Sears Canada Congratulates Sears Childhood Cancer Fellow on Winning Prestigious Award for Neuroblastoma Research

TORONTO, June 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Sears Canada extends sincere congratulations to Dr. Daniel Morgenstern on being awarded the Brigid Leventhal Special Merit Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

As part of Sears Canada's commitment to The Hospital for Sick Children's (SickKids) paediatric oncology program, the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation created the Sears Childhood Cancer Fellowship.  Dr. Morgenstern is the first physician to receive the Fellowship, whose research is partially funded by Sears.

Dr. Morgenstern investigates potential new drugs for neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer where certain nerve cells become cancerous.  Using a large international database of neuroblastoma patients, his winning abstract detailed a study of outcomes of patients with a certain type of metastatic disease.  Findings suggested that the way in which neuroblastoma spreads throughout the body affects a patient's response to treatment and his or her survivability.

"Sears Canada is proud to have played a part in establishing the Sears Childhood Cancer Fellowship that can support world renowned paediatric oncology researchers like Dr. Morgenstern," said Calvin McDonald, President and CEO, Sears Canada.  "The Sears Canada Charitable Foundation is committed to raising awareness and providing funds for research and treatment in the fight against childhood cancer, and we are pleased that the funds we are investing on behalf of customers, associates and the Company are making a difference."

"We are thrilled that the experiences gained at SickKids lead to recognition for our fellows," said Dr. Jim Whitlock, Head of the Haematology/Oncology Division at SickKids.  "It really speaks to the quality of research and training in our childhood cancer program, and we are grateful for the support of Sears Canada for helping to make it happen."

ASCO is a professional oncology society committed to conquering cancer through research, education, prevention and delivery of high-quality patient care.  Each year a limited number of Merit Awards are made to physicians whose research is addressed in high-quality abstracts, and the Brigid Levanthal Special Merit Award is given to the fellow who submitted the top abstract in Paediatric Oncology.

About the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation
The Sears Canada Charitable Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that collects and distributes donations to charitable organizations that support Sears Canada's community investment mandate, which is focused on the healthy development of children and youth in the areas of both health and education.  The health component is centered on raising awareness and providing funds for research and treatment for the fight against childhood cancer. The education component is centered on after-school programs and initiatives, which enrich children's lives and allow them to reach their full potential as contributing members of society.

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.

Contact for Media:
Alicia Richler
Sears Canada, Corporate Communications
[phone]
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