CBC's Dr. Brian Goldman and Dan Hill blend art and science to inspire people to leave a legacy that will help change cancer forever

LONDON, ON, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - On Friday May 31st, Dr. Brian Goldman, host of CBC's White Coat, Black Art and Grammy and Juno award-winning recording artist Dan Hill are supporting the Canadian Cancer Society's Legacy Planning campaign by headlining an event at the Hilton London that will bring together donors, survivors, cancer researchers and volunteers to highlight the impact that legacy planning has on the fight against cancer.

Dan Hill will candidly discuss cancer and his personal experience with the disease.  He will also talk about his efforts towards providing hope and putting an end to cancer.

"Cancer is a disease that can strike at any age," says Hill, who was successfully treated for prostate cancer in 2011. "Sharing my personal story gives me an opportunity to inspire people not to sit on the sidelines and just ignore it.  Keep fighting - we're fighting - there is hope."

This year marks the 75^th Anniversary of the Canadian Cancer Society and while great advancements have been made, there is still much to be done. Planned giving has a significant impact on the fight against cancer. A future gift arranged through an estate plan to the Canadian Cancer Society provides the ability to ensure a donor's legacy will be dedicated towards creating a future where no Canadian fears cancer.

"For 75 years, the Canadian Cancer Society has developed a powerful legacy of funding leading-edge cancer research, advocacy and support of Canadians living with cancer, but more challenges lie ahead," says Tony Lee, Director of Leadership Philanthropy for the Canadian Cancer Society., "Legacy gifts have played a large part in our previous accomplishments and we are inviting people touched by cancer to learn how they can continue this legacy."

"London is at the forefront of cancer research in Canada and the community has shown great support at every level for the work of the Canadian Cancer Society.  I'm thrilled that the organization is partnering with Londoners on this initiative," says Dr. Goldman, who is also a highly regarded emergency physician at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital.

Sharing a deep generosity and desire to help others after passing away, one and a half million Canadians have chosen to include charities as recipients in their wills. Each and every one of them has their own individual reasons - but some of the most common are:

• To 'pay back' for support and services received when the donor or a loved one was fighting cancer.
• To extend their generosity beyond immediate family and friends.
• To prevent others from going through a painful cancer journey in the future.
• To honour a loved one, such as a spouse, a sibling or a parent who lost their cancer battle.
• To leave the world a better place.
• To fulfill a spiritual obligation to be helpful to others to the greatest possible degree.

An evening of Information, Inspiration & Transformation will take place 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31 at the Hilton London (Grand Ballroom), 300 King St., London.  Advance tickets are $20 (plus surcharge)/$30 at the door.  Tickets can be purchased online locally at www.ticketwindow.ca or by phone [phone] (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.).

About the Canadian Cancer Society
For 75 years, the Canadian Cancer Society has been with Canadians in the fight for life. We have been relentless in our commitment to prevent cancer, fund research and support Canadians touched by cancer. From this foundation, we will work with Canadians to change cancer forever so fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and more survive. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY: 1-866-786-3934).

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

Red Umbrella P.R. / Charlotte Thompson
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