Countdown to walk weekend - One month away!

Our annual walk is not just an event; it's a powerful initiative that drives change. By participating, you're helping Bladder Cancer Canada maintain its vital support for patients and caregivers battling this disease.

Your support helps to make a profound impact on the lives of more than 80,000 brave Canadians facing a bladder cancer diagnosis. With over 13,000 patients expected to be newly diagnosed this year, your involvement couldn't be more crucial.

Funds raised by walk participants fuel Bladder Cancer Canada's FREE support and resources for patients and caregivers.
Boost Your Impact and Win 2 round trip flight tickets to anywhere in North America*!

With just 36 days until the Walk there is still time to Boost Your Impact to WIN!

HOW TO EARN AN ENTRY
Participants will receive 1 entry for every $300 raised towards their personal fundraising goal. The official winner being announced Monday, September 25, 2023.
*Travel must be completed by May 31, 2024. Please note that blackout periods apply. For full terms and conditions, contact walk@bladdercancercanada.org.
Why We're Walking
We'd like to take this opportunity to highlight and thank some of the wonderful people who are dedicating their time to the walk this September.
"As the Ottawa Walk & Support Group Lead, I have been supporting Bladder Cancer Canada since 2012. It is both a privilege and an honour. The Ottawa bladder cancer folks have become my extended family who I have come to love and care for very deeply. My goal is to see them all flourish and stay healthy. Help me by supporting the bladder cancer walk so we can continue to do research to make bladder cancer a curable disease."
"I first heard of bladder cancer and Bladder Cancer Canada from my urologist in 2015 and joined my first walk that year to talk with our very supportive local community and listen to guest speakers. I learned that delayed treatment and lack of public awareness of this cancer was costing lives, limiting patient support and research funding, so I checked if there were any BCC volunteer opportunities that fit my skills and schedule. Today, I support new patients from my experience as a Peer Support Volunteer, and help facilitate our local annual Walk. I find both of these roles rewarding and support Bladder Cancer Canada's vision of " awareness, support and research to create a world where bladder cancer is just a memory." 
"I walk for bladder cancer awareness. As I walked for cancer research years back, I wasn't even aware that Bladder Cancer Canada existed, until I was diagnosed myself. It was only due to a very observant doctor of mine that pointed out an irregular shape to my bladder. He immediately referred me to a Urologist, and the rest is history. I am one of the fortunate ones whose non-invasive cancer was found early, so I have a chance now to share the news and hope that I can help spread the word. My doctor saved my life. Can more people get checked before it's too late? Ask your doctor the right questions....please. "
Your Input & Knowledge is Needed for our New Financial Assistance & Resources Series! 
 
As inflation rates soar, the need for financial assistance has increased. We have had an influx of requests for information on coverage of drugs and accessories, provincial programs for low income, disability tax credits, how to successfully apply, and much more. 
 
To meet our community's needs, we are creating a Financial Assistance and Resources Series which will include instructional videos, 1-pagers, practical templates, and helpful links. These resources, specific to bladder cancer patients and their caregivers, will aim to reflect support options in each province.  
 
We are looking for your input to ensure these new resources are as comprehensive as possible.
  • Did you (or do you) have questions on coverage/benefits?
  • Were you successful on applying for disability?
  • Do you have a wealth of knowledge in this field?

 
Make sure to provide your email if you would like to contribute to the production of these resources as well. 

Thanks in advance! 
Two New Support Groups Launching This Fall
We are pleased to announce that we will be launching two new virtual support groups! 
Metastatic Bladder Cancer Support Group 
Maritimes Bladder Cancer Support Group 
 
If you would like to join one of these groups, please email: info@bladdercancercanada.org
Seeking Bladder Cancer Patients for New Study
Seeking patients with Urothelial Carcinoma
In this patient survey, we would like to: 
-Learn more about the type and adequacy of the information given to patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. 
-Understand the process of treatment decision-making, and the type of support urothelial carcinoma patients need from their healthcare team. 
-Identify what to include in a shared decision-making tool for patients and HCPs regarding the perioperative systemic treatments and get insight on the best way to deploy it so both patients and physicians can access it easily. 
 
