Families facing the challenges of childhood cancer are getting a $100,000 boost in support thanks to Bruce Power and its supplier partners.
The donation, announced Thursday, is going to the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), which provides medical, emotional, educational and financial assistance to children, youth and families navigating the cancer journey.
“The goal for Bruce Power and its supplier partners is to support POGO in doing what it does best – caring for those who are impacted by cancer at every stage of need,” said Pat Dalzell, Bruce Power’s Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Market Development. “Bruce Power plays a critical role as a global producer of the cancer-fighting medical isotopes cobalt-60 and lutetium-177. What happens on the human level at every other stage of the treatment and recovery continuum is what matters most. We are proud to contribute to the amazing work POGO does with families impacted by childhood cancer.”
Bruce Power has been producing cancer-fighting isotopes for decades. Cobalt-60 is used to sterilize 40 per cent of the world’s medical devices and to treat brain tumours and breast cancer. More recently, the company has expanded production of lutetium-177, an isotope used to treat neuroendocrine tumours and prostate cancer, with new Isotope Production Systems being added to its reactors to ensure long-term supply and innovation in cancer care.
Lauren Ettin, POGO’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the donation as vital to the organization’s work.
“Bruce Power and its supplier partners are steadfast partners in POGO’s mission, as the leader of Ontario’s childhood cancer care system, to support children, youth, survivors, and families throughout their cancer journey,” Ettin said. “Their ongoing generosity helps us strengthen vital programs across Ontario, ensuring that families not only receive the best medical care, but also the emotional, educational, and financial supports they need.”
In addition to direct donations, Bruce Power also contributes to POGO through sales from its isotope merchandise website, where $2 from each item sold is shared between POGO and the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
