PhotoSensitive's Cancer Connections Photography Exhibition Launches a Two-Year Nationwide Tour in Partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society and Sponsored by Chase Canada

    Canadians are encouraged to submit their photos and help engage the
    nation in conversations about cancer

    TORONTO, May 20 /CNW/ - Three-year old Alaya takes a break from her
leukemia treatments by playing with her seven-year old brother and bone marrow
donor Jayke. Twins Gladys and Lalie celebrate their 90th birthday and being
cancer free since their diagnosis of breast cancer 17 years ago. Holding his
father's firefighter helmet close to his heart, Simon remembers his dad. Faced
with cancer from the age of nine, Matthew proudly graduates from college this
year.
    These are just a few of the hundreds of images and stories being unveiled
today at the national launch and opening of Cancer Connections - a travelling
photo exhibition of black and white images showcasing the broad range of how
cancer affects the lives of countless Canadians.
    The national launch, being held today, at Nathan Philips Square features
speakers:

    -   Sharon Hampson from 'Sharon, Lois & Bram' will emcee the event.
        Sharon is a two-time cancer survivor, a 'Cancer Connections' photo
        subject and a member of the Order of Canada,
    -   His Worship Mayor David Miller,
    -   Andrew Stawicki, award-winning photographer and co-founder of
        PhotoSensitive,
    -   Peter Goodhand, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, and
    -   Rob Paterson, president, Chase Card Services.

    Demonstrating how we are all connected and that "a picture tells a
thousand words", performance troupe Anti-Gravity will feature an original
choreographed performance developed especially for Cancer Connections. This
troupe incorporates acrobatic and dance skills from many physical disciplines,
merging athletics and aesthetics into its own art form.
    PhotoSensitive, a non-profit, national collective of photographers
determined to explore how photography can contribute to dialogue and impact on
important issues of the day, has partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society to
bring the Cancer Connections exhibition to major centers in each province
through to 2010, including Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Montreal,
St. John, Halifax, Charlottetown, St. John's, Toronto and Ottawa.
    Chase Card Services, the event's presenting sponsor, is the credit card
division of JPMorgan Chase & Company. Chase Card Services is the second
largest issuer of Visa and MasterCard globally.
    The inaugural Cancer Connections exhibition in Toronto features 300
images by professional and amateur photographers and will grow to 1,000 images
for its grand finale in the nation's capital in 2010. The inaugural exhibition
runs from May 20, 2008 through June 9, 2008 in Toronto. A virtual exhibition
will run concurrently on the Cancer Connections website
(www.photosensitive.com) and also will be permanently captured in a book and
DVD.
    Canadians are invited to submit their photos. Details are available on
www.photosensitive.com.
    "The vision of PhotoSensitive and the purpose of Cancer Connections is to
invite Canadians to tell their story of living with cancer, in their own
words, through the power of black and white photography," says
Andrew Stawicki, co-founder of PhotoSensitive. "This sharing will be a
catalyst for engaging and connecting the nation in conversations about
cancer."
    So many people in Canada, and the world for that matter, live every day
with cancer whether as a patient, a survivor, a medical professional, a
caregiver or a loving, supportive family member or friend.
    "With two in five Canadians facing a diagnosis of cancer in their
lifetimes, Cancer Connections' powerful images will help connect Canadians and
spark conversations," says Dr. Barbara Whylie, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society.
"This exhibit provides a unique, accessible way to bring people, communities
and the nation together."
    "These photos reveal what's at the heart of dealing with cancer - it's
very real and very personal. No two stories are the same. While many people
may hear the words 'you've got cancer', each person's life is affected
differently by those same words," says Peter Goodhand, CEO, Canadian Cancer
Society, Ontario Division. "And that's why the Canadian Cancer Society listens
and then provides personalized information and support to help patients and
their loved ones live with and beyond cancer."
    Both Photosensitive and the Canadian Cancer Society hope that
conversations about cancer - formal and informal - will take place in small
communities and major centers from coast-to-coast as Cancer Connections
travels across the country. Many will take place at the exhibition itself,
around the DVD or coffee table book, and at events and activities organized by
the Canadian Cancer Society.
    PhotoSensitive is, with the permission of June Callwood's family,
dedicating Cancer Connections in her memory to honour her life and work.

