My Mom, Mrs. Pat Alofs, passed away from breast cancer on Nov.2nd, 2002. The final months of her struggle became a life altering experience for me. Working at Princess Margaret, I now see how many people and families are touched and basically have their lives changed by this disease. I was a volunteer in a number of not for profits but I changed my career focus after Nov. 2nd 2003……I joined Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation full time as President and CEO on Septeber 03, 2002. To get myself up to speed for my new job, I worked as a volunteer at PMH during July 2003….what an experience that was. I was overwhelmed by the complexity of the work at PMH and by the emotion of being around cancer patients everyday. Right away though, I saw this as “something I had to do”. The PMHF had an outstanding CEO before me, Mr. Neville Kirchmann, who put the foundation on a great and successful course. Neville, Lionel Robins, and an amazing board of directors, and many many volunteers, created a wonderful opportunity for collective impact. Since joining PMHF on September 3, 2003 and up until November 1, 2009, the PMHF collectively has raised over $390,000,000.00. It has been an absolute pleasure to have been part of this wonderful foundation and group of staff and volunteers over the past 6 years. Together, we have raised over $390 Million for cancer research, clinical enhancements, education and patient care technologies. I think back to early morning November 2nd, 2002 when my Mom finally stopped breathing, I think of the progress and global achievement PMH has made as “One of the Top 5”, and I am more determined then ever to see us “Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime”. November 2nd I will be travelling back from Dublin after a short visit to my daughter Sarah who is studying at Trinity College. We are launching a major campaign in support of the Gattuso Rapid Diagnosis Centre on Nov. 2nd 2009….. I will of course think of Nov. 2nd, 2002… but I will be smiling. Neville Kirchmann, Lionel Robins, Keith Ambachtsheer, Bob Bell, Mary G., Ben Neel, Tak Mak and so many others…..we’ve come a long way and we have a long way yet to go. The best is yet to come!