EIF Canada and Canadian broadcasters unite with the Entertainment Industry Foundation for unprecedented Stand Up To Cancer Simultaneous Special

EIF Canada and Canadian broadcasters unite with the Entertainment Industry Foundation for unprecedented Stand Up To Cancer Simultaneous Special

The Entertainment Community Teams with Broadcasters for Major
Fundraising Telecast Friday, September 5, 2014

Funds Raised to Finance New Canadian Dream Teams for Cancer Research,
and Awareness and Education in Canada

Stand Up To Cancer Canada's Distinctive Research Model Designed to Bring
Research Innovations to Patients Sooner

Public Will Have Opportunity to Support Through the September 5th
Telecast and Beyond

SU2C Canada Pursuing Collaborations with Canadian Health Charities,
Government-Funded Organizations and Corporations; World-Renowned
Researchers Will Lead Scientific Advisory Committee for SU2C Canada


TORONTO, July 9, 2014 /CNW/ - All four of Canada's English language
network broadcasters today announced an unprecedented collaboration,
unveiling plans to simultaneously air, for the first time ever, a
Canadian-inclusive Stand Up To Cancer special this September. CBC,
City, CTV and Global will join ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and dozens of U.S.
cable channels simultaneously airing a star-studded special from
Hollywood, and for the first time, Toronto. The live, one-hour
fundraising event, which draws on the entertainment community to rally
the public around ending cancer's reign as a leading cause of death,
will air commercial-free simultaneously Friday, September 5 at 8 pm
ET/PT.



The 2014 SU2C telecast will be the first of its kind for Canada. Similar
specials have aired in 2008, 2010 and 2012 under the aegis of the
U.S.-based SU2C program, part of the Entertainment Industry Foundation
(EIF), a U.S. 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which utilizes the
industry's resources to engage the public in supporting a new,
collaborative model of cancer research, and to increase awareness about
progress being made in the fight against the disease.



EIF Canada, a Canadian registered charity, was created to utilize the
entertainment industry's resources via Stand Up To Cancer Canada (SU2C
Canada) to engage the Canadian public, health charities,
government-funded agencies and corporations in these efforts. EIF
Canada's charitable registration number is 80550 6730 RR0001.



"Everyone in our country has been touched by cancer in some way, shape
or form. Our hope is that, through this one hour of television, we can
inspire viewers to make a true difference in the effort to help more
cancer patients become survivors," said David Purdy, SVP, Product
Management Video & Content, Rogers and EIF Canada Board Member.



Two out of five Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their
lifetimes. Every hour of every day, an estimated 22 Canadians will be
diagnosed with some type of cancer, and nine people will die from the
disease. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada.



"As broadcasters, we have a responsibility to use the power of
television to effect change so we jumped at the opportunity to come
together with our colleagues for this incredibly worthy cause. This
dynamic hour of television is an important step in the fight to beat a
disease that has touched so many Canadians," said Phil Piazza, Vice
President, Content Acquisitions and Global TV Programming and EIF
Canada Board Member.



"CTV is honoured to be a broadcast partner in this landmark Canadian
initiative," said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming,
CTV Networks and EIF Canada Board Member. "Together with our Network
partners we can showcase the incredible progress being made today in
cancer research, and hopefully raise funds to fuel even more
ground-breaking progress right here in Canada."



All funds received from the Canadian general public during the broadcast
will be directed towards the creation of collaborative research teams,
as well as education and awareness programs conducted in Canada.
Several major Canadian organizations plan to collaborate with SU2C
Canada on research and awareness efforts.



Organizations pursuing potential collaborations with the SU2C Canada
initiative include the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, with funding
from CIBC; the Canadian Cancer Society; the Cancer Stem Cell
Consortium, with funding from Genome Canada and the Canadian Institutes
of Health Research; and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.
MasterCard and AstraZeneca Canada are the first Canadian corporate
supporters of SU2C Canada. Talks with other companies, prospective
non-profit partners and philanthropists in Canada are also underway.



"CBC is privileged to participate in an event that encourages our
country to band together to fight this disease, which affects so many
Canadians," said Sally Catto, General Manager of Programming, CBC
Television. "We are inspired by the opportunity to join forces with the
Canadian entertainment industry to send a message of hope."



The telecast will feature cutaways to a live event in Toronto attended
by film stars participating in the Toronto International Film Festival;
executives and on-air talent from the Canadian broadcasters; and
leaders from health charities, government-funded organizations and
corporations.



Stand Up To Cancer builds broad support for cancer prevention and
groundbreaking "translational" research, accelerating the pace at which
new therapies get to patients, bringing together scientists from
different disciplines and institutions to collaborate on Dream Teams.
More than $260 million has been pledged to the U.S.-based SU2C
initiative since it was founded in the United States in 2008. SU2C U.S.
currently supports 12 Dream Teams with members in six countries,
including more than 30 Canadian investigators. In connection with the
U.S. SU2C telecasts, $100 million was pledged in 2008, $80 million in
2010, and $81 million in 2012.



