Our Champions
WOMEN GOING BEYOND is a partnership between the Foundation and our team of campaign champions, Helen Edwards, Devon Grewal, Natasha Benn, and Rebecca Burrows.
It's a team driven to go beyond belief, and beyond barriers, for every single British Columbian.
About Helen Edwards
A prominent figure in the Victoria community, Helen can be found wearing many different hats. As part-owner of the Victoria Harbour Cats baseball team, Helen can be found in the front row seats at the stadium during baseball season. As an author you will also find her at local book signing events, or you will run into her at heritage society and genealogy conferences - her other passions. The hat that brings her the most joy, however, is that of a philanthropist. Having lost many family members to cancer, Helen is generously matching donations up to $75,000* to support ground-breaking research that will lead to better outcomes for people diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer.
*Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $75,000 until April 30, 2024 or until the matching funds are depleted.
CONNECTING TO THE CAUSE: IN HER OWN WORDS
I have a personal connection to cancer research as I lost both of my grandmothers to the disease. This experience has motivated me to actively support cancer research, in hopes that future generations will not have to suffer the same losses that I did.
About Natasha Benn
As a director of philanthropic services for a local community foundation, Natasha understands the power of philanthropy and community working together. More personally, on her own journey with hereditary cancer, she believes that awareness is vital when it comes to making decisions about one’s health.
CONNECTING TO THE CAUSE: IN HER OWN WORDS
I am not a cancer survivor, I am a cancer avoider. I have had to be proactive given the strong cancer gene I carry that has taken the lives of so many of my family members, especially my mother and my twin sister, all at young ages. Making the decision to have major surgery to save my life was the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make, especially at a time when I was grieving the loss of my sister. I did not have the benefit of having genetic testing available to determine if I was at risk of inheriting stomach cancer, my decision was soley based on the odds. Having genetic counselling and testing available for families will allow them to be better informed and empower families to make decisions that are right for them.
About Devon Grewal
Special Education leader, BC Cancer Foundation Advisory Council member, mother of two teenagers, hands-on philanthropist. Devon spearheaded the Vancouver Island Women’s Cancer Campaign in 2021, along with BC Cancer Foundation Board member Jessica O’Brien Cameron, to raise awareness about the cancers nobody was talking about in public; women’s cancers. Today, some of the most exciting breakthroughs in cancer care are through women’s cancer research.
CONNECTING TO THE CAUSE: IN HER OWN WORDS
Some Women’s cancers are not always easy to talk about. Culturally, they are often silently fought by those going through treatment and care. I want to bring awareness and support research for women’s cancers for this very reason. Having come from a line of strong women, I know, when women unite, we become powerful, and, together, we can increase awareness for women’s cancers that are not normally discussed openly, and raise money for women’s cancer research and trials that may bring hope for women going through treatment or better yet, a cure.
About Rebecca Burrows
As the owner of four Hughes Clothing stores in Victoria (Hughes, Hughes for Men, Hughes Uptown, and Shoes by Hughes), Rebecca is part of the fabric of Victoria’s community. A leader in business and fashion, she is also a leader in philanthropy; giving generously to support local charities and community initiatives. Rebecca knows first-hand the importance of hereditary cancer testing and the benefits of access to clinical trials close to home. This will be the second year she is organizing a fundraising fashion show to support the Women Going Beyond Cancer Campaign…empowering women through fashion and helping them live their best lives.
COMMUNITY LEADERS
| Page One Publishing | Kirsty Thomson, Willow Wealth Management of Raymond James |
| Novus Properties | Poppies Floral Art |
| Tulle & Tweed Photography | Royal Victoria Yacht Club |
| Times Colonist |