Breast Cancer Research Chair Announced: A First for Atlantic Canada

    HALIFAX, May 14 /CNW/ - A significant step has been taken to creating a
future without breast cancer in this region. A collaborative effort between
the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region, the QEII Foundation,
CIBC, Dalhousie University and the Capital District Health Authority has
resulted in the appointment of Dr. David Hoskin as the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation - Atlantic Region Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research. One of
only three breast cancer chairs in Canada, Dr. Hoskin will provide leadership
in breast cancer research locally and across the country, bringing together
researchers from a variety of disciplines.
    This $2.5 million program includes a $1.65 million gift from the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region, a $500,000 commitment from the
QEII Foundation and a $350,000 gift from CIBC. As a Chair in Breast Cancer
Research, Dr. Hoskin will pursue advanced research and program development in
breast cancer at Dalhousie University which will in turn attract bright young
professionals to join in his quest.
    "Breast cancer touches Canadian families every day," said Dr. Hoskin. "In
2008, an estimated 22,400 Canadian women will face this horrible disease, and
here in Atlantic Canada we have some of the highest rates in the country. Our
goal is to make advancements in new prevention and treatment strategies for
this devastating illness so that there will be a future in which breast cancer
and other cancers will be cured or controlled." Dr. Hoskin brings with him an
impressive track record of breast cancer research. His credentials include
research initiatives that range from mechanisms of tumor-induced immune
suppression to the anti-cancer properties of naturally occurring cationic
peptides and phytochemicals that are present in fruits and vegetables. He is a
member of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region Scientific
Review Committee, and a Professor, Departments of Pathology and Microbiology
and Immunology in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University.
    Dr. Ray LeBlanc, Vice-President of Research and Academic Affairs at the
Capital District Health Authority, called Dr. Hoskin's appointment a
"significant step forward for breast cancer research", and cited Dr. Hoskin's
lengthy list of accomplishments in the field of breast cancer research as
reasons to celebrate the expected outcomes for the new breast cancer research
chair.
    Speaking on behalf of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic
Region, the Chair of the Board of Directors expressed her enthusiasm for the
establishment of the research chair and the appointment of Dr. Hoskin. "The
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has a long and successful history of funding
breast cancer initiatives that are making a difference in the fight against
the disease," said Cheryl Hodder. "We feel the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation - Atlantic Region Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research is a
monumental step forward for breast cancer research that puts Atlantic Canada
on the map in the international field."
    "CIBC has been actively involved in the fight against breast cancer since
1992," said Mike McKim, CIBC's General Manager of Segment Delivery for
Atlantic Canada and member of the board of directors of the Canadian Breast
Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region . "In the past five years, we have
committed more than $5.5 million in breast cancer funding directly to
hospitals and research centres across Canada to bring us closer to a world
without breast cancer through improved research, education and treatment."
    Endowed research chairs are catalysts for change, attracting others to
the field of investigation and supporting growth of a dedicated research
program. An endowment fund has been created to support the research chair,
where the capital is invested in perpetuity and the income is used annually by
the Chair holder to advance the research program. By creating this endowment
fund in support of breast cancer research, the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation - Atlantic Region, CIBC and the QEII Foundation are helping attract
scientists of great distinction to advance medical research, right here in
Atlantic Canada.

    About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region

    The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is the leading national
volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a future without breast
cancer. It works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for relevant
and innovative breast cancer research; meaningful education and awareness
programs; early diagnosis and effective treatment; and a positive quality of
life for those living with breast cancer. Since its inception in 1997, CBCF -
Atlantic has awarded over $10.3 million for such initiatives - right here in
Atlantic Canada.

    About CIBC

    CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our
employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities
through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of
employees. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee
commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run
for the Cure, United Way and the CIBC World Markets Children's Miracle
Foundation, we are investing in the social and economic development of
communities across the country. In 2007, CIBC group of companies contributed
more than $36 million worldwide to charitable organizations and community
initiatives. Of this, $27 million was invested in Canada to support national,
regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com/pas

    About the QEII Foundation

    The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Foundation is a non-profit,
charitable organization established to strengthen health care for Atlantic
Canadians. The QEII Foundation raises funds for state of the art technology,
community-based disease prevention initiatives, professional education and
medical research.

For further information: Steve Jennex, APR, Director of Communications,
QEII Foundation, (902) 473-5591