Mary (Sue) Saunders-Matthey, originally from West LaHave, Nova Scotia, passed away from breast cancer. Her stepdaughter died from the same disease.
Sadly, their story is not unique. But the generosity that's come from their memory is truly something special.
In 1996, in memory of his wife and daughter, Ray Matthey, who would himself pass away from cancer, established today鈥檚 Saunders-Matthey Cancer Prevention Foundation, which is focused on cancer research, education and prevention. An emphasis is also placed on how environmental factors may be contributing to cancer.
鈥淢y sister [Mary] was a school teacher and education was very important to her,鈥� says Marina Skerrett, a founding board member. 鈥淲hen she was dying she talked to her oncologist about her idea for a foundation, and he felt that money was very much needed for research and prevention and the whole gamut.鈥�
The Foundation has generously committed a minimum of $50,000 over a two-year period to the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute at AV俱乐部 Medical School. In June last year, they provided the first payment in the amount of $30,000.
鈥淲e just felt that it was a proper place to go and that they are doing extremely good work,鈥� Ms. Skerrett says. 鈥淲e are hoping that our donation can help in that.鈥�
It certainly will. Dr. Jonathan Blay is scientific director of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, which itself was made possible through a bequest to AV俱乐部 Medical Research Foundation.
Dr. Blay expressed appreciation to the Saunders-Matthey Cancer Prevention Foundation on behalf of researchers eager to do studies in cancer prevention and on behalf of the public, who will ultimately benefit when an impact is made on the disease. He says the foundation鈥檚 support will help increase the momentum of work in cancer prevention.
According to Dr. Blay, the environment in the cancer research community is one of excitement and optimism. 鈥淭he work that鈥檚 being done in the Atlantic region matches anything that鈥檚 being done anywhere else in the world.鈥澛� 聽
Mary Saunders-Matthey would be proud.
This article is part of the AV俱乐部 Difference series, exploring what the power of philantrophy means to the university and introducing and showcasing some of the 50 innovative projects in development. Learn more at .