$10-million gift will open Sunnybrook breast cancer centre sooner
Sunnybrook will be home to Canada's largest breast cancer centre in April 2013, thanks to a transformational $10-million gift from Jim and Louise Temerty.
The gift establishes the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre, which will house Sunnybrook's cutting-edge Breast Program. The centre's Rapid Diagnosis Unit - currently operating out of a temporary location - will offer potential breast cancer patients a diagnosis and treatment plan within just 24 hours of assessment, eliminating current wait times of up to six weeks for such life-saving answers.
"Breast cancer patients have traditionally been put through a terrible waiting period for results. That wait can wear a person down - but not anymore," says Jim. "The Rapid Diagnosis Unit will diagnose women quickly so they can get started on treatment early. This centre is going to save lives, and I'm proud to play a role in its creation."
The need for top-notch - and fast - breast cancer care in Ontario resonates strongly with the Temerty family. Louise had accompanied a close friend to her many breast cancer treatments, often spending the day with her at Sunnybrook, and says that waiting for answers was often the hardest part.
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The gift establishes the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre, which will house Sunnybrook's cutting-edge Breast Program. The centre's Rapid Diagnosis Unit - currently operating out of a temporary location - will offer potential breast cancer patients a diagnosis and treatment plan within just 24 hours of assessment, eliminating current wait times of up to six weeks for such life-saving answers.
"Breast cancer patients have traditionally been put through a terrible waiting period for results. That wait can wear a person down - but not anymore," says Jim. "The Rapid Diagnosis Unit will diagnose women quickly so they can get started on treatment early. This centre is going to save lives, and I'm proud to play a role in its creation."
The need for top-notch - and fast - breast cancer care in Ontario resonates strongly with the Temerty family. Louise had accompanied a close friend to her many breast cancer treatments, often spending the day with her at Sunnybrook, and says that waiting for answers was often the hardest part.
The Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre will revolutionize breast cancer care, imaging and research in Canada. The centre's Breast Program - the largest in the country - will provide tailored programming to a diverse patient population.
Dr. Barry McLellan, Sunnybrook's president and CEO, says this centre will further build upon Sunnybrook's world-renowned breast cancer program.
"This gift provides our experts with a world-class facility that matches their skills," Dr. McLellan says. "The Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre's scientists will push the boundaries of imaging technology to detect the disease earlier and with greater accuracy. Our patients count on us for the best care possible, and this gift will allow us to meet those needs."
