Groundbreaking $30M Donation Transforms Pediatric Cancer Care in Calgary

In a remarkable act of generosity, local philanthropists Stan and Marge Owerko have pledged a staggering $30 million to the OWN.CANCER campaign, aimed at providing vital support for pediatric patients at the newly inaugurated Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary. This substantial donation has significantly bolstered the fundraising campaign, which recently concluded and has now raised an astonishing total of $298 million—one of the largest philanthropic efforts in Alberta's history.

Speaking on the emotional weight of the donation, the Owerkos stated, “Cancer is a frightening disease, and a diagnosis at any age is a crushing blow to the whole family. 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 with the hope that the discoveries made at this inspiring center will benefit all cancer patients—not only here in Alberta—but around the world.”

The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, which opened its doors last month, is now recognized as one of North America's largest facilities dedicated to cancer treatment and research. The funding provided by the Owerko family will not only enhance support for pediatric cancer patients but will also advance vital research in immunotherapy and radiation therapy. Furthermore, it will contribute to clinical trials at the Owerko Family Centre for Clinical Trials within the cancer centre, significantly expanding the pediatric cancer clinical trial program at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Don Morris, the head of the oncology department and the facility’s medical director, emphasized the transformative potential of the donation. “By supporting these three critical areas, this gift will enable us to lead lifesaving, made-in-Alberta treatments for cancer patients and dramatically improve the care we provide to them. It is a remarkable day for our province,” he stated.

Since its inception in 2021, the OWN.CANCER campaign has garnered support from over 17,000 individuals and organizations across Alberta, partnering with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Alberta Health Services, and the University of Calgary. This collaborative effort highlights the community’s commitment to combating cancer, a disease that is projected to affect one in two Albertans in their lifetime.

Expressing her pride in the overwhelming support received, Heather Culbert, a cancer survivor and co-chair of the OWN.CANCER campaign, remarked, “I’m so proud of the outpouring of support we’ve seen from Albertans, including this incredible gift from the Owerkos which has closed out our campaign. This generosity will transform the future of cancer care in our province for generations to come.”

Additionally, cancer survivor and OWN.CANCER co-chair John Osler described the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre as a visionary facility. “Most importantly, it will help to put cancers into remission and extend people’s lives,” he affirmed.

This transformative donation not only signifies a significant leap forward in pediatric oncology but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless families battling cancer, ushering in a new era of advanced treatment and care.