    PhotoSensitive is a non-profit, national collective of photographers that
harnesses the power of the camera to contribute to dialogue and impact on
important issues of the day. For the past 18 years, the sum of these visions
has provided compelling social comments on issues such as AIDS, child poverty,
hospital care, health, racism, injustice, literacy among First Nations
peoples, and the aftermath of the tsunami disaster, to name a few. Cancer
Connections is its most ambitious project to date. Utilizing photographers
across Canada to photograph issues that impact the well-being of Canadians,
PhotoSensitive uses the camera to tell a story, spur viewers to action and
change the world, one photo at a time.

    Canadian Cancer Society

    The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community based organization of
volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of
the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more
about cancer visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free,
bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

    Chase Canada

    Since 1965, JPMorgan Chase has provided Corporate and Investment Banking
products and services to the Canadian market under the JPMorgan brand. In
2005, the company expanded and became the credit card issuer of the Sears
MasterCard and Sears Card in Canada. Now, the company also offers the Marriott
Rewards Platinum Visa Card and the Chase Gold MasterCard under the Chase
brand. JPMorgan Chase employs more than 1,600 Canadians in its offices in
Surrey, B.C., Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario.

                             Media backgrounder:

           PhotoSensitive and the Canadian Cancer Society present
               Cancer Connections: Stories From across Canada

    Newfoundland:
    -------------
    Bradley Dooley. St John's, Newfoundland - 23 years old

    At the age of 6, Brad was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (a
fast-growing, highly malignant tumor which accounts for over half of the soft
tissue sarcomas in children). After more than 60 treatments of radiation, 25
chemotherapy sessions and 10 surgeries, he is now cancer-free at age 23.
    Photographer: Nate Gates

    Prince Edward Island:
    ---------------------
    John Sylvester. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - 52 years old

    "This image is a self-portrait, as I am a cancer survivor. Cancer seems
to run in my family. My mother, father and sister have all suffered the
disease. Four months after my father died from lymphoma, a cancerous tumour
was discovered on my right kidney. The worst time is waiting for the initial
test results. I knew I had cancer but didn't know what type or what lay ahead
of me. As it turned out, I was one of the lucky ones. Surgery removed both the
tumour and the kidney and I was spared chemotherapy or radiation."
    Self-Portrait Photographer: John Sylvester

    New Brunswick:
    --------------
    Heather Sproat. Moncton, New Brunswick - 33 years old

    The photographer was diagnosed with breast cancer in summer 2007 and has
set up a blog relating her experience
(http://www.heather.laphoto.ca/TheStory/Main.html). She says, "Once you know
what you are up against, you can move forward...in order not to be left
behind". Heather is still undergoing treatment and doing well.
    Self-Portrait Photographer: Heather Sproat

    Quebec:
    -------
    Diane Dupuis-Kallos. Montreal, Quebec - 42 years old

    When Diane Dupuis-Kallos' dermatologist removed one of her moles in 2006,
it was discovered to be a stage one melanoma. After 21 stitches and a five
inch scar, the cancer was removed. She now has regular check-ups to ensure it
doesn't return.
    Self-Portrait Photographer: Diane Dupuis-Kallos

    Kevin Lindstrom. Montreal, Quebec - early 20s

    Kevin Lindstrom was a cross-country runner and long distance track star
at high school. At the end of 2006, after his ankle swelled up, a biopsy
revealed that he had osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer). His leg was
amputated in March 2007. He is learning how to walk on his prosthetic and has
started boxing.
    Photographer: Jena Martin

    Marilyn Fichman. Montreal, Quebec - 66 years old

    Marilyn Fichman was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and now does
peer counseling by phone. She also volunteers with a self-help group for newly
diagnosed breast cancer patients at a wellness centre that offers free
programs focusing on healing the mind, body and spirit. She has beaten cancer
10 years now and has appeared on national TV in a show on cancer.
    Photographer: Jackie Cytrynbaum

