The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation launched its annual Grow On fundraiser this year in dramatic fashion, announcing an incredible $1.6 million in collected donations on the first day of its campaign.
Grow On ambassadors Rod Mazza, George Gidden, Jill Laframboise, Jim Durling, and Gemma Badalamenti pose at the campaign launch in Windsor, Ont. on Oct. 7, 2024. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
The theme this year is 'Team up for Grow On,' where donors are challenged to get into teams and challenge each other to raise more funds.
"Does teaming up make a difference? You betcha, it does," said Houida Kassem, the executive director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.
Proof of that concept was featured at the kick-off event on Oct. 7, highlighting the first team to the line, including Lisa and Brian Schwab, The Scott Family Foundation, Ground Effects Ltd., The Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation, The Toldo Foundation, the Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation, the Polonia Club, CIBC, and St. Clair College - who collectively contributed the initial $1.6 million.
"This collaborative effort exemplifies what we can achieve when we come together for the shared purpose. It shows that every one of us can play a part in making a difference," said Kassem.
More than 100 community stakeholders and donors in attendance at the launch event at Ambassador Golf Club heard the stories of Grow On ambassadors who have walked the cancer journey. Some spoke firsthand about the experience and benefits of receiving healthcare locally, while others explained the emotional and physical toll of driving up Highway 401 to London, Ont. to receive care.
It's a treatment journey Jill Laframboise knows all too well.
"On that drive on the 401, I felt every single bump on the highway from here to London. Every single bump of that two-hour car ride, I felt like so much pain for me," said Laframboise. "And imagine, I did this for multiple surgeries."
Laframboise was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early twenties. Since her diagnosis, she's had two double-mastectomies and two breast reconstruction surgeries, all of which took place in London.
"It's one thing to deal with a cancer diagnosis, but it's another thing to have to travel because you can't get the treatment you need at home," she said.
The goal for this year's Grow On campaign is to raise $2.7 million to support of the purchase of the DaVinci Xi Surgical Robot and other vital lifesaving equipment for cancer patients in Windsor-Essex. Last year's campaign raised about $500,000.
"The DaVinci Xi Surgical Robot is a groundbreaking tool used to perform robotic assisted, minimally invasive surgery for local cancer patients," said a release from the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. "This medical marvel extends the capabilities of a surgeon's eyes by delivering 3D-High-Definition views, magnified at 10 times what the human eye can see. The robot also extends the capabilities of a surgeon's hands, using only tiny instruments inside the patient that are controlled by the surgeon adjacent to the operating table."
The DaVinci Robot is used for prostrate and kidney cancer surgeries, and costs more than $2 million. Windsor previously had a DaVinci Robot, which over the past five years helped perform more than 300 surgeries locally. But that robot is no longer functioning and a new one was emphasized as a critical component of care for local cancer patients.
"Our mission goes beyond raising funds. It's about providing hope. It's about ensuring that every patient has access to innovative technologies and treatments that can change their lives," said Kassem. "Together, we can break down barriers, making advanced care accessible to those who need it most."
Past campaigns have provided necessary funds to create a stem cell program and provide reconstruction surgeries locally, as well as other lifesaving tools and equipment to provide the right care for local cancer patients.
"Remember the lives we can touch, the hearts we can uplift, and the futures we can change," said Kassem. "Together we have the power to do that."
Monica Staley Liang, the Senior Vice President of Academic and Career Supports at St. Clair College, was at the campaign launch and is hopeful the big donations will inspire the community to get involved.
"St. Clair College is proud to contribute to this year's Grow On campaign. In doing so, we are teaming up with the entire community to ensure cancer care can stay close to home," said Staley Liang.
"We encourage staff, students, and alumni to get involved by forming their own fundraising team," said Staley Liang. "What's encouraging about this campaign is that all money raised stays local. And for that reason, every donation - both big and small - will directly benefit someone in the community. Let's challenge each other and work together to keep lifesaving services where they should be: here at home."
To get involved in the Grow On campaign, click here.
