It was a return to a longstanding fundraising tradition Nov. 2, as Sudburians gathered for the Luncheon of Hope at the Caruso Club.
The popular Northern Cancer Foundation fundraiser, which celebrates its 24th anniversary this year, did happen in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, but in a virtual format.
Although held a month later than usual to avoid a conflict with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this year’s Luncheon of Hope was much like it was in past years, featuring tasty Italian food, draws, guest speakers and fellowship in a packed hall.
“I have to tell you, we're so excited to be back in person to see all of these amazing supporters,” said Anthony Keating, president and chief development officer for the foundations at Health Sciences North.
He said the virtual format for the Luncheon of Hope saw the Northern Cancer Foundation take a fundraising hit.
While he didn’t have a precise total at the time he spoke to Sudbury.com, Keating said the fundraising goal for the 2022 event was $50,000.
“In total, the event has raised $1.1 million since the inception of the luncheon,” he said. “So it's an incredible event.”
The money goes toward specialized breast cancer equipment, as well as breast cancer research.
“Funds raised from this event have helped lead to positive health outcomes for cancer patients living throughout Northeastern Ontario,” said Keating, who outlined some of the breast cancer research being done locally, and added local patients also have access to clinical trials.
Keating said the Northeast Cancer Centre treats around 1,200 breast cancer patients per year. “Despite significant progress that has been made in treatment and cure, cancer is still among the leading causes of death for females in Canada,” he said.
Oncologist Dr. Lacey Pitre said there have been many positive developments for local cancer care over the last few years, including new oncologists — some of them specialists — joining the NCF team and new ways to treat breast cancer.
“Lastly, the province unveiled access to PET scans for initial diagnosis of locally advanced breast cancer,” she said
“We've never been able to order breast cancer PET scans before. The good news is that between 2018 and now we've got ourselves a fancy new PET scanner (at Health Sciences North).”
One of the traditional aspects of the Luncheon of Hope has been a speech by a keynote speaker.
The event has attracted some big names in the past, including Sharon Hampson of the children’s musical group Sharon, Lois and Bram, and journalist and broadcaster Wendy Mesley.
This year’s guest speaker was comedian Marla Lukofsky, who wrote a one-person show about her journey with breast cancer called “I’m Still Here… and So Is My Hair!”
Lukofsky was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 at age 42, after she found a lump on her breast that hadn’t been picked up by a mammogram. She underwent a lumpectomy, removal of her lymph nodes and chemotherapy and radiation.
She unfortunately had a recurrance of breast cancer in 2019, and underwent another lumpectomy.
Lukofsky said her one-woman show about her cancer journey does have some comedy in it, but also some tear-jerking moments, as well as useful information.
“It's really important because I tell the truth,” she said. “I don't try to be positive, I try to be real. I try to prepare. I try to educate. The best patient is someone who's educated.”
An example of Lukofsky sharing the humour associated with the situation is asking if her arm hair would fall out along with the hair on her head when she was first undergoing chemo and being injected with drugs nicknamed the “Red Death.”
“Because I have really hairy arms,” she said. Unfortunately, the nurse answered “no.”
Lukofsky said the most irritating thing people said to her when she was diagnosed with cancer was “keep positive,” which she ironically finds one of the most negative comments.
A friend told her what someone she knew was doing for her cancer treatments. “I said I have a friend with lockjaw, and she was very quiet,” Lukofsky said.
Another person said “don’t do chemotherapy, try aromatherapy,” to which she said, “She’s got to be kidding.”
She said the most valuable phrases you can say to someone with cancer are “Are you comfortable talking about it?” If they do want to talk, ask them how they’re feeling physically and emotionally.
“And then say, ‘What can I do to help you?’ and whenever you say you're gonna do it, do it, because this isn't a time to reneg on things,” she said.
Lukofsky shared a story about a conversation she had with her now-late mother. Having a hard time of it after her experience with breast cancer, and feeling like giving up, her mother told her “you’re stronger than you think.”
She repeated this phrase for the audience at the Luncheon of Hope.
“I want to take the opportunity to tell you that you are, believe it or not, stronger than you think.”
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s associate content editor. She also covers education and the arts scene.
