The focus of the Cell Therapy Program at Princess Margaret Hospital is the use of immune cells for the treatment of blood-related cancers. The program’s first clinical study currently under way is targeting leukemia and lymphoma patients using a unique cell with exceptional anti-cancer activity.

The hope is that cell therapy will offer patients a more effective treatment option with significantly less side effects than currently available therapies.

The hospital's Philip S. Orsino Facility for Cell Therapy is the first institution of its kind in Ontario, and one of only a few in North America. The centre specializes in developing immune therapies and cell-specific targeted treatments, as well as working toward engineering tailored transplants to the unique needs of patients.

A $10,000 gift from donor Ingrid Gadsden (not in photo) thanked 14A nursing and medical staff for the exceptional care of a friend. L to R: Brenda Wang, Crystal Dickson, Susan Robinson, Harinder Parmer, Aster Awraris, Laura Rashleigh, Margaret Twohey, (seated) Yssa Faller and Tanya Sam

That's how donor Ingrid Gadsden describes the quality of care her friend Ron Dunn received from the nurses who treat leukemia patients on unit 14A at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Over many months, she visited her ailing friend and witnessed a “peaceful calm, a kind of oasis or safe haven from the storm” on 14A. Particularly helpful was the time the nurses spent clearly explaining every step of treatment. To express her appreciation, she donated $10,000 to the Foundation earmarked for the nurses and medical staff, to make their work place more comfortable and relaxing.

“The team on this floor is terrific so it means a lot when our efforts are recognized,” says Susan Robinson, Nurse Manager in Malignant Hematology.

The Feinsteins view their tribute to their family.

The message is a powerful symbol of hope for this family coping with cancer. In the short space of 14 months, Bernard and a daughter were diagnosed with a form of the disease. A son was recently diagnosed and another son has had cancer for 12 years.

“But we're positive and hopeful. The teamwork and care are fabulous at PMH,” they say.

For Bernard, a long-time PMH donor, the wall provides a tranquil spot to consider memorials and life. He says he hopes it will encourage others to do the same.

The wall, made possible by the generosity of donors James Kinnear and Bridgette Eansor, is a permanent and meaningful way for individuals, families and organizations to pay tribute to loved ones and acknowledge the hospital.

The more than 80 doves etched in glass have already raised more than $1 million. The Wings of Hope Dove Wall is expected to raise more than $8 million when it is full to support cancer research and patient care at PMH.

Doves are available at $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. Payment options include either a one-time gift or a five-year pledge.

So last October, the family organized The Michelangelo Gala – A Celebration of Discovery – to raise funds for testicular cancer research, treatment and patient care. The event, featuring a gourmet dinner, live auction and entertainment, attracted more than 700 guests and netted $220,000 in proceeds for the hospital's Genitourinary Clinic.

Testicular cancer research at PMH focuses on understanding how young men in the prime of their youth – much like Michelangelo's David – develop testicular cancer and how to detect, diagnose and treat it.

For men between the ages of 20 and 34, testicular cancer is the most common form of the disease, but most patients can be cured with surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

Domenic is one such patient, grateful for the excellent care he received, and living proof that research at PMH is saving lives.

The Michelangelo Gala, a dream brought to life by the Dell'Elce family, raised funds for testicular cancer research, treatment and patient care. At the event (L to R), family members Frank, Nella, Domenic, Bernisa, Sandra and Robert.