NEWMARKET, ON – The early-detection and diagnosis of cancer can make the difference between ‘life-saving’ and ‘life-threatening.’ At Southlake, over 1200 patients per year now have access to the personalized and advanced cancer screening they need, close to home, thanks in part to the generosity of TD Bank Group’s latest gift of $250,000 towards the hospital’s HERE is Where Cancer Meets its Match Campaign.
TD has been a long-time sponsor of cancer care at Southlake, having supported the initial establishment of the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre over a decade ago. This latest gift was made to support York Region’s first PET-CT Simulator scanner being installed at Southlake – an advanced piece of technology that identifies active cells in the body, which allows for early detection of cancer diagnosis and can determine whether cancer treatments have worked, or if cancer has spread. The PET-CT scanner saw its first patient in September 2023, and since then, has completed over 500 scans to-date.
Prior to PET-CT scanner coming to Southlake, patients had to travel considerable distances to other hospitals or private clinics to access this advanced diagnostic precision. TD’s commitment to helping increase investment in research, technology, and innovative solutions that improve access to care for all through the TD Ready Commitment, has ensured that where you live is not a barrier to the best cancer care for the residents of York Region and southern Simcoe County.
“The addition of the PET-CT scanner to the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre is of tremendous benefit for the patients and families we serve,” said Dr. Peter Anglin, Physician Lead of the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre. “This technology enables us to diagnose and treat patients faster, getting them on the road to recovery sooner. We’re grateful to have philanthropic partners that share our vision of ensuring anyone who needs cancer care in our community, can receive it, right here.”
Southlake Foundation launched the $20M HERE is Where Cancer Meets its Match Campaign to keep pace with technological advances and grow the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre’s capacity to address the increased demand for cancer care caused by a rapidly expanding and aging population. A generous outpouring of community support means that Southlake has raised over $17.3 million of their $20 million campaign goal. That in turn is enabling the hospital to bring not only the first ever PET-CT scanner to York Region and southern Simcoe County, but in support of its Radiation Therapy Program, install the first ever Elekta Harmony Linear Accelerator in Canada (the newest model of radiation treatment machines), in February of this year. These updates, as well as the addition of two replacement Linear Accelerators are part of the campaign’s mandate to keep up with the latest technology in cancer care, ensuring Southlake’s talented clinicians can deliver the best care – and the best chance for patients to survive their cancer – close to home.
“Through the Better Health driver of our corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, we’re focused on supporting innovative research, solutions, and technology that are working to create more equitable health outcomes for all. While advances in healthcare are helping people live healthier lives, many continue to suffer from chronic conditions and experience barriers to quality healthcare,” says Gerard Dinneen, District Vice President, TD Bank Group. “We’re proud to support Southlake as they work towards providing more equitable access to cancer care for patients across York Region.”
“TD’s long standing commitment to the resilience and well-being of our shared communities is truly inspiring,” said Jennifer Ritter, President and CEO of Southlake Foundation. “The addition of this revolutionary technology means that Southlake will be able to deliver life-saving, tailor-made cancer treatment to patients right here, in their own community. Our loved ones, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, when anxious, exhausted, and ill as they fight cancer, no longer have the added burden of travel for access to these critical diagnostics. TD has helped to remove an important barrier for Southlake patients, and we are so grateful for their philanthropic investment.”
To find out more about the HERE is Where Cancer Meets its Match Campaign, or to make a donation, visit: www.southlake.ca/here
