Hamilton Paramedic Services wear their hearts on their shoulder to raise funds for cancer programs in Hamilton

Hamilton, ON - September 28, 2017 - Hamilton Paramedic Services (HPS) are launching a unique fundraising campaign to celebrate and support the work of two Hamilton hospitals. During the months of October and November, HPS will wear customized epaulettes on their uniforms to raise funds for St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. The aim of this campaign is to also educate the public on how funds raised locally stay in Hamilton to provide care and innovative research to support residents affected by cancer.

“I am very proud of the dedicated and talented men and women of the Hamilton Paramedic Service. Our Paramedics often see patients affected by cancer, and their time with them is brief as they transport them to hospital. This campaign was one way our Paramedics could do more for our residents, knowing that the funds stay local to benefit the people they see every day. We are proud to partner with these leading health institutions to provide the highest quality of care for our residents” - Michael Sanderson, Chief, Hamilton Paramedic Service

The Breast Cancer Program at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Their leadership in clinical trials and breast cancer research is recognized internationally. The CIBC Breast Assessment Centre forms an important part of the program. It provides rapid access to screening and diagnostic services to more than 17,000 patients each year. In October, Paramedics will wear pink epaulettes with all proceeds going to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation, which supports the important work being done at the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre. Residents can donate directly at www.hamiltonhealth.ca/donate.

Over the last decade, St. Joe's has grown tremendously to become a regional and national leader in prostate cancer treatment and research – spanning the entire breadth of prostate cancer from basic science, to translational science, to surgical care, advanced care, as well as palliative care.  In November, Paramedics will wear blue epaulettes featuring a mustache design to support their work in prostate cancer research and care. Residents can donate directly at www.stjoesfoundation.ca.

“We are honoured that Hamilton Paramedic Services has chosen to support Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre and specifically the Breast Cancer Program.  By purchasing and wearing these special epaulettes they are showing a commitment to the community which they serve with such dedication”.  - Tamara Pope, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation

At the end of each month’s campaign, the media will be invited to a cheque presentation ceremony as HPS presents the total proceeds to each health institution.  

Quick Facts

CIBC Breast Assessment Centre at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre

• Breast cancer is a complex disease that will affect one in eight Canadian women during their lifetime. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canadian women, after lung cancer.
• Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre is home to research leaders whose work has changed clinical protocols around the world.
• Located at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre provides rapid access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic services and is the most comprehensive assessment facility of its kind in the region.
• During the 2016/2017 fiscal year, the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre saw 17,000 patient visits. In 2016, 780 new cases of breast cancer were treated at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre.

Watch this video to learn more about the work at the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

• Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among Canadian men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). In fact, one in six will develop it in their lifetime.
• Prostate cancer is also the third leading cause of death from cancer in men in Canada. On average, 11 Canadian men will die from prostate cancer every day.
• St. Joseph's is home to the McMaster Institute of Urology (MIU) - one of the busiest minimally-invasive urological centres in Canada.
• Through innovative surgical techniques and patient-centered research, St. Joe's is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with prostate cancer. 

Watch this video to learn more about the work at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

“Research is critical in advancing the way we diagnose, treat, and care for those impacted by prostate cancer, and this research relies on donor support. We truly appreciate Hamilton Paramedic Services’ support of our research and everything you do to help in the fight against prostate cancer in Hamilton and beyond.” - Dr. Bobby Shayegan, Head of the Division of Urology at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University