NLIS 3
September 13, 2002
(Health and Community Services)

 

The following is being distributed at the request of The Power of Life Project and its partners:

Cancer organizations, private sector and government launch unique new cancer initiative

The Newfoundland and Labrador Division of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation are pleased to announce that they are joining forces with Newfoundland Power Inc. (TSX:FTS) and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on a new cancer awareness and fundraising initiative, The Power of Life Project.

"The Canadian Cancer Society believes that prevention and early detection are key elements of controlling cancer in this province, and The Power of Life Project is a unique opportunity to accomplish more in these areas than we ever have before," says Linda Borden, president of the board of directors, Newfoundland and Labrador Division of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The Power of Life Project is a comprehensive and collaborative approach to cancer awareness and prevention in Newfoundland and Labrador. The project is unique in that for the first time ever, the key cancer organizations in the province are joining with a private company and government to raise funds to support the development of a program focused on the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, healthy living and cancer treatment.

Bertha Paulse, chief executive officer, Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation (NCTRF), applauded all the partners for developing The Power of Life Project. "It is predicted that by 2015, the number of newly diagnosed cancer cases will more than double. The incredible burden that this will place on the NCTRF and other health delivery systems, support programs, our economy and patients and their families reinforces the importance of programs such as The Power of Life," said Ms. Paulse.

"We are sincerely grateful for the support of Newfoundland Power and its employees who have committed to purchase a CT Simulator used in the delivery of radiation therapy," she added.

This equipment will help achieve efficiencies in the planning and treatment of cancer patients. Specifically, this new technology will reduce the amount of time oncologists spend planning a patient�s radiation treatment, enabling more patients to be seen per day. The CT Simulator is being purchased through the Give to Feel Good Campaign.

The partners have established a goal to raise more than $1 million over the next four years. Newfoundland Power will contribute approximately $625,000 in cash and in-kind support over the life of the project. Additional funds will be raised through customer and employee contributions via Newfoundland Power�s billing and payroll systems.

"Newfoundland Power believes strongly in this project and is committed to assisting with raising funds to help the people of this province," says Philip G. Hughes, president and chief executive officer, Newfoundland Power Inc. "We have rallied support from our employees and are encouraging our customers to get involved, so that we all work together to help control cancer."

The Power of Life Project complements the directions outlined in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s recently released Strategic Health Plan. To support the project, government has committed to matching a portion of Newfoundland Power customer, employee and corporate donations on a 2:1 basis.

"We are very pleased to join in this partnership to help in the fight against cancer," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services. "This project will support and advance the work forthcoming from our Wellness Strategy. The Power of Life Project is an example of the type of partnerships that can help improve the health and well-being of the people of this province."

Experts estimate that 70 per cent of cancer can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, such as good nutrition and physical activity, and avoidance of risk factors such as tobacco and overexposure to the sun.

All of the partners involved are confident that great strides will be made in controlling cancer in this province through The Power of Life Project and look forward to public support.

Media contact:

Bob Pike, Newfoundland Power
(709) 737-5674

Diane Keough, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-1377

Brenda Lockyer, Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation
(709) 777-7591

Peter Dawe, Canadian Cancer Society
(709) 753-6520

2002 09 13                                     10:00 a.m.


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