25th Anniversary Luncheon of Hope: A Triumph of Community Support for Breast Cancer Care and Research in Northeastern Ontario

25th Anniversary Luncheon of Hope: A Triumph of Community Support for Breast Cancer Care and Research in Northeastern Ontario

Breast cancer survivors, advocates, and supporters gathered on November 14 at the Caruso Club for the 25th anniversary of the Luncheon of Hope presented by RBC Wealth Management.

Through the years, the Luncheon of Hope has been instrumental in raising important funds to support breast cancer research, care, and innovation at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre and the Health Sciences North Research Institute. The event brings our community together to celebrate progress, while simultaneously investing in hope for the future of breast cancer care for our patients.

“Whether this was their first luncheon or their 25th, we are truly grateful for all of those who joined us to mark the 25th anniversary of this incredible event,” said Anthony Keating, President and CDO of the Foundations and Volunteer Groups at Health Sciences North. “Over the years, we’ve been able to come together to celebrate strides in breast cancer care and support the future of research and innovation. The funds raised from the event continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients across Northeastern Ontario, and we are grateful to have such a supportive community.”

Throughout the event, attendees heard about the various clinical trials that have changed the breast cancer space over the years, and the ongoing trials in Northeastern Ontario that will continue making waves into the future thanks to support from the Luncheon. Dr. Julie Bowen, a radiation oncologist and researcher at Health Sciences North, shared her gratitude for the community of supporters that the event has built over the past 25 years, as well as the commitment and bravery of patients in the North who participated in clinical trials. These patients have been instrumental in bringing breast cancer care to where it is today.

Breast cancer survivor and Fashion Television icon, Jeanne Beker, shared her inspiring story from her diagnosis in 2022 to treatment and recovery. She shared with the crowd that she was able to gain strength throughout her journey from the tremendous support of her family, the truly amazing staff she had to guide her, and an entire world of people who’ve been touched by breast cancer that reached out over social media.

“I’ve made a career out of being in the public eye and sharing stories. How could I keep this a secret?” said Jeanne, reminiscing on the day she first publically posted the news of her breast cancer diagnosis.

Jeanne was happy to see the dedication of breast cancer supporters at the Luncheon on this special 25^th anniversary event. “There is something truly incredible about coming together to share your story in a room full of people who have been affected by the same disease. While each journey is our own, we all share similar stories – we have all fought an unimaginable fight.”

The Luncheon of Hope committee, comprised of dedicated volunteers, and numerous local sponsors, were an essential part of making the event a success. The 25th anniversary of the Luncheon of Hope was a testament to the power of community and the impact of collective efforts towards a common goal. To everyone who joined us this year, we thank you – and we look forward to celebrating with you next year!