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Drew Lyall knew firsthand how well early planning can anticipate and clear the many obstacles that lay in the way of progress to patients. At the same time he saw how challenging it can be to catalyze these types of relationships, and that typical national or provincial granting overwrought and over-thought funding mechanisms often hindered creativity or innovation despite the best of intentions by the fund designers.

The money raised through the Drew Lyall Legacy Fund at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation will be given directly to BioCanRx: Biotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment and is dedicated to providing just this kind of ‘freedom’. Allowing them the flexibility and impetus to focus on novel and less toxic cancer treatments for hard to treat cancer such as melanoma.

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A MESSAGE FROM DREW

“This is not a message I thought I would ever have cause to write – none of us ever would! As many of you know, just over seven years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

If caught early, the 10-year survival rights are quite high – over 95% – but if even a little too late, the long-term prognosis is pretty grim. Unfortunately, despite the incredible care I received in Ottawa, my melanoma passed a point of no return.

Those of you who know me well know how passionately I feel about health research and how much more quickly and effectively clinical trials can be initiated by bringing together scientists, clinicians, companies, charities, policy experts and others to collaborate from the outset of projects. With that in mind, as my final act, I have started a fund with $15,000 from my estate dedicated to supporting BioCanRx, the cancer research organization I helped to found. My goal, and my belief, is that if this fund reaches $50,000 it can make a critical difference to BioCanRx and the people whose lives they are working to save, both now, and in the coming years.

We concentrate so much at work on tasks and accomplishments, yet really it is the people we interact with along the way that makes the journey itself so worthwhile, and the final outcomes we achieve so much the greater. You were absolutely part of my journey, and I wanted to let you know that.

My own story, although the end is not what I had hoped, still leaves me with so much faith and belief in what can be done. But my donation alone will not be enough. Together we will help bring focus to novel and less toxic cancer treatments for hard to treat cancer such as melanoma (it is a cause and a calling dear to my heart). Will you help me?”

– DREW

Continue Drew’s Legacy

Drew Lyall was a person like few others. His unwavering commitment and unbridled passion for helping those around him can be felt around the world. He brought his humour and lively intelligence to all aspects of his life, whether as a loving father and husband, a devout sports fan or a champion of leading-edge science. He was a master at building partnerships and bringing people to together to make a difference, especially in advancing research with the very real potential of making significant gains for devastating diseases that currently have no acceptable treatment. This was most evident in his work with the Stem Cell Network and BioCanRx: Biotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment. Drew genuinely believed that we can make this a better world.

Those of us who were lucky enough to call him colleague, mentor and friend remember fondly his playful smile, optimism and ability to inspire everyone he met. We are humbled that his final wish was to create an ongoing partnership between the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and BioCanRx here in Ottawa.

With your help, the Drew Lyall Legacy Fund will grow and continue the work that Drew started but was so disappointed he could not see progress. Through this fund you will be honouring Drew’s drive, his inspired vision, and his memory.

Below are select images of Drew’s cancer journey and life. To have your photo added please email giving@ottawacancer.ca.

Drew Lyall

On behalf of Drew’s family and friends we thank you for making a gift in his memory and helping to create a lasting legacy of hope. We will notify Drew’s family of your special gift.

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MESSAGES IN LOVING MEMORY OF DREW

LEAVE YOUR MESSAGE IN HONOUR OF DREW  AND IT WILL BE ADDED TO THOSE BELOW:

(Jan 25, 2016) Juliann Finch Castell said:

Sometimes one has to think about the legacy they will leave when their time comes. Thank you Drew for the great example you have left, yet again, for others to follow. I will remember times of laughter while we both chuckled working for Pat whilest at C&L – he did like to adopt us foreigners for his eclectic team. We were so fortunate to have landed with such a great Partner. I take to heart the sound advice you’ve left us to cherish our days and never left anything unsaid, especially to our children. Sending my love to you Suzanne, Heather and Matthew. Fondly and with much love, Juliann, Rob and Jack Castell (PS — Let’s get the Drew Lyall Fund up to $100,000+ – I promise to help spread the word and your legacy Drew)

(Jan 23, 2016) Tammy and Stewart said:

What an amazing legacy you have left us!

Creating this foundation is a great way to keep your dream moving forward, helping others. You also have a beautiful legacy in Suzanne, Matthew and Heather.

Our favourite memory is of you telling us that you were learning how to skate and taking lessons so you could make the most of Ottawa winters and to get on the canal.

You lived in a cold wintery climate, so you learned how to skate.

You had cancer so you figured out a way that you could make the best of it by raising awareness and funds to help others.

Amazing! We will miss your spirit but no doubt it will shine on. Xo

(Jan 20, 2016) Yvon said:

It was a privilege to teach one of your children, and I always enjoyed our chats about school or life in general. You will be missed, and by so many.

(Jan 17, 2016) Nancy said:

I was truly astounded to hear this news. Drew you ARE an amazing person and YOU accomplished so much,

Sincerely, my deepest sympathy, it took so much courage for Drew to share his inner thoughts. Please take pride in that courage.

(Dec 28, 2015) Jagoda & Eugen said:

Your note touched us both more deeply than you can imagine. We always remember our times with you fondly and Eugen always talks about how he met you so many years ago at the Chateau during the Coopers Christmas dinner. You left a lasting impression on us both but especially Eugen upon whom it’s hard to leave one, or so it seems.

We all wish that you had better news to share with us. We will take your note and advice to heart. It does seem we spend too much time focused on the things that, in the longer run, don’t matter as much as we think they do in the moment.

You are and will always remain a fond and good friend with whom we’ve had great experiences both personal and professional. Your being in our lives have made them better and happier.

(Dec 18, 2015) Alison said:

Drew, it has been a true honour to get to know you these past few weeks. You are an inspiration to me and I’m sure for so many others, showing how a life well-lived can leave a mark on the world.

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THE FUND AT WORK

Drew Lyall saw first hand how well early planning can anticipate and clear the many obstacles that lay in the way of progress to patients. At the same time he knew how challenging it could be to catalyze these types of relationships, and that typical CIHR, national or provincial granting and funding mechanisms often hindered creativity or innovation despite the best of intentions by the fund designers.

He believed that many organizations could make more happen with $10,000 when they had complete freedom to invest, than $100,000 of new grant money. Sometimes the funds would be invested to an international exchange, other times to a networking event to share ideas, break bread and build the necessary trust for true partnerships to develop. Others investments could incorporate a new Foundation, or a cell manufacturing facility, while other investments helped provide the necessary but mundane tools like a cell phone, laptop or software for the right person.

The money raised through the Drew Lyall Legacy Fund at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation will be given directly to BioCanRx: Biotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment and is dedicated to providing just this kind of ‘freedom’. Allowing them the flexibility and impetus to focus on novel and less toxic cancer treatments for hard to treat cancer such as melanoma.

ABOUT THE OTTAWA REGIONAL CANCER FOUNDATION

The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation is the only local organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer care exclusively in our region.

With support from the community, the Cancer Foundation has invested millions of dollars in the expansion of regional cancer services working to ensure that local residents have the best care close to home; shorter wait times for diagnosis and treatment; access to research and new therapies and overall improved quality of life – which includes the new Maplesoft Centre – Canada’s first centre for cancer survivorship. To learn more visit: www.ottawacancer.ca

ABOUT BIOCANRX – BIOTHERAPEUTICS FOR CANCER TREATMENT

Based in Ottawa, BioCanRx is a national network working to accelerate Canada’s most promising biologically based cancer treatments into clinical trials.

Also known as immunotherapies, these treatments are designed to trigger our immune system in a way that attacks just the cancer and leaves our healthy cells unharmed, while significantly reducing the toxic effects that come with standard chemotherapy and radiation. BioCanRx is provided funding from the federal government’s Networks of Centres of Excellence, and has support from industry, the provinces and many charities across the country, including the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. To learn more visit: www.biocanrx.com

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Together we will help bring focus to novel and less toxic cancer treatments for hard to treat cancer such as melanoma (it is a cause and a calling dear to my heart). Will you help me?”

– Drew Lyall

Giving Tuesday • December 3, 2024

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Your donations, large and small, help people in our community facing cancer.

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