Temerty Gift to Sunnybrook For Breast Cancer Centre

Toronto, September 27, 2012 - Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre will soon be home to Canada’s largest breast cancer centre, thanks to a transformational $10-million gift from Jim and Louise Temerty.

The gift establishes the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre, which will house Sunnybrook’s cutting-edge Breast Program. The centre’s Rapid Diagnosis Unit will offer potential breast cancer patients a diagnosis and treatment plan within just 24 hours of assessment, eliminating current wait times of up to six weeks for such life-saving answers.

“Breast cancer patients have traditionally been put through a terrible waiting period for results. That wait can wear a person down - but not anymore,” says Mr. Temerty. “The Rapid Diagnosis Unit will diagnose women quickly so they can get started on treatment early. This centre is going to save lives, and I’m proud to play a role in its creation.”

The need for top-notch - and fast - breast cancer care in Ontario resonates strongly with the Temerty Family. Louise had accompanied a close friend to her many breast cancer treatments, often spending the day with her at Sunnybrook, and says that waiting for answers was often the hardest part.

Set to open in April 2013, the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre will revolutionize breast cancer care, imaging and research in Canada. The centre’s Breast Program - the largest in the country - will provide tailored programming to a diverse patient population. PYNK, Canada’s only comprehensive program for young women with breast cancer, is just one example.

PHOTOS

1 -Louise Temerty

2 - Jim Temerty