The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation's annual Walk to Conquer Cancer raises $3.6 million
More than 1,500 people gathered at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation's annual Walk to Conquer Cancer — a half-marathon walk and fundraising mission dedicated to creating a world free from the fear of cancer.
This year, the event raised over $3.6 million, bringing the collective impact of The Walk to almost $200 million over its 23-year history.
"The Princess Margaret is Canada's leading cancer research centre, where world renowned doctors and researchers are pursuing the next breakthroughs in early detection, innovative treatments and comprehensive support," said Dr. Miyo Yamashita, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
"Because of events like The Walk, we can support these breakthroughs and help create a world free from the fear of cancer. We are so grateful to everyone who laced up their shoes and took on this challenge today."
Walkers travelled through Toronto's most iconic communities, including Kensington Market, Cabbagetown, Rosedale, The Distillery District and more. The route also included a heartfelt and meaningful pit stop at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where walkers were able to reflect on the monumental impact the organization has had on countless cancer patients and their loved ones.
Canadian fashion icon Jeanne Beker, who spoke at the opening ceremony, hosted the Pink Carpet Fashion Moment — a celebration of team fashion showcased at The Walk. Participants expressed their enthusiasm and support for The Princess Margaret and their fellow walkers through their colourful outfits, memorial t-shirts and other creative accessories.
"The Princess Margaret has been my temple of healing," said Jeanne Beker, also an author, journalist and cancer survivor. "I am incredibly grateful for the amazing care I have received at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and for the steps forward in cancer research that truly make a difference for patients here in Canada and around the world.
"It was inspiring to see so many walkers come out and support The Princess Margaret with their enthusiastic spirit."
UHN receives funding to research genetic disorder associated with cancer
Three UHN research teams have received a total of $1.2 million through the 2025 Canadian Cancer Society-UHN Research Grants on Neurofibromatosis and Cancer: Probing the Links.
This joint funding initiative — supported by the
Canadian Cancer Society, UHN, and the
Toronto Elisabeth Raab Accelerator of Science to End Neurofibromatosis — aims to advance the understanding and treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder associated with an increased risk of cancer.
The program fosters collaboration between cancer researchers and experts in NF1 and related fields to uncover the genomic and molecular drivers of cancer in NF1. This research is part of a growing field of investigation into the relationship between cancer and the nervous system.
The following three projects received funding:
-
Understanding and improving health care for people with NF1
Lead investigator: Dr. Carolina Barnett-Tapia, clinician scientist at UHN
Dr. Barnett-Tapia and her research team are examining cancer development patterns in individuals with NF1. Using data from a registry of over 2,000 patients with NF1, the research team will assess screening practices, cancer types, and patient outcomes. The findings will help inform testing guidelines to support early detection and improve care delivery. -
Finding new ways to treat nerve tumours
Lead investigators: Dr. Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy, affiliate scientist at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM), and Dr. Suganth Suppiah, clinician scientist at PM
This project investigates why some nerve tumours in people with NF1 become cancerous. By studying and altering tumour cell pathways in the lab, the team will shed light on how these cancers develop and test new treatments that could prevent or stop tumour progression. -
Testing tumour immunotherapy in models of neurofibromatosis type 1
Lead investigator: Dr. David Kirsch, Senior Scientist at PM
Dr. Kirsch is exploring whether immunotherapy—a type of treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer—can be effective for people with NF1 who develop aggressive soft tissue tumours. Using experimental models, the research team will test immunotherapy alone and in combination with radiation to identify safer and more effective treatment options.
Congratulations to the awardees. This grant was enabled through the generosity of the Elisabeth Raab Foundation.
UHN nurses present at International Council of Nurses Congress in Finland
Earlier this summer, a group of nurses from various departments across UHN, including the emergency department, acute and post-acute care, collaborated to bring education to the forefront at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress in Helsinki, Finland.
During the five-day event, the group joined nurses from across the globe to share research and best practices, while showcasing how nursing at UHN drives innovation and shapes patient care.
The event was a learning and development opportunity for this group, but also relied on their collective effort to highlight how nursing practices at UHN link to a global vision for the future of health and the nursing profession at large.
At the event, UHN nurses contributed to broader discussions, presented on topics including how to empower post-acute nurses and shared knowledge from professional practice initiatives across clinical specialties, such as rehabilitation, perioperative care, oncology, critical care and more.
Following the event, Valerie Tan, a research coordinator in the department of Collaborative Academic Practice, led the creation of a feature article on the Nursing the Future blog, which was co-authored by the group.
In the article, the nurses that attended the event — including Maja Cardinale, Kim McLeese, Emma Bingham, Ian Alagadan, Karelin Martina, Jennifer Reguindin, Linda Liu, Alyssa Indar, Valerie Tan and Pam Hubley — share key takeaways from their experience at the congress, reflections on nursing leadership and advice for new nursing graduates.
By sharing knowledge and bringing back new insights, this group of nurses demonstrated how global collaboration strengthens local impact in patient care at UHN.
UHN Launches leadership retreats and training sessions to advance Home First initiative
To bring Ontario Health’s Home First directive to life at UHN, a dedicated project team launched leadership retreats to engage leaders and lay the foundation for more timely discharges through a home-and-community-first approach.
Home First provides a structured approach and tools to support timely discharges, improve patient flow and help patients recover at home after hospitalization, by involving patients and families in discharge planning.
In November 2024, leaders from acute and