– prices range from $79.50 to $129.50. All facilities and promotional costs will be donated by a number of corporate supporters, with 100 per cent of the proceeds to go to the BC Cancer Foundation's new research facility slated to open in 2004.
"Cancer affects all of us so deeply, so personally," said Sarah McLachlan. "No one has been untouched by this horrible disease. It cuts through gender and age, striking us wherever we live. I hope the community will support us in making the dream of building a leading-edge cancer research facility in Vancouver a reality. By supporting cancer research, we can come one step closer to stopping this devastating disease."
Kevin Hearn of the Barenaked Ladies was diagnosed with leukemia in 1999, just before the band was set to tour a new album. His family and bandmates were devastated.
"It became obvious to me that despite the excellent support of my family, friends and medical team, there is so much we don't know about fighting this disease," said Hearn. "I am living proof that thanks to research there is hope and progress in fighting cancer, and the Barenaked Ladies and myself are willing to do whatever we can to help further cancer research."
All the artists and companies involved with the concert have donated their services to ensure all funds raised will go to build the new research facility for the BC Cancer Foundation. All of the artists involved have been directly affected by cancer and are passionate about their involvement in the concert.
For event organizer Shane Bourbonnais, Vice President of Clear Channel Entertainment, Canada, the purpose for the concert is personal. He spearheaded this event in honour of his late wife Michele and her fight against cancer. Bourbonnais became aware of the need for a new research facility during the one and a half years Michele fought cervical cancer before she passed away October 10, 2001.
"Cancer is so prevalent and has such a devastating, personal impact on all our lives. By raising funds for a leading-edge research cancer facility, we hope to make a leap in research and assistance for those battling the disease.
"During Michele's battle, I came in contact with so many brave people who were suffering from this disease. When you see what these people are going through, it really puts life into perspective. My hope is that the BC Cancer Foundation Presents benefit concert will help the many people in need, both in our community and throughout Canada."
The concert will be held on the one-year anniversary of Michele's death. Proceeds from the October 10 concert and a preceding charity benefit dinner on October 9 will help the BC Cancer Foundation build the new cancer research centre in Vancouver, leaving Michele's timeless legacy and cementing the generosity of the community.
"The support we've had from the business community has been overwhelming," said Bourbonnais. "We couldn't hold an event of this magnitude without the support of everyone in the community."
About the BC Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.
In 1997, the BC Cancer Agency and the BC Cancer Foundation moved to establish a major new Canadian cancer research initiative in British Columbia with two primary goals:
- The Agency has embraced the role of genome science to develop new ways to diagnose and treat cancer. This resulted in the establishment of what is now Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, in 1998.
- The Agency has committed itself to become a true "translational research" organization where discoveries in the laboratory could be quickly translated into new treatments for patients.
A central part of the 1997 research initiative is a new $100 million state-of-the-art research centre in Vancouver, which will open in 2004.
For more information, contact:
Wilcox Group
(604) 488-1100
Nicole Adams
Public Affairs Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877-6272
Also available:
- Corporate donors media release
- Media backgrounder
- Six degrees of separation chart of donors and organizers
- Biographies for Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk and Sarah McLachlan
Shane Bourbonnais' letter to Sarah