Winter 2020                                                Vol. 14

 
 
LOOKING BACK ON 2019

The Windsor Cancer Research Group (WCRG) strives to enable researchers to advance bright ideas and work together to find new and innovative solutions in the areas of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment. We aim to support our community through their cancer journey by improving survivorship and educating and empowering patients and their families.

We wanted to check in and share our progress over the last year, but more importantly, we wanted to thank you for continuing to show an interest in our efforts. We will continue the momentum in 2020! 
 
PLAY FOR A CURE

On March 28th and 29th 2019, Jeff Casey, cancer survivor and philanthropist, hosted a local hockey tournament to raise money in support of cancer research. With the initial goal of raising $100,000, Play for a Cure far exceeded expectations! Local players had the opportunity to play in a hockey tournament with NHL legends and raised an impressive $285,000.  
Click here for pictures from the event.

This year's event is well on its way! Play for a Cure 2020 will be March 26th and 27th at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle.
THE IMPACT OF INVESTING IN RESEARCH
2019 Seeds4Hope Recipients

When a community invests in research, the impact is far reaching and life changing. T he  Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation continues to support local research through the Seeds4Hope  grants program. This year,  five local researchers were awarded grants for their innovative cancer research projects. These projects range from new radiation techniques using artificial intelligence, to using the body's immune system to fight cancer. Recipients include:
 
- Dr. Debbie Kane, UWindsor 
- Dr. Ming Pan, WRH 
- Dr. Munir Rahim, UWindsor 
- Dr. Simon Rondeau-Gagne, UWindsor  
- Dr. Indryas Woldie, WRH 
 
 
CAESARS WINDSOR CARES ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
 
In April, Caesars Windsor hosted the Tea Party  as they brought their North American tour back home. Five thousand people came ready to rock with the Windsor-born group, who  donated a portion of the proceeds from their show to WCRG.  
 
Caesars Windsor added to the contribution made by the Tea Party through their Concerts for Cure campaign. The $15,000 donation was used to purchase a vital piece of imaging equipment that will expand and advance our biomedical research facilities, and ultimately lead to new and innovative solutions in diagnostics and treatment that will impact patients across Windsor-Essex.
 
WCRG is grateful for Caesars Windsor's continued commitment to moving cancer research forward in our community.
WCRG IN THE COMMUNITY
 
2019  was a busy year! Thanks to our CURES Team and R.I.O.T., we participated in the following events:
  • Science Rendezvous
  • Let's Talk Cancer
  • Relay for Life Impact Tent
  • UWindsor Relay for Life
  • A Scientist Like Her
  • Play for a Cure
  • Cancer Education Days
  • Go Grey in May
  • Windsor Brain Tumour Walk
  • Run for the Cure
  • Multiple Myeloma Walk
  • Medical School Open House
  • Open Streets Windsor
New public educational activities were developed and the community loved them!   Check out some great pictures from our events.
CANCER RESEARCH COURSE AND ITS CONTINUED SUCCESS
Dr. Lisa Porter, Karen Metcalfe & 2019 CURES class
 
The Faculty of Science Cancer Undergraduate Research and Education (CURE) class returned in Fall 2019 with a new and eager set of students.  
 
Developed by Dr. Lisa Porter, this course elevates students' ability to communicate the value of research in an effective and ethical manner. Continuing on the success of the inaugural 2018 class, this group developed vital resources that were displayed at a final cancer education day. Look out for some of their projects at future community events! Click here to see the Windsor Star's coverage of the event.
BUILDING OUR RESEARCH COMMUNITY
 
WCRG continues to focus on building research collaborations through participation in Think Tanks that bring people together to elevate the number of health research projects in our community . The Think Tank series will continue six times a year under, WE-SPARK Health Institute with a focus onbuilding research collaborations.
 
Key to a vibrant research community is providing opportunities for people to showcase their work and connect with others. This will be the focus of our 5th Biennial International Cancer Research Conference on November 21, 2020  at Caesars Windsor.   
SAVE THE DATE 
 
 
Join us on Thursday, May 7th at the J.P. Wiser's Experience Centre for our 2020 Cheers to Hope Gala. Come celebrate with us as we honour local members of our community and their dedication to cancer research. 
 
It will be a Night of Discovery with an Interactive Cancer Research Showcase, Wiser's W hisky tasting, and hor d'oeuvres from Koolini's. Be on the lookout for more details and ticket purchasing information. We can't wait to see you!
PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEY TO WCRG'S SUCCESS
 
The December 2019 edition of snapd Windsor featured Dr. Mohammad Jarrar , Paediatric Oncology/Hematology, at Windsor Regional Hospital. WCRG Researcher sn a pdshots are found in the print edition of snapd Windsor and shared through various newsletters and ann ouncements. The goal is to raise awareness about the cancer research conducted in Windsor-Essex. Check our website often to see the latest snapdshots.
 
Thank you snapd Windsor for contributing to our cancer smart community!