancer research. A portion also helped Sunnybrook obtain the hardware needed to perform Rapid Onsite Cytology Evaluation (ROSE). ROSE allows clinicians to quickly determine whether a biopsy is positive for cancer. Crucially, this decreases the timeline to determine an appropriate course of action for treatment.

In 2023, we will support research into a better diagnostic test, liquid biopsy, a less invasive procedure that results in earlier treatment.

### Bev Moir:

"I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer nearly five years ago and told to get my affairs in order. As a never-smoker with a healthy lifestyle, the news was shocking. Never-smokers account for about 20% of lung cancer diagnoses.

The excellent care at Sunnybrook led me to advocate for advanced diagnostic testing, from which I benefited. This testing allows some patients to receive targeted therapy with fewer side effects.

I've had two incredible careers in nursing/healthcare administration and wealth management. Now, I’m a lung cancer crusader. Follow my progress at https://bevmoir.com/.

Thanks to the support of family, friends, former colleagues, and my community, I didn’t do this alone. Let’s make this year’s auction even better. Please join us and help make a difference. Thank you."