The Robert & Maggie Bras and Family New Drug Development Program came into being June 2002. Robert Bras was being treated for Prostate and Gallbladder cancer at Princess Margaret, Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospital, all part of the University Health Network (UHN). From time to time he received care at Mount Sinai Hospital. Robert’s care was exemplary and the dedication of the doctors, nurses, clinicians, pharmacists and staff went beyond the call of duty.
Robert and I felt a desire to ‘give-back’. We asked ourselves in what form this ‘giving back’ should take and after some consideration, we decided to create an endowment to help get on it’s feet, a drug development program at Princess Margaret Hospital. Canada’s leading cancer centre is the only hospital exclusively devoted to the education, treatment and research of cancer.
Under the brilliant directorship of Dr. Malcolm Moore, along with co-directors, Drs. Amit Oza and Lillian Siu, The Robert & Maggie Bras and Family New Drug Development Program was on its feet with an amazing group of members all dedicated to fighting this insidious disease – cancer. Our program is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team devoted to researching and developing new agents and therapies to eradicate cancer, primarily through early phase clinical trials. The Bras Family Drug Development Program (BDDP), also works in concert with the Ontario Cancer Institute’s (OCI) drug discovery program to uncover biomarkers that will enable more targeted and effective drugs.
Funds contributed to the BDDP by our donors are used for the highest priorities – fellowship assistance, equipment, new facilities and technical support of clinical trials – that lead to new and improved treatments for cancer. Thanks to our donors, we are one step closer to our vision. To conquer cancer – IN OUR LIFETIME.
At present, the BDDP has an extremely large portfolio of Phase I and II studies which is gaining our centre both national and international recognition, securing our rank as one of the top five cancer research centres in the world. And to top it all off, we have been named by three pharmaceuticals as the number one new drug development program in the world!
Since its inception, we have built a stunning new centre for our program within PMH, which is comprised of a 5400 square foot state of the art facility, with the very talented vision for our centre donated by renowned Toronto Interior Designer, Brian Gluckstein of Gluckstein Design along with his amazing staff. Not only did Brian donate his vision, but companies and individuals within the GTA donated artwork, accessories and handcrafted furniture. Incredible generosity – thank you!
We have held five golf tournaments – The Robert Bras & Family Charity Golf Tournament at the awesome Summit Golf & Country Club, the last one taking place on July 9, 2007. That year was a milestone for our tournament, as it was the fifth anniversary of Robert’s death, the fifth year of holding the tournament, and incredibly hitting our target of raising $500,000! The day of the tournament saw us still shy of our goal by $15,000 and much to our amazement, an anonymous donor stepped forward with a cheque for the whole $15,000! Thank you!
Over the years we have been truly blessed with a line up of guest speakers. In 2006 our golfers listened to the brilliant Dr. Tak Mak , Director of the Campbell Family Breast Institute. In 2007 we listened to our dedicated and talented Dr. Robert Bell, President and CEO of the University Health Network. In 2008 we were to have as our guest speaker, Dr. Ben Neel, Director of the Ontario Cancer Institute. Dr. Neel is an internationally recognized cancer researcher in cellular biology and is committed to translating cancer research into improved clinical care. I have not listed all of our speakers, but do know that the information you have so generously imparted to our golfers and volunteers, have made an impact on our lives. Thank you for taking the time away from your incredible careers.
Our challenge is to continue to improve treatment for cancer. Our success is measured not only by the quality and rigor of our work, but also the impact we have on patients and their families. The program continues to succeed because of the dedication and enthusiasm of our entire team toward the goal of providing longer and better lives for cancer patients.
We would be pleased to have you as our partners – to CONQUER CANCER – IN OUR LIFETIME!
Sincerely,
Maggie Bras
President, Advisory Committee
for information on Princess Margaret Hospital visit www.pmhf.ca; and
www.pmhf-uhn.ca/Pages/DonorImpact/Drug_Development_Landing.aspx
for an excellent summary of the program, also please tune in to the rest of our website.
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