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Support the mission and vision of the Tumour Foundation of BC
The face of NF is the face of courage.
But courage alone should not be all that is available, as NF is a disorder that requires ongoing monitoring and expert care to help patients manage the many complex symptoms.
For almost 40 years, the Tumour Foundation of BC has strived to be a beacon of hope for families living with neurofibromatosis (NF). As an organization, we like to focus on the strengths of our community. But we cannot overlook that there are real risks for a patient diagnosed with NF and that many members of our community are struggling.
Since October 2021, BC residents with NF have been receiving specialised care for their disorder through our Virtual Clinic Pilot Project in partnership with expert physicians at Toronto Western Hospital.
The importance of specialized medical care for NF patients cannot be understated. NF is a complex disorder, causing uncontrollable growth of tumours along the nerves of the brain and body, which can lead to blindness, deafness, severe disfigurement, cancer, and even death. Most family practitioners in BC are not familiar with the management and treatment of NF, leaving patients to become their own medical experts.
Derek (not pictured here) was one of the first patients to attend the NF Virtual Clinic. Prior to attending the clinic, his care was managed by a nurse practitioner without the support of a specialist who could address Derek’s increasingly complex symptoms. The tumour on his neck was causing him extreme pain. The NF clinic was able to intervene and send Derek for an MRI, which revealed that the tumour was growing and pressing on his wind pipe. Imagine what could have been Derek’s outlook had he not had the insights of our clinic to guide his care?
When we discuss the shortfalls of medical care for people with NF, we are talking about massive,heartbreaking consequences—the kind that causes families to lose loved ones far too young.
CLINIC UPDATE: MESSAGE FROM THE TFBC PRESIDENT JILL TAYLOR
Your support is vitally important today as the Foundation supports more patients than ever before in our history. Your financial gift will remind the community that someone cares and that they do not walk the NF journey alone.
Our virtual clinic pilot project is a proven success. Real people are improving their medical outcomes thanks to our clinic.
While we have been pleased to extend clinic operations beyond the initial six months’ timeline to a year, the impact of the pandemic on the Foundation’s fundraising has been significant. While the Board explores all funding options in both the short and long term, we need the community’s help to keep our clinic open.
Help us continue the fight for the clinic this holiday season and include the Tumour Foundation of BC in your giving plans.
We also ask that you share this appeal with your family, friends, colleagues and local government representatives. We need the financial support of a larger community to continue optimizing the health and well-being for all British Columbians affected by NF.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We wish you and your family a healthy and safe holiday.
Sincerely,
Jill Taylor
President
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
GIFTS FOR NF
Gifts of stock offers a two-fold tax savings: a tax-deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift and capital gains can be avoided. For stock transfer information, please contact our Executive Director 1-800-285-2263.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity our funding partners who support our mission: Alexion and Province of BC, Pacific Blue Cross, Telus- Future is Friendly Grant along with hundreds of individual donors.