Responses are anonymous. This survey consists of 30 questions and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time. 
If you would be interested in learning more about this or other studies and/ or want to share your story with other bladder cancer patients, please click HERE. 
Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibition in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma

Genomic mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways are seen in a substantial proportion of patients with urothelial carcinoma, especially those with muscle-invasive or advanced disease. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a family of proteins that play a crucial role in DDR, and recent investigations have found that pharmacologic inhibition of PARP can disrupt DDR in tumour cells, thereby killing these cells. Researchers are currently exploring the possibility of PARP inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating urothelial carcinoma, although issues such as genetic biomarker identification for patient selection and acquired resistance to treatment need to be overcome before optimal treatment efficacy can be achieved.

Date: October 17  
Time: 7-8pm ET 
Regaining Your Masculinity After Bladder Cancer 

Join us for an informative and sensitive webinar that delves into the vital topic of men’s sexual health after bladder cancer. Hosted by Dr. Jasmir G. Nayak, a Urologic Oncologist, Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba, and Co-founder of the Men’s Health Clinic Manitoba, this session will discuss the common sexual side effects after bladder cancer treatments and practical strategies to address the challenges that can arise in the realm of intimacy and relationships post-treatment.
Insights from Our First In-Person Post-COVID Event: Expert Talks on Bladder Cancer Pelvic Care

In May we held our first in-person event post COVID in Hamilton, ON. We had two amazing presentations that night. The first presentation was “Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Bladder Cancer Patients: Managing Postoperative Complications Including Incontinence, Erectile Dysfunction and More” presented by Christina Dzieduszycki PT, MSc (PT) 

We're excited to share the presentation with you - you can catch the recording right here: https://youtu.be/fFw2vl1MSLk
 
The second presentation from that evening, “Bladder Cancer in Octogenarians” by Dr. Jehonathan Pinthus, MD, PhD, FRCSC will be released shortly as well - stay tuned!

For upcoming events, webinars, support group meetings and more, visit our Events Page
Meet Dave
Volunteer Role: Current PSV (9 Years), Past, BCC Community Ambassador, Past BCC, Walk organizer and Walk Lead, BCC, Representative at several Bruce County Health Fairs, BCC guest on local radio talk show 


Fun Fact: Retired Air Traffic Controller (33 years), Currently very active in many varied volunteer roles in the community. 
Passion Towards Volunteering for BCC: I really enjoy my role as the BCC "Go To Guy" for the Indiana Pouch diversion. It is extremely rewarding to share my story, and I feel great when they respond with enthusiasm and appreciation! 
We often receive requests from female patients who want to connect with other female patients currently living with an Ileal Conduit. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer for One2One Peer Support and helping these patients, please contact us today.
Welcome to:
Athul Rajagopal,
Diana Cecilia Chavarro Cespedes, Inimfon Udokang,
Po Yiu Cheryl Leung 



If you're interested in volunteering, contact Theresa to learn more.
Create an Impact Your Own Way
Wrap up summer with a purpose!

Make a meaningful impact this month by hosting your very own summer fundraiser for Bladder Cancer Canada. Your efforts will play a pivotal role in providing vital support and assisting patients on their journey to recovery.

Exciting Summer Fundraising Concepts:
  • Lemonade Sale
  • Office Casual Day
  • Garage Sale for a Cause
  • Sizzle for Charity: BBQ Cookout
  • Cool Cars for a Cause: Car Wash Marathon
  • Make a Splash for Bladder Cancer: Pool Party Fundraiser

Feel free to pick the idea that resonates most with you, or blend them together for a sensational summer fundraising extravaganza.

Follow us online
Please join us on social media where we’ll be sharing updates and photos from our bladder cancer community. These social media sites are a great resource for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
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