THUNDER BAY – After celebrating its 25th-anniversary last year, today, the Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope continued to offer women an incredible opportunity to gather together to share HOPE and raise funds specifically for breast cancer through the Northern Cancer Fund. Held at the Victoria Inn, over 400 women, and a few gentlemen, took a few hours to share stories, laughter, and a few tears.
This year’s luncheon continued to expand on last year’s theme of local speakers and the audience had a chance to hear from both healthcare professionals and breast cancer survivors. Each provided a message that now, more than ever, we can provide the best opportunities to fight breast cancer and live a long and fulfilling life after being diagnosed.
Barb Midgley, a breast cancer survivor, and member of the luncheon’s organizing committee said, “This luncheon means to the world to so many of us. We share joy, we remember those who are no longer with us and we look to the future with hope, knowing that so much has changed with the diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Thanks to the funds raised through this luncheon, we’re funding equipment at our Hospital that allows us the best chance possible to find and treat breast cancer. It’s up to us to continue to ensure we have a facility that’s exceptional so we can continue to have care close to home, where we can be best supported.”
Sam McKnight, retired Director of Diagnostic Services at the Hospital and breast cancer survivor agrees, “The Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope is an awesome fundraising event that brings hope to the many patients and family members impacted by breast cancer in Northwestern Ontario. As a former health care provider responsible for diagnostic services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, I was sincerely grateful for the funds raised at the luncheon which enabled us to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to provide exceptional diagnostic services and treatment care for our patients with breast cancer. When diagnosed with breast cancer myself in 2014 – the importance of having these services and care available, close to home, was a true lifesaver for me!”
The Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope has been raising funds specifically for breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and research in our community for 26 years; making it one of Thunder Bay’s longest-running events. This year’s event raised $30,440.53, bringing the 26-year total to $425,128.98. Funds raised have
been instrumental in delivering the advances in care that have increased survival rates since the event began. For the 1 in 9 women and 1-2% of men who will face a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s attendees at the Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope who truly make hope possible.
The ongoing success of the Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope stems from the support of a multitude of sponsors, with Tbaytel continuing to lead the way.
“Tbaytel is proud to once again be supporting the Luncheon of Hope; an event that has been helping to improve cancer care, equip cancer care specialists with tools and technology for breast cancer treatment and fund local cancer research for 26 years,” said Tbaytel Vice President Marketing and Sales, Kathleen Jones. “It was an honour to hear stories of local survivors at today’s luncheon. Stories like theirs illustrate just how vital the lifesaving work of the Northern Cancer Fund really is.”
