A successful fundraising campaign in support of the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre concluded with the announcement of a $30-million donation from a Calgary family.
The major donation from Calgary philanthropists Stan and Marge Owerko brings the campaign to a total of $298 million dollars, making it one of the largest philanthropic fundraising efforts in Alberta’s history, organizers said in a news release Monday.
The $30 million gift from the Owerko family will benefit pediatric cancer patients and support immunotherapy research, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. The donation has allowed Arthur Child to buy two state-of-the-art machines that are already being used to provide advanced radiation therapy at the center.
“Cancer is a frightening disease, and a diagnosis at any age is a crushing blow to the whole family,” the Owerkos said in a release Monday. “The Arthur Child is poised to change lives by bringing together the very best researchers, clinicians, and practices in cancer care to help patients and families during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
“It’s an honor to support their extraordinary work, and our hope is that the discoveries made at this inspiring center will benefit all cancer patients – not only here in Alberta – but around the world,” the family said.
Dr. Jon Morris, facility medical director at the Arthur Child, commended all the campaign donors for helping to make the center a “beacon of hope” for cancer patients. Morris says the $30 million injection will allow the center to lead “lifesaving, made-in-Alberta treatments” and improve care for cancer patients.
Since the OWN.CANCER campaign launched in 2021; more than 17,000 Albertans have contributed to the fundraiser supporting Calgary’s new cancer center, which benefits cancer patients throughout southern Alberta. The campaign was a joint effort between the Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF), Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary,
The campaign aims to support Arthur Child to become a global leader in immunotherapy and precision oncology, provide more effective, personalized cancer treatments, and bring more life-saving clinical trials to Albertans.
Heather Culbert and John Osler are both cancer survivors and co-chairs of the OWN.CANCER campaign.
In the release, Culbert indicates the fundraising team was counting on Albertans to rally around the center because of the far-reaching impact of cancer.
“Cancer touches all of us, and we knew from the start the only way this vision would be realized is if the community stepped up as part of the solution,” Culbert said. “This generosity will transform the future of cancer care in our province for generations to come.”
Cancer currently impacts one in two Albertans over the course of their lifetime, according to the release.
“The Arthur Child is a visionary facility. But, most importantly, it will help to put cancers into remission and extend people’s lives,” Osler said. “This campaign has not only raised significant funds, but it has also inspired hope and fostered a sense of community around this devastating disease. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this historic achievement
According to organizers, the total funds raised exceeded the campaign’s initial fundraising goal by nearly $50 million.
The Arthur Child opened its doors in October 2024 and is now among North America’s largest comprehensive cancer centers.