Despite a busy career and her own battle with acute myeloid leukemia, Sindi Hawkins has worked tirelessly to support cancer care and research in B.C., whether it’s through fundraising, building awareness or patient advocacy.

Hawkins’ unwavering commitment to supporting cancer patients in B.C. is the reason why she was selected as this year’s recipient of the BC Cancer Agency’s Community Care Award, sponsored by the BC Cancer Foundation. The award honours an individual in the community who goes above and beyond in the care of cancer patients.

Hawkins, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Deputy Speaker of the B.C. Legislature, received a standing ovation when presented with the award at the BC Cancer Agency’s Annual Cancer Conference on November 21.

“For more than a decade, Sindi has been an incredible advocate for cancer care and research here in British Columbia,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “Her ongoing work, her courage during her own treatment for leukemia, and her incredible optimism make Sindi a deserving recipient of the BC Cancer Agency’s Community Care Award, and someone I am proud to call a friend and colleague.”

“Everyone nominated was worthy of the award so it was a difficult choice. After much careful deliberation, Sindi was selected because we marveled at the impact she has had on cancer patients both on a personal level and more broadly with her fundraising efforts for cancer research,” says Dr. Ursula Lee, a member of the selection committee. “Her efforts are even more remarkable given that she continued to contribute even during the course of her treatment and recovery from two bone marrow transplants.”

Sindi’s contribution to cancer care began before her political career when she was a cancer nurse for 12 years. After being elected MLA for Kelowna-Mission in 1996, she launched the Sindi Hawkins & Friends Golf Tournament for Cancer Care, which for the last 13 years has raised over $1 million to support projects directly improving cancer care for patients and research at the BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority.

After vowing to bring her hero to B.C. for a cancer fundraiser, Sindi was successful in helping to get Lance Armstrong to lead the BC Cancer Foundation’s Tour of Courage cycling event last summer, which raised over $1.8 million for blood cancer research at the BC Cancer Agency.

“Sindi even co-chaired the Tour of Courage while undergoing weekly blood transfusions,” says Cynthia Waldek-Peters, Director of Development, BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior. “This goes to show her passion, enthusiasm and unstoppable commitment to the cancer cause. She has never hesitated to lend a hand or take a leading role in any of our fundraising activities.”

Having experienced first hand the challenges of frequently traveling to Vancouver for leukemia/BMT treatment and follow-up care while being away from home for extended periods, Hawkins wanted to ease the economic and personal hardship faced by other patients and their families.

With proceeds from her charity golf tournament, she helped launch the Leukemia/ Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Outreach Program – a first of its kind program in North America – bringing doctors from Vancouver to Kelowna to assess new leukemia patients and provide follow-up care. Prior to this, care for leukemia/BMT patients has been centred in Vancouver.

Sindi is always willing to lend an ear and provide encouragement for other cancer patients undergoing treatment, never failing to phone, email and visit patients and families who have questions for her.

Sindi also shared the ups and downs of her cancer journey with other patients in a weekly online diary. “As a public figure, there was great interest in my cancer story, so I wanted to make the best of the situation. By sharing my story – from diagnosis, treatment and recovery – I wanted to provide patients with hope that they can make it too.”

“Sindi radiates energy and a love for life,” says Dr. Clay Smith, BC Cancer Agency scientist and Director of the Leukemia/BMT Program of B.C. “Her refusal to give up even in the midst of treatment and her positive attitude are an inspiration to everyone around her, especially other cancer patients.”

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency 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 Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

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Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency

Tel: 604.877.6272
Pgr: 604.806.2338
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272