For the first time in the province’s history, Saskatchewan has a Cancer Foundation.
The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan officially launched this Wednesday morning as an independent fundraising partner for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. President and CEO of the SCA Jon Tonita says the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan is starting in a good position, as former patients are usually with the Agency for long periods of time. “When they are done with us, they naturally want to give something back. They become very engaged with our organization, very engaged with our staff who have taken care of them for long periods of time so they want to give something back or their family wants to give something back.”

CEO of the Foundation Nora Yeates says, “While there are several charities across Saskatchewan, this one in particular is worth supporting because you can be ensured when you give to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, that your dollars are staying here in this province to support the work of the cancer agency throughout the province.”

Minister for rural and remote health Greg Ottenbreit says he has his own previous experience with the cancer agency. “Twenty years ago when our son was diagnosed with cancer I experienced the system and the agency and what it can provide. Then a couple of years I got diagnosed with cancer myself so I m going through the system as a patient.” Ottenbreit added that he was impressed with the treatment and level of service available from the agency.

The rest of Western Canada has provincial cancer foundations, with BC the oldest at 50 years old. (CKRM)