Fifth Annual Because You Care Cup Raises $70,122.40 for Cancer Research in Cape Breton

MEMBERTOU, N.S – For the second year in a row, Hattie Heroes has won the Because You Care Cup and Sam Gracie has been named the top fundraiser once again. This year, the team of young boys, all under twelve years old, has raised $13,858.60 to help fund important cancer research in Cape Breton.

More than $70,120 was raised in total this weekend at the fifth annual Because You Care Cup Road Hockey tournament. This makes this year the most successful pledged based tournament to date, raising 13 per cent more than last year’s event. With fifty one teams participating in six separate divisions, there were some exceptional teams that really stuck out.

"We know how important this tournament is to our community," Said eleven year old Sam Gracie, who raised $5273.60 with a golf

 tournament, a fun run and by asking local businesses for support. "This year was especially important, because it was raising money for cancer research and my mom had cancer."

Thanks to the generosity of title sponsor, Aucoin Renovations and Advanced insulations, as well as many other amazing sponsors, this tournament will help to fund important cancer research in Cape Breton.

"The ongoing community support has enabled us to raise more than $392,962 over the past five years," said co-chair Everett Reid. "We’ve been able to fund important medical needs in our community all while having fun. This year is no different and we’re thrilled to help fund cancer research right here in Cape Breton." The cancer research, which will be partially funded by the tournament, will support clinical trials that will help determine new ways to treat and manage cancer. Through Clinical trials and research doctors determine new ways to improve treatments and quality of life for patients.

"These clinical trials are improving the life of cancer patients before, during and after treatment," Said Brad Jacobs, CEO of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. "We currently have three clinical trials actively in progress, and several other in initial stages. With current trials focusing on prostate cancer patients, the prevention of nausea in oncology patients and bone marrow patients, we’re able to learn more about the disease that 1,951 Cape Bretoner were diagnosed with just last year."

The annual event is completely run by volunteers: Co-Chairs: Gerard McPhee, Dave Curnew, and Everett Reid as well as Janelle Aucoin, Lenus Sampson, Petra Buis, and Tanya Gracie and their dedication has allowed us to raise the much needed funds for clinical trials right here at home.

Since 1990, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the community has raised more than $50 million to purchase equipment, and fund upgrades at the Regional Hospital. This has reduced wait times and provided an increased menu of services – closer to home. The Foundation has recently been accredited under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program, which promotes transparency of charities and nonprofits, and strengthens public confidence in organizations and the sector as a whole.

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For more information, please contact:

Mark Inglis

Communications Officer - Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation

902.567.7054

Mark.Inglis@nshealth.ca