    Ontario:
    --------
    Angela Wemigwans. Toronto, Ontario - 50 years old

    My coworker Angela was diagnosed with cancer last year. Her statement is
"There can be hope for LIFE after diagnosis and treatment!" Thank you for the
opportunity to submit this image. Angela and I work for a non profit
provincial Aboriginal organization called the Ontario Federation of Indian
Friendship Centers which provides critical services within the Aboriginal
community in Ontario. Cancer rates are shockingly high and rising within our
communities. We are happy to raise awareness not only of the disease but the
fact that it strikes all races as well as all ages. Angela has been
cancer-free for one year now.
    Photographer: Sharon Reynolds

    Barbara Gadaz. Toronto, Ontario - 57 years old

    Barbara Gadaz is battling clear cell carcinoma of the breast, a very rare
form of breast cancer. "No statistics are being kept on this kind of cancer,"
says Barbara. "It does not respond to conventional treatment. Because this
type of cancer is not being researched or funded, I am going to die from it."
    Photographer: Sandra Smith

    Bruce Horak. Toronto, Ontario - mid 30s

    Bruce Horak lost his right eye to retinoblastoma and cancer claimed the
life of his father. He now personifies the disease in a one-man show, "This is
Cancer: Live" with a mandate of healing through humour. He says, "I don't
think there's a more absurd way to deal with cancer than to play cancer".
Bruce is currently living cancer free.
    Photographer: Jill Kitchener

    Christopher Chhatwal. Toronto, Ontario - 23 years old

    Describes himself as a hard core eco kid. He has Hodgkin lymphoma, and is
still undergoing treatment. His interests in animals and art helped him get
through the treatment. He believes being close to nature, having a pet to care
for, following an organic diet, and being in close touch with his inner
strength all helped him "breeze through chemo".
    Photographer: Linda Cresswell and nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital

    Keith Branscombe. Toronto, Ontario - 70 years old

    Keith started taking self-portraits every day from the day he was
diagnosed with cancer to document his experience. He is now living cancer
free.
    Self-Portrait Photographer: Keith Branscombe

    Robyn Smale. Toronto, Ontario - 27 years old

    Robyn was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma stage 2 in 2007. After 4 cycles
of chemo and 20 cycles of radiation, she was given a clean bill of health in
early 2008. She says, "Despite the interruption in my life, I am much stronger
because of it".
    Self-Portrait Photographer: Robyn Smale

    Lorelei King. Toronto - 50 years old

    At the age of 3, a tumour was discovered in Lorelei King's left eye. She
was diagnosed with retinoblastoma and surgeons removed the eye. Since then
King has made a full recovery and gone on to become an active and
inspirational leader in her community.
    Photographer: Kevin van Passen

    Manitoba:
    ---------
    Jon Thordarson. Sandford, Manitoba - 50 years old

    Jon Thordarson lost a kidney and one and a third of his lungs to what
started as treatable bladder cancer. The Winnipeg Free Press Editor rides
25 kms per day, six days a week.
    He is since living cancer free.
    Photographer: Phil Hossack

    Saskatchewan:
    -------------
    Dionne Warner. Regina, Saskatchewan - 42 years old

    Dionne Warner, a four-time survivor of three different types of cancer,
says "I'm a walking miracle". I volunteer to give others hope and have found
how strong I am inside and out".
    Photographer: Irene Tillusz

    British Columbia:
    -----------------
    Kim Tempest. Vancouver, British Columbia - 46 years old

    Kim was diagnosed at 41 with breast cancer. She has had a mastectomy but
is still facing more surgery. Fighting cancer with her great sense of humour,
Kim has written a book about her experience called 'My Right Tit'.
    Photographer: Wendy D

    Yayoi Hirano. Vancouver, British Columbia - 56 years old

    Dancer Yayoi Hirano combines traditional Japanese dance styles with mime
to create her own distinctive dance. She has performed in many countries and
toured Canada. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she had a lumpectomy
and then chemotherapy when the cancer spread. This was followed by radiation,
a mastectomy and reconstruction. She is now well and performing again.
    Photographer: Doug Williams

For further information: and interviews: LCI Associates Inc., (416)
759-9863; Jennifer Lynn, jennifer@lynncomm.ca; Talvi Kuld, talvi@lynncomm.ca;
Grace Lake, grace@lynncomm.ca; Chase Card Services: (302) 282-1100, Tanya
Madison, Tanya.M.Madison@chase.com