"We are delighted that the major Canadian broadcasters are uniting to
launch Stand Up To Cancer Canada and will be co-broadcasting for
Canadian viewers. Funds raised from the Canadian public through the
show, as well as those we're working to secure from collaborations with
some of Canada's leading research funding and advocacy groups, will go
to support SU2C Canada Dream Teams. That, in turn, will benefit cancer
patients throughout Canada and elsewhere, helping deliver promising new
treatments quickly," said Lisa Paulsen, EIF Canada Board Member and
President & CEO of The Entertainment Industry Foundation.



"For the breast cancer community - raising awareness, working in teams,
and supporting the best research - it's all about standing up to breast
cancer," says Sandra Palmaro, Co-CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation. "With continued support and commitment from CIBC, we are
very excited for the opportunity to accelerate breast cancer research
and improve outcomes for women and men who have experienced breast
cancer."



"Cancer patients are fighting for their lives. Every moment, every day,
every week counts," said Pamela Fralick, president and CEO of the
Canadian Cancer Society. "What we want is better answers, faster. The
SU2C model is one way of speeding up the clock on research and finding
solutions. That really resonates with the average Canadian or American
contending with cancer or helping a loved one who is dealing with it."



"All of the Canadian organizations that are pursuing collaborations with
SU2C Canada are bound by a common goal to make a difference in the
fight against cancer. I believe that working as a truly integrated
research effort, we can spur more innovation that will provide added
benefit to Canadian patients soon," said Dr. Tom Hudson, President and
Scientific Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
(OICR).



"Canadian cancer researchers are world-leading in this complex field and
have made significant scientific contributions resulting in improved
outcomes for cancer patients. We hope to forge a new collaboration that
will build on past investments and expedite health solutions for
Canadians and others affected by cancer worldwide," said Dr. Pierre
Meulien, Chair of the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium and President and CEO
of Genome Canada.



"As the leading cause of death among Canadians, cancer has touched all
of us in some way," said Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research. "This initiative demonstrates our
commitment to supporting health research projects that will help
prevent cancer, reduce cancer-related deaths and improve the lives of
patients living with this disease."



Serving as executive producers of the September 5th telecast are Emmy®
Award-winning producer Joel Gallen, president of Tenth Planet
Productions, and Oscar®-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Gallen and
Paltrow will be joined by the in-house Production Team for the
U.S.-based SU2C initiative in planning the show's content.



Illustrating the remarkable progress being made by SU2C research through
profiles of patients who've benefitted from it is a defining feature of
the telecast. Plans for this year's show will include the story of a
Canadian patient currently benefitting from one of the U.S.-based SU2C
program's clinical trials.



The Canadian Cancer Society will work with SU2C Canada on developing
content, including statistics about cancer's impact in this country,
that will scroll on the "lower third" of the screen for the broadcast.
The lower third will also show a Canada-specific toll-free phone number
and web address for donations, and information about Canadian
scientists currently funded on Dream Teams in the existing U.S.-based
program and SU2C-funded research underway at institutions including the
BC Cancer Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, McMaster
University and the University of British Columbia.



A call for ideas for research proposals will be issued by SU2C Canada
after the telecast. The proposals will be reviewed by the SU2C Canada
Scientific Advisory Committee, which will be composed of leading
researchers and co-chaired by Alan Bernstein, O.C., Ph.D., FRSC,
President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
(CIFAR), and Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., Institute
Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and David H.
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT.



"I am very pleased to join Dr. Sharp to put together an outstanding team
of cancer experts that will help launch in Canada a collaborative
approach to cancer research with an emphasis on working across
institutional lines to deliver new treatments and prevention paradigms
in an accelerated timeframe," said Bernstein.



"Cancer is an extremely difficult and complex problem. The Dream Team
approach, in which outstanding researchers work together in a
collaborative manner, is our best opportunity to move promising
treatments from 'bench to bedside' as quickly as possible and benefit
the patients who need them so desperately," said Sharp.


Dream Team Concept and Successes of the US-Based SU2C Initiative


A distinctive feature of SU2C-funded research is the "Dream Team"
concept, in which researchers from different universities or other
institutions come together to share resources and data and work
collaboratively to develop new and innovative therapies for cancer.



The U.S.-based SU2C program has launched 12 Dream Teams, two smaller
Translational Research Teams and awarded 26 Innovative Research Grants
to early-career investigators conducting high-risk, potentially
high-reward research. More than 750 researchers are involved overall,
working at 112 institutions in six countries, including Canada. Over
140 clinical trials have been planned, initiated or launched involving
more than 5,000 patients.



Researchers supported by the U.S.-based SU2C program are investigating a
wide variety of new approaches to various malignancies, including
cancers of the breast, ovary, endometrium, lung, prostate, pancreas,
and colon; metastatic melanoma; childhood cancers including leukemia
and lymphoma; and cancers resulting from human papillomavirus (HPV)
infection, among other forms of cancer.



Projects supported by the U.S.-based SU2C initiative have led to
approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a new
combination treatment for pancreatic cancer, as well as FDA
"breakthrough therapy" designation - intended to expedite development
of especially promising medicines - for a new breast cancer drug.


