Toronto Rock visits Sunnybrook

In March players from the Toronto Rock lacrosse team visited Sunnybrook where they spent the time touring the new Breast Cancer Centre. They also met with hospital staff and a breast cancer patient, while handing out autographed memorabilia and free Rock tickets.

This is all in part of the Toronto Rock and Sunnybrook's fundraising effort to "Black Out Breast Cancer". Proceeds from this initiative will go towards the future Sunnybrook Breast Cancer Centre where an exam room will be named in honour of Toronto Rock's dedicated support.

"Walking around the area where they were constructing the new ward, it was pretty neat to see what we're shooting to accomplish," says Colin Doyle, the team captain for the Toronto Rock. "It's something the whole organization and its fans can be proud of." Along with Doyle were defencemen Creighton Reid and Kyle Ross, and forward Aaron Pascas.

The new Breast Cancer Centre will be the largest and best-equipped in Canada, and will focus on fast diagnosis, state-of-the-art breast care, innovative research, and patient support and education.

"We are extremely grateful that the Toronto Rock continues to support our new Breast Cancer Centre," says Dr. Eileen Rakovitch, radiation oncologist and chair of the Breast Cancer Site Group at the Odette Cancer Centre. "One in every 15 Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer is treated at Sunnybrook, and the Rock's generosity will benefit these patients."

To help achieve the goal of raising $50,000, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment will contribute $1 for each ticket sold for the April 2 game towards the Toronto Rock's overall donation for Sunnybrook Foundation.

-David Basco