Segal cancer centre celebrates 5 years

December 2011

The Jewish General Hospital Foundation recently held its fifth anniversary Segal Cancer Centre celebration.

The gala honoured Alvin Cramer Segal, primary benefactor of the centre, which was created in 2006.

The foundation raised $1.5 million for cancer research, patient care, teaching and technological equipment. These funds allow the centre’s experts to press ahead with pioneering cancer treatments.

“The funds raised by the foundation thus far have allowed us to move in creative, new directions without having to be bound by grant deadlines,” explains Gerald Batist, director of the Segal Cancer Centre.

“I’m so thrilled to be seeing in patients what I never imagined five years ago: tumours responding to novel therapies. It gives me real hope that more breakthroughs are imminent.”

The evening’s entertainment included a dedication to the cancer centre and to Batist by Anna McGarrigle, Martha Wainwright and Lily Lanken in memory of Kate McGarrigle, who succumbed to cancer in 2010.

There was a tribute to Alvin Segal by singers from the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts as well as a presentation by the École Supérieure de Ballet du Québec.

A presentation featured current and past patients of the centre and a message from former Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard.

“Dealing with cancer is an extremely difficult battle, and my family was so grateful for those marvelous people of the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital, who were with us when we were in such a vulnerable position,” Bouchard said. “I believe undoubtedly that Montreal has, with the Jewish General Hospital, one of the best health institutions in the world.”