Help grow the Daffodil Garden! Donate online through the Canadian Cancer Society Join a Great Ride 'n' Stride event! Click here to find an event near you. When it comes to cancer research, sometimes progress seems very slow - even negligible. Some may even believe that the fight is hopeless, that we don't stand a chance against the disease. But that belief is far from the truth. In fact, many exciting developments have been realized by your contributions to cancer research. New medications have been developed that specifically target malignant cells making significant contributions to improved outcomes for patients with cancer. Rituxan was approved for use in November 1997. It was the first antibody approved for treating cancer. In Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Rituxan targets the malignant cells by binding to the surface of the cells. It works with the body's own immune system to kill the affected cells and can induce prolonged remissions. Herceptin was approved for use in November of 1998. It is the first humanized antibody for the treatment of HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer. Herceptin can prolong survival in this subgroup of breast cancer patients. Avastin was approved for use in February 2004 in patients with metastatic colon and lung cancer. Avastin is designed to inhibit the process by which new blood vessels develop and carry vital nutrients to a tumour. Tarceva targets one of the factors critical to cell growth and was approved for use in 2004. It has been found to increase survival rates in lung cancer and pancreatic cancer patients. This treatment is the first new therapy for pancreatic cancer in 9 years. Temozolamide is an oral chemotherapy agent which interferes with DNA replication. It significantly improves survival rates of patients with certain brain tumours.

The Great Ride 'n' Stride to Beat Cancer May 1, 2011 Be part of the cure!

Dear Friends and Supporters:

Be part of the cure! This spring, as I begin my annual campaign in the fight against cancer, I do so with renewed energy. There's continuing cause for hope: today increased awareness and better cancer screening result in earlier diagnosis, and as a result treatments are becoming more and more effective.

Each year I renew my motivation and continued hope for cures because of stories of persons close to me that have been affected with cancer. I am sure that you, too, have had encounters over the past year. I am motivated to add my piece to the puzzle of the cure for cancer because of recent personal experiences with this disease.

This past year research has led to many important advances in how cancer is diagnosed, treated and identified. As a result of our greater understanding of the biology of cancer, researchers have identified that treatment approaches can effectively be tailored and personalized for each patient based on the genetic composition of the individual and of the tumor. New standards of care for biliary, lung and prostate cancer have been established. New studies have helped us better understand and utilize screening tools for cancers of the prostate, cervix, and ovary.

Provide your support for continued research. The generous support of donors has helped raise almost $250,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society during the past 17 years. This support has been essential in helping reseachers come closer to finding a solution to a puzzle that one day will be solved. Funds raised also enable the Canadian Cancer Society to provide support programs for patients and their families. Combined with the efforts of thousands of volunteers, contributions promote advocacy for healthy public policies, provide transportation to treatment sites and connect patients and families with a supportive listening ear. All of these are valuable programs for individuals during their cancer journey.

This spring I am walking with many stories in my heart. I am asking you to add your piece to the puzzle. Together this year let's raise another $20,000 for cancer research.

Please consider making a donation today

Thank you for being part of the cure.

Sincerely,

Paul Cescon

P.S. Invite others to be part of the cure - share this letter with friends and family.

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