John Downes’ Post

⚡ ⚡ ⚡ ALL DONATIONS ARE TRIPLED TODAY ⚡ ⚡ ⚡ On September 28th, I’m joining the fight in a special way by participating in the 10th anniversary of the BMO Ride for Cancer. Our team is committed to making a real difference in cancer care right here in Nova Scotia, where the stakes are high—our province has the highest cancer rates in Canada, and 1 in 3 patients won't survive. But we’re not just riding for the sake of it. We’re rallying to bring cutting-edge liquid biopsy technology to the QEII Health Sciences Centre. This revolutionary advancement will allow doctors to determine if a patient’s cancer is cured, if it has returned, and how best to treat it—all through a simple blood test that can be done anywhere in the province. The impact of this technology is profound: - Earlier Detection and Personalized Treatment: We can improve survival rates and even provide potential cures by catching cancer sooner. - More Clinical Trials: Unlocking access to more trials could mean more treatment options for patients. - Less Unnecessary Treatment: Patients will be spared from needless treatments and harmful side effects. - Closer to Home Care: Equitable access means patients can undergo testing in their own communities, reducing travel and wait times. - Peace of Mind: Patients and their families will get critical answers sooner, easing anxiety and worry. This technology is a game-changer, and by supporting my team and my ride, you’re helping to bring it to life. Together, we can pave the way for a future where cancer care in Nova Scotia is faster, smarter, and more compassionate. If you’re able to support me and my team in this year’s BMO Ride for Cancer, please consider donating through this link: https://lnkd.in/gpkddpbm

BREAKING NEWS! We’re thrilled to share that the Owerko family has made a monumental $30 million gift, bringing the total for the OWN.CANCER campaign to an astounding $298 million! 🎉 This donation will transform cancer care for generations to come in three critical areas: Immunotherapy – Establishing the Stan & Marge Owerko Biomanufacturing Facility for Immunotherapy at the Riddell Centre, enabling faster, cost-effective development of clinical treatments for both children and adults. Radiation Therapy – Supporting the acquisition of two state-of-the-art MR Linac technology machines that will provide advanced radiation therapy at the Arthur Child – letting doctors target tumours in real time and monitor their response to radiation with unprecedented precision  Clinical Trials – Creating the Owerko Family Centre for Clinical Trials at the Arthur Child and expanding pediatric cancer clinical trials at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.   The Owerko family’s generosity, combined with the support of over 17,000 Albertans, has made the OWN.CANCER campaign one of the largest philanthropic efforts in Alberta’s history. Thank you to this incredible community of champions for positioning the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre as a global leader in cancer care and research.   “Together, we have proven we can achieve the remarkable.” says John S. Osler, cancer survivor and OWN.CANCER co-chair.   Learn more about this historic milestone: https://lnkd.in/gMnfJXsM #OWNCancer #CancerCare #MajorGift #BeaconOfHope #ArthurChild #InnovationInCare Alberta Health Services Alberta Cancer Foundation University of Calgary Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation

World Cancer Research Day! Today is World Cancer Research Day, and as I continue preparing for my charity bike tour across the UK, I can’t help but be reminded of how crucial research is in the fight against cancer. This day reminds us of the life-changing breakthroughs that come from dedicated research—breakthroughs that have saved lives, extended hope, and improved outcomes for millions worldwide. I’m cycling to raise awareness and funds for multiple organisations that work on this research, but their work, like that of all cancer research efforts, relies on public support. Every clinical trial, every new treatment, every success story starts with the passion and hard work of researchers. The people that make this work happen continue to amaze their peers and the world. So, as I take on this journey, I'm riding for every patient, every family member, and every researcher who is tirelessly fighting to improve cancer care. Your support can truly make a difference. Let’s keep pushing forward for the breakthroughs that will one day make cancer history! Join me in raising awareness, supporting research, and making a change. If you can, please donate, share, or just spread the word. Every bit helps. 💙🚴♂️ https://lnkd.in/e57Hugmt https://gofund.me/816f9271 #WorldCancerResearchDay #CancerResearch #CyclingForACure #AnthonyNolan #StemCellDonation #BloodCancerAwareness #FightCancer #RideForLife #SupportTheCause #EndCancer

Sad post warning....keep scrolling if you don't want to be bummed out by reality. Working in patient research and oncology, being more aware of how common cancer is (and how brutal some treatments for it are), has been an eye opener. Now with the King Charles and the Princess of Wales being affected, it just goes to show that cancer is indiscriminate - no matter your budget or status. It's been 6 years since my Dad passed away. I miss him terribly, especially knowing our little girl is missing out on a wonderful grandad. I really want to do my part, however small, to help cancer research advance. It would be wonderful to get to a place where we have treatments that enable people to live longer, ability to detect it earlier, and also better quality of life when being treated and beyond treatment (FYI, some treatments can be brutal to your body and have many, many side effects that people are unprepared for and have to adjust to a new normal for themselves). For my Dad, he lived 6 years extra following his stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis, but I can't honestly say those 6 years were easy or pain free for him. We need to get to a place where we can have treatments which focus as much on quality of life as the survival. I'll be doing the Wales 3 peaks challenge this June to raise funds for cancer research. You might not know my Dad but you will know someone in your life that's been or will be affected by cancer. A donation to cancer research is pretty much an investment into your own future. Donate via the link below 👇 https://lnkd.in/erisngcP #cancerresearch

Our next set of tips from our top 10 tips for your cancer journey includes info on cancer charities and prescription exemptions. Watch out for the next four tips on Friday or download the full guide today! Download the guide now here https://bit.ly/4gL9k6z #CancerSupport #PatientCare #CancerJourney #CancerDownload

 October is #Breast #Cancer #Awareness Month “Strength doesn’t come from what you can do, it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” – Rikki Rogers This month, we unite to #honor the #strength, #courage, and #resilience of #everyone impacted by #breast #cancer. It’s more than just a #campaign—it’s a #reminder that #early #detection #saves #lives, and that every #battle #fought against breast cancer is a #step #closer to #victory. #Breast #cancer touches millions of lives #globally, but the #power to #change the #future is in our hands. By #raising awareness and #contributing to this cause, we can help those #fighting this #disease and #fuel #research for better #treatments and #prevention. 💪💖 This October, I’m supporting a charity in #Kochi through #donations that will directly impact the lives of those affected by breast cancer, providing #critical #care, #resources, and hope to families in need. Please consider contributing to this cause—no amount is too small. Together, we can offer #hope, #raise #awareness, and bring about #change. Let’s show that we stand with those in their #fight, and let’s #continue to work towards a future free of breast cancer. 🌷 Thank you so much. The link to the donation is https://gofund.me/6466a1a7 Amos Onyango Rhoda Bennet Mbelwa Kairuki Rocky Pujara TIBASALAMA DIGITAL HEALTH APP Q at MTM Awards #BreastCancerAwareness #OctoberAwareness #FightLikeAWoman #HopeForACure #SupportTheCause #Charity #Kochi

We Did It! The Austal Giving #team have completed #theLONGrun 2024, supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and raising money to help make prostate cancer history. Collectively, the team has walked, run or ridden an impressive 2,122.9 kilometres over the month of September - and thanks to our many generous sponsors, we have raised an amazing total of A$23,927.88 – the second highest total of any team in Australia! Congratulations to the Austal Giving team on an incredible result and a fantastic effort; especially Monica Berryman, from Austal Darwin who individually raised $16,043.10 - and Jeremy Griffiths and Mostyn McNeill who both clicked over 300km, individually. Arguably the greatest value we have all gained from #theLONGrun is the raised awareness of Prostate Cancer, it’s impact on our families and friends, and how we can help. Did you know; ·        Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. ·        Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in Australian men. ·        72 Australian men are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer each day, and more than 10 men will die, each day, from the disease. ·        Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you get older. ·        If your father or brother have been diagnosed, your risk doubles ·        If 2 or more close family members have been diagnosed, your risk increases five-fold. ·        If you have family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and/or BRCA1 or 2 genes, your risk is also greater. ·        Prostate Cancer often has no symptoms at its earliest stages. As it grows, symptoms include difficulty or pain when urinating, pain in the hips or lower back, or blood in your urine.   If you’re a man over 50, ask your GP for a ‘PSA test’ annually. If you have family history, start testing annually from the age of 40. It’s not scary, it’s a simple blood test that takes 30 seconds! For more information about Prostate Cancer, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, or to make a donation (its not too late!) please go to https://lnkd.in/g46XWxD

