7th Annual Gala for Childhood Cancer Research – "SHINE" May 1, 2010

Being held at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel, our 7th annual gala is featuring:

• The Next Star finalist and Hip Joint recording artist Brock Zanrosso
• Comedian David C. Jones
• Donna Summers’ Tribute Artist Azuure
• With special guest, Taylor Brazier (Grand-daughter of Giovanni Bastone)

Tickets: $90 or $900/table of 10. 
VIP tickets:  $1,000/table of 10 (includes champagne limo service to and from event).

Click here for tickets

2009 Gala - May 9, 2009

Raised: $60,000

Nicole was diagnosed with ALL – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was 7 years old.  She was treated in BC Children’s Hospital for almost 3 years.  It was a very scary time of her life, but the doctors and nurses at the hospital were very caring.  They made her many trips to the hospital and her treatments seem less invasive and tiring.  Nicole is very thankful to people who donate to cancer research because she says that “the donations help save kids lives like mine.”  Nicole is now 15 and has been cancer-free for 4 years.  Our ongoing focus at the GBF is to help children like Nicole survive and thrive well into their adult lives.

2008 Gala - May 31, 2008

Raised: $55,000

An aspiring singer and actress, Paige absolutely wowed the guests at Viva Glam 5!  Paige beautifully sang three songs and then stunned the audience with her keynote address.  Paige explained why it’s so important for the researchers in the childhood research cancer lab at BC Children’s Hospital to keep improving cancer treatments for kids like her.  In December 2006, Paige was diagnosed with a brain tumour.  If Paige had been diagnosed with the type of cancer she had not even 10 years ago, her chances of survival would have been significantly reduced.  Instead, Paige was quickly placed on chemotherapy treatments and had surgery to insert a drainage shunt that relieved the build-up of fluid in her head.  Paige’s cancer is now in remission.

 Although Paige has since had countless treatments, blood test, and MRIs, her spirit has never failed her. Paige brings a smile to the face of everyone she meets and uses her voice and her wisdom to help bring awareness to the cause, helping find a cure for cancer and bringing hope to families going through a similar ordeal.

2007 Gala - May 12, 2007

Raised: $55,000

Kim Sparling, childhood cancer survivor, shared her incredible story with the 350 guests who were moved to a standing ovation. 

They were inspired by her positive attitude and resolve to beat the cancer that took her right leg above the knee.  Kim had the same cancer as Terry Fox – osteogenic sarcoma (a rare bone cancer). 

Today, Kim gives selflessly of her time – as a member of the Terry Fox team, she speaks at elementary schools every year, sharing her story and Terry’s, to keep Terry's dream alive by raising money for cancer research.  She is a peer trainer with the Canadian Coalition of Amputees, helping new amputees adjust to life with an amputation and training new, inspiring amputees to become peer mentors. Long-term, Kim wants to develop a mentor’s role at the GF Strong rehabilitation center so that amputees in physiotherapy have someone to look up to, talk to, and relate to.  Since becoming an amputee, Kim has been working with various sports prosthetics manufacturers and prostheticians to help test their products.  Kim is extremely active, enjoys sports and has participated in a number of 10K runs.

2006 Gala - May 13, 2006

Raised: $50,000

Genevieve Duford, who survived Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) twice, shared how cancer changed her life.  Having battled the disease twice, Genevieve shared that she is definitely more relaxed in the way she goes about her life, preferring to live in the moment.  AML is an aggressive blood and bone cancer with a low survival rate, since this form of cancer prevents the body from protecting itself against infection.

Genevieve is a Director-at-large for the Michael Cuccione Foundation and is actively involved in helping to raise awareness and funds for Michael’s lab at BC Children’s Hospital.