$6.1M raised for new cancer therapy suite in Kelowna

Construction on a new cancer therapy suite at Kelowna General Hospital is expected to begin this year.

A fundraising campaign that was launched in fall 2022 has wrapped up and raised $6.1 million to bring a new state-of-the-art Systemic Therapy Suite to the BC Cancer centre in Kelowna.

A news release says the campaign reached its goal well ahead of the anticipated two-year fundraising timeframe.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the generous community across the Interior region who share our commitment to advancing innovation in cancer care,” says Sarah Roth, BC Cancer Foundation’s president and CEO.

The new centre will increase BC Cancer’s capacity to deliver systemic therapy treatments, which includes chemotherapy and immunotherapy, by about 40%, a news release says.

Over 115 donors raised funds for the campaign.

That includes $230,00 being raised by 16 Kelowna car dealerships.

The family behind Bannister Automotive group donated $1.5 million to the campaign

Local philanthropist and businessman Marshall Eliuk and his wife also donated $1.5 million.

According to the news release, The Honourable Ross Fitzpatrick, O.C., O.B.C. and Linda Fitzpatrick generously donated the final $725,000 to complete the campaign.

Both Ross and Linda are cancer survivors and received care at BC Cancer – Kelowna.

“Our family has called the Okanagan home for over a century and it’s an honour to be able to support the community in this way,”say Ross and Linda Fitzpatrick.

“Cancer has personally touched us in many ways, as we know it has most. Supporting BC Cancer-Kelowna means giving hope to those facing cancer now, and in the years to come.”

Staff for BC Cancer – Kelowna also raised funds.

“On behalf of BC Cancer – Kelowna’s staff, we’re inspired by the community’s trust and generosity in investing in this initiative,” says Dr. Ross Halperin, BC Cancer – Kelowna’s executive medical director.

“The new systemic therapy suite will open a new chapter for cancer care and research for the Interior, and we’re deeply grateful to the community for making this possible.”