Cancer touches all of us in some way. It’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. But amidst the challenges cancer brings, there’s a beacon of hope—the Jimmy Fund. By donating just a few dollars, you can help fuel groundbreaking research, provide life-saving treatments, and support those battling cancer every day. Why Your Donation Matters Funding Groundbreaking Research: The Jimmy Fund supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in cancer research. Your donation helps scientists develop new treatments and work towards a cure. Even a small contribution can lead to significant breakthroughs. Providing Patient Care: Cancer treatment is not just about the physical battle; it’s about emotional and psychological support as well. The Jimmy Fund ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, including counseling, support groups, and family services, all of which are vital for their journey. Making Treatment Accessible: Financial barriers can prevent many from accessing the care they need. Your donation helps ensure that no patient is turned away due to inability to pay, giving everyone a fighting chance. Supporting Survivors and Families: The journey doesn’t end with treatment. Survivorship programs funded by the Jimmy Fund help patients transition back to their lives, supporting them with the long-term effects of cancer and treatment. Why It's Important to Us Cancer affects us all. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or ourselves, we’ve all felt its impact. By supporting the Jimmy Fund, we come together as a community to fight this disease. Every dollar brings us closer to a world without cancer, a world where we can look forward to a future filled with more birthdays, more memories, and more time with our loved ones. How You Can Help Donate Today: A few dollars may seem small, but they add up to make a huge difference. https://lnkd.in/et5jYRhp

Today, as 57 Australians face the daunting news of a breast cancer diagnosis, 9 warriors will embark on their final journey. It's time to transform these numbers into a force for change! I'm diving headfirst into the 57 Squat Challenge this March, not just to break a sweat, but to shatter the statistics and make a real impact. Picture this: Squats with a purpose! I'm bending and lifting for a world where those 57 faces beam with triumph, not fear. Breast cancer doesn't stand a chance against our determination, and I need your firepower to join this mission! Let's turn compassion into action. Your support isn't just a donation, it's a lifeline. Whether it's a big leap or a tiny hop, every contribution catapults me towards my goal - funding world-class research that will rewrite the story of breast cancer. We're not just doing squats, we're dancing with hope, defying the odds with each bend of the knee. Be the hero in this narrative of strength and resilience! Your donation is a key player in the symphony of change, moving us closer to a world where breast cancer is a defeated foe. So, what do you say? Let's squat, donate, and create a future where 57 Australians no longer face the harsh reality of a breast cancer diagnosis. Together, we're not just raising the bar - we're lifting the spirits and making history! 💗 💗 💗 #SquatGoalsWithKatty #SquatSlayRepeat

As a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor, I am honored to serve as a 2024 Portrait of Hope Ambassador for the American Cancer Society - Missouri's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in St. Louis. We need your help. I am asking for your help. Not just to survive, but to thrive! In August 2019, at age 41, I was diagnosed with Stage 3, Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). This invasive and inflammatory disease spread to my lymph nodes and metastasizing at a 95% rate. I rang the cancer-free bell on April 23, 2020, during COVID-19. TNBC is the most aggressive and lethal type of breast cancer and it's mostly killing young, black women, under age 45. Please fight beside me. No donation is too small when it comes to saving more lives, wives, mother's, sisters, daughters, veterans, and ambitious women like me. Imagine if everyone in my network and yours gave at least $10. I can't fathom how many groundbreaking research studies, free rides to treatments, financial assistance, and early detection screenings we could fund together! You can 3X HOPE by using my link below to: 1. DONATE to support 3X more lives 2. JOIN my 3X STRIDERS Team 3. SHARE my link to reach 3X more people IN THIS FAMILY, NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE! We are the MOVEMENT! We are the HOPE! We are the FUTURE! #MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancerSTL #TNBC3xSurvivor #3xWarriors #3xSTRIDERS