Filling the Cup of Hope

MONIKA ULLMANN

On a rainy, wind-lashed Sunday afternoon, Gerri London greeted friends and supporters at the door of the University of British Columbia Medical Alumni Association building on Heather Street. Helping her was Sharon Kennedy, director of development for the B.C. Cancer Foundation, who worked closely with London to make this event happen.

London was set to honor those who have made her a cancer survivor and who have supported her in giving back. She knew that there were a half-dozen other events drawing people in the Jewish community on this day, but she remained hopeful that they would come. She's become an expert at hope because eight years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This year, she celebrated her 50th birthday, cancer free.

"I'm so very fortunate," she said. "I've been given a new lease on life because I have had the best doctors and care from the B.C. Cancer Agency. My husband, Mark, and I always wanted to do something like this, and so here we are."

They started work on the London Family Breast and Ovarian Cancer Cup of Hope Fund earlier this year - and have already raised $54,000. London said she was amazed at how quickly they reached the $50,000 goal. The money is going towards the early detection of ovarian cancer and a digital image mammography unit, one of only two in the province.

"When I discovered the link between breast and ovarian cancer," said London, "I had to [fund-raise for] both."

Dr. Patricia Hassell, who is a breast cancer specialist at the B.C. Cancer Agency, said that the digital unit, housed at the cancer agency, is far superior to the old mammography units, which use film. The digital image has better resolution and can be viewed, rotated and manipulated on a monitor. Data can be easily transmitted to other locations, making diagnosis by specialists faster and more accessible. It is also expected to be used in cancer research.
"I must say it helps us tremendously," she said.

Research and increased public awareness have done much to combat breast cancer, but ovarian cancer is on the rise. Early detection is crucial. If the disease is recognized before it has spread to other organs, more than 90 per cent will survive five years. But only 24 per cent is caught early. The survival rate drops to less than 25 per cent in late detection.

Ovarian cancer rates are increasing and the disease is now the fourth leading cause of death among women in North America.

Frightening as the statistics are, there is always hope. As London said in her speech, "I have had a dream team of doctors and, together, they've transformed my fear of this disease to faith. The cancer agency has become my healing temple, and I must give back."

In spite of the weather and other events, the room was packed with well over 100 supporters and well wishers. The Cup of Hope was overflowing.

Monika Ullmann is a freelance writer in Vancouver. She can be reached at [email protected].

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