The testing showed Bev’s cancer was a match, which meant that instead of chemotherapy and its many side effects, her treatment consists of a single daily pill. “I’m benefiting from scientific advancements and leading a high-quality life,” says the retired nurse and wealth management advisor.

But Bev’s acutely aware that that’s not the case for everyone. She’s advocating for regular screening tests for lung cancer akin to those currently offered for breast, colon and prostate cancer. “I have a sense of responsibility to help those who aren’t benefiting from science,” she says.

That means reaching out to her friends and loved ones to raise awareness and support for lung cancer care and research at Sunnybrook. In 2019, Bev collected nearly $3,000 in donations in lieu of retirement gifts. She added another $24,000 in 2020 through a power walking campaign tied to the virtual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. But she didn’t stop there.

In 2021, she organized Crush it with Bev! The golf tournament “crushed” its $150,000 goal with more than $180,000 in foursome sales, personal donations and corporate sponsorships. The funding was used to purchase a specialized tool for lung cancer biomarker testing. The Ion Chef instrument allows Sunnybrook’s doctors to test tumour samples faster and with greater accuracy.

This year’s golf tournament will support clinical research to test the efficacy of liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive test that detects fragments of cancer cells (biomarkers) circulating in the bloodstream.

Bev is committed to being an advocate for lung cancer at Sunnybrook and says she is putting her community on notice that there’s more to be done. “I’d be ecstatic to hit the million-dollar mark over my lifetime!”

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