New systemic therapy unit at Cross Cancer Institute to be named in honour of Gay Young thanks to $5 million in donations to Alberta Cancer Foundation
December 16, 2022 – Alberta – Today, the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Cross Cancer Institute have announced they will be able to relocate and expand their current systemic therapy unit into a larger, brighter, and quieter space that honours the beloved Gay Young. This is all thanks to $5 million in donations from friends and family of Gay.
The new treatment area will allow for much needed improvements regarding the comfort and privacy of those undergoing chemotherapy. It will also provide new treatment beds and chairs, which will allow staff to provide more efficient care. More than 50% of patients facing cancer will need to rely on systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy, and will have appointments lasting as long as six hours, with patients often needing to come back multiple times per week over the span of many months. This significantly more private and quiet area will let in plenty of natural light and provide more space.
“We know the bright minds that work together under this roof have made the Cross Cancer Institute a national leader in ground-breaking research. When we pair this research with compassionate care – we are really changing the way patients face cancer. Our sincerest thanks to those who have helped raise an incredible $5M to create a space that honours one of the most generous members of our community – Gay Young,” says Dr. Chris Eagle, Board Chair of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Gay Young led the way for multiple not-for-profits across the province, dedicating her time, attention and leadership to help many people and organizations. She managed a terminal cancer diagnosis for four and a half years, sadly passing away last year.
“Gay was an incredible mother, wife, friend and community member. I will never forget her giving spirit and determined personality. Gay’s philanthropic efforts have touched so many hearts and homes, and this tribute to her is a beautiful gesture. Gay lit up every room that she walked into, and it seems appropriate to name this new systemic therapy space that will create a much brighter and positive experience for those who need it after her,” says Lynn Mandel, friend of Gay Young.
The official name of the new unit will be the Gay Young Systemic Therapy Unit, located on the 5th floor of the Cross Cancer Institute. Gay Young was treated at the Cross Cancer Institute and is remembered for her warmth, kindness and generosity. This is just a small step in acknowledging the legacy she has created.
“I am grateful to the staff at the Cross Cancer Institute and all the people that helped or supported Gay during her cancer journey. I would like to say thank you to our friends, the community, and anyone else that has given a gift in honour of Gay. I hope this new systemic therapy unit provides hope and comfort as Gay always did,” says Ralph Young, loving husband of Gay Young.
About the Alberta Cancer Foundation:
The Alberta Cancer Foundation directly supports the 17 cancer centres across the province, including the new Calgary Cancer Centre and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. Our purpose is to create more moments for Albertans facing cancer by inspiring our community to give to innovation in detection, treatment, and care. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to invest in research and care initiatives that will provide real-life returns for Albertans facing cancer. We support every Albertan, no matter what type of cancer they face or where they live in the province.
For media inquiries, contact:
Breanne Kraus
Interim VP, Communications & Marketing
Alberta Cancer Foundation
(780) 905-9273
