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

The Big Ride is a two-week fundraising journey of a lifetime in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. The ride kicks off in Banff on September 14 and ends in Boulder, Colorado on September 28.

“When I first got involved in the organization, I couldn’t join the Ride because I was still undergoing treatment. Thankfully, I’m now in good health,” said Jonathan.

Over the years GIVETOLIVE’s supporters have helped fund Society programs and services like Camp Goodtime. This year, the group decided to dedicate all funds raised to research.

“We wanted to fund a specific research grant that fit with our organization. Working with the Society, we were able to find one that studied cancer prevention through fitness,” explained Jonathan.

To fund the research grant, GIVETOLIVE generously committed to raising $300,000 over the next three years.

By supporting critical cancer research, donors like you

helped put Jonathan Schrader back on his bike so he can help others battling cancer.

Jonathan, a husband and father of three young children, is a testicular cancer survivor who underwent surgery and chemotherapy in 2010.

“Cancer is something that touches all of us in one way or another. That’s why I got involved in GIVETOLIVE,” said Jonathan, Chair, GIVETOLIVE.

Jonathan and a group of dedicated fundraisers hit the pavement this month in support of GIVETOLIVE’S The Big Ride.

This September, a cancer survivor leads a group of Nova Scotians on a 2,400 km bike trek to raise funds for life-saving cancer research… but he needs your help

How big is big when it means saving a life? No Trek is too long.

LIFETIMES

GIVETOLIVE is excited about this new venture and encourages people to get involved and challenge themselves through physical fitness.

AuTumN 2013

Cancer Survivor Jonathan Schrader is back on his bike and raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society thanks to donors who fund critical research.

To donate, or learn more about GIVETO LIVE and The Big Ride visit: givetolive.ca

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

Host a fundraising event and inspire others to do the sameA new generation of cancer fighters is following in the footsteps of our generous donors to help change cancer forever for Nova Scotians

You’ve improved the lives of your family, friends and

neighbours living with cancer by supporting Canadian Cancer Society fundraising events. But what you may not have realized is you’re inspiring others to get involved.

Jillian Mason lost her father to brain cancer in 2010. Now the university student is an active Relay For Life participant who surpassed her fundraising goal of $2,000 this year.

“I believe the reason my father lived for 16 months after his diagnosis was not only because of his incredible determination, but also the support we received from the Society,” said Jillian.

Lisa Tramley, a young mother and wife, was just 12 when her mother

was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“She wouldn’t have survived as long as she did without the research and support of the Society and its donors. With the birth of my son, I want to lead by example. I want to show him that one person can make a difference,” said Lisa.

This year, Lisa raised more than $10,000 for the Society by hosting a comedy show and publicly shaving her head on Daffodil Day, April 27, which also happens to be her mother’s birthday.

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“Donations are not only going towards finding a cure, they also provide cancer patients with an opportunity to make the time they have as enjoyable as possible. Donors like you make that happen, and I am forever grateful.” - Jillian Mason

Your generosity helped Lisa Tramley’s mother while she fought cancer. Now she’s paying it forward by supporting other Nova Scotians fighting cancer

Your donations supported Jillian Mason and her father as he battled brain cancer.

Lisa registered her efforts as an independent fundraising event (IFE) with the Society to help cancer patients, and you can too.

Your fundraising event could be anything from a golf tourney, to paragliding to a garden tour. It just has to raise funds for cancer patients in need.

To learn how you can host your own IFE contact us as 1-800-639-0222.

Our donors support cancer patients in crisisWith your support, the Canadian Cancer Society advocates for better public policies that improve quality of life for Nova Scotians

If you were diagnosed with cancer today, could you afford

to seek treatment away from home? For many Nova Scotians dealing with a cancer diagnosis, traveling to Halifax is the only way they can access the treatments they need to survive.

However, for Susan Taylor and Maynard Simpson, the cost of gas, meals and lodging while in Halifax became financially devastating. At one point Susan even considered sleeping in their car.

“We used to have a successful cattle and logging business, but both took terrible hits with mad cow disease and the economic downturn. There are a lot of people that would never suspect we’re having financial difficulties. We weren’t really until cancer decided to pay a visit,” says Susan.

Doctors found a cancerous tumour on Maynard’s esophagus, preventing him from swallowing any food or water. His only chance of survival was surgery and treatment in Halifax.

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

To receive this newsletter electronically, email communications@ns.cancer.ca

Despite Maynard’s failing health and financial challenges, he did not qualify for the provincial government’s Boarding, Transportation & Ostomy (BTO) Program. The program provides travel and accommodation support for Nova Scotians facing a cancer diagnosis, but has an annual family income limit of $15,720. Maynard’s family made just $238 more than limit.

“Cancer is stressful enough without needing to worry about how we are going to pay our monthly bills. We’re running ourselves into terrible debt because we can’t afford to get to Halifax,” added Susan.

The Canadian Cancer Society is asking government to increase the eligibility threshold for the BTO program, which has not been updated since 1994, so that more Nova Scotians can get the care they so desperately need.

Thanks to advocacy efforts funded by your donations we’re getting closer to making that a reality. Maynard and Susan did receive the support they

needed and she’s now determined to help others in the same situation.

“I don’t take on battles very often. But when I take one on, I see it through. With the Society’s support, I intend to take this one on because it has to stop. We’ve been blessed, so I have to speak for the people who still need help.”

Show your support! Sign our BTO online letter of support so more cancer patients can get the help they need.Go to cancer.ca

Donors like you are helping people like Susan and Maynard by supporting The Lodge That Gives and the Society’s advocacy initiatives.

Charitable Number 118829803RR009

LIFETIMES

Why did you decide to walk across the country?

A My grandmother passed away from cancer, and Relay For

Life has always been an important fundraising event for my family. I’ve seen how the funds we raise directly affect families and I wanted to do more. Why should Nova Scotians support local fundraisers?

A Money raised through independent fundraising events, like mine, are used to support things like

accommodations at The Lodge That Gives, research that could save lives, and programs like Camp Goodtime for kids just to name a few.

What would you tell someone who wanted to host a fundraising event?

A If you want to help raise awareness and funds to fight

cancer, hosting a fundraising event is a great way.

In the past, supporters have done everything from bake sales, to curling tournaments to

fashion shows. The choice is yours. And starting an event is easy just visit cancer.ca or call 1-800-639-0222.

Raising money to fight cancer

twitter.com/CancerSocietyNS facebook.com/CancerSocietyNS cancer.ca

Editor’s note: to track David’s progress across Canada, visit facebook.com/CrossingCanadaForCancer

David Atkinson, a nineteen-year-old adventurer is walking across the country to raise awareness of fundraising for cancer patients

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QWhat would you like to know about the Canadian Cancer Society? Send your questions to communications@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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