About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its
largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching
Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio,
television, internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in
the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer
diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight
Aboriginal languages. For more information, visit CBC.ca.


About City

City(TM) television stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton,
Winnipeg, Montreal and Saskatchewan offer viewers intensely-local,
urban-oriented, culturally-diverse television programming. A distinct
alternative to other conventional television stations, City engages its
viewers with dynamic on-air personalities and delivers an entertaining
mix of news, local-interactive formats such as: Breakfast Television
and Cityline; as well as local Canadian and US acquired prime time
entertainment programming. City is a part of Rogers Broadcasting
Limited, a division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE:
RCI) which is a diversified Canadian communications and media company.
For more information on City stations and programming, visit Citytv.com.


About CTV

CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of
quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV
has been Canada's most-watched television network for the past 13 years
in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia
company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and
Out-of-Home. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's
largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found
on the network's website at CTV.ca.


About Global

Shaw is a diversified communications and media company, providing
consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home
Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite
direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming
content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.2 million customers,
through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one
of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global
Television, and 19 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food
Network Canada, HISTORY® and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto
and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index
(Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, NYSE - SJR). For more information about Shaw,
please visit www.shaw.ca

About Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is the leading community-driven
organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast
cancer. Its investments in innovative and relevant research and
education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis,
treatment and care. Since 1986, CBCF has been at the forefront of a
nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer
community. For more information, visit www.cbcf.org.


About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization
of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the
quality of life of people living with cancer. The Society provides
cancer information, prevention and support programs, advocates for
healthier public policy and funds impactful research. Thanks to our
donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the
most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our
progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For
more information, visit www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at
1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).


About the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium
The Cancer Stem Cell Consortium (CSCC) is a not-for-profit corporation that was incorporated in 2007 to
coordinate an international strategy for cancer stem cell research and
related translational activities. Current Consortium members include:
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Canadian Institutes of Health
Research (CIHR), Genome Canada, Michael Smith Foundation for Medical
Research, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and the Stem
Cell Network.


About the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of
Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create
new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved
health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened
health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR
provides leadership and support to more than 13,200 health researchers
and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca

About Genome Canada
Genome Canada is a catalyst for developing and applying genomics and genomic-based
technologies that create economic and social benefit for Canadians.
Genome Canada: connects ideas and people across public and private
sectors to find new uses for genomics; invests in large-scale science
and technology to fuel innovation; and, translate discoveries into
applications, new technologies, societal impacts and solutions across
key sectors of national importance, including health, agriculture,
forestry, fisheries & aquaculture, energy, mining, and the environment.
For more information, visit www.genomecanada.ca.


About Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

OICR is an innovative cancer research and development institute
dedicated to prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of
cancer. The Institute is an independent, not-for-profit corporation,
supported by the Government of Ontario. OICR supports more than 1,600
investigators, clinician scientists, research staff and trainees
located at its headquarters and in research institutes and academia
across the Province of Ontario. OICR has key research efforts underway
in small molecules, biologics, stem cells, imaging, genomics,
informatics and bio-computing. For more information, please visit the
website at www.oicr.on.ca.


About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. The company
operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting
consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and
businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's
products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as
shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier,
more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow on Twitter @MasterCardCAnws, or join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for
the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.


About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business
that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of
prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular,
metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection
and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries
and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients
worldwide. The company's Canadian headquarters are located in
Mississauga, Ontario.


About the U.S.-Based Stand Up To Cancer Initiative

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of
research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.
The U.S.-based SU2C program, part of the Entertainment Industry
Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established
in 2008 by film and media leaders who utilize the industry's resources
to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer
research, and to increase awareness about progress being made in the
fight against the disease. As SU2C's Scientific Partner, the American
Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory
Committee led by Nobel Laureate Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., Institute
Professor at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, conduct rigorous, competitive
review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend
for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review
of research progress.


About the Entertainment Industry Foundation

Stand Up To Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation
(EIF), the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that serves as the
collective philanthropy for the television and film businesses. EIF has
distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support programs
addressing critical health, education and social issues. For more
information, visit www.eifoundation.org.


About EIF Canada / Stand Up To Cancer Canada

EIF Canada, a Canadian registered charity (Reg. # 80550 6730 RR0001),
founded by the U.S.-based Entertainment Industry Foundation, was
established to conduct charitable programs in Canada addressing health
and other issues. Stand Up To Cancer Canada (SU2C Canada) is a program
of EIF Canada that raises funds to support collaborative research
teams, as well as education and awareness programs conducted in Canada.



For more information, please visit www.standup2cancer.ca.


SOURCE CTV

CTV

CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACTS:Pennant Media Group Ltd.
Kevin Pennant - kp@pennantmediagroup.com
Amira de Vera - amira@pennantmediagroup.com
416-596-2978 Stand Up To Cancer Canada
Jane Rubinstein - jrubinstein@standup2cancer.ca
516-993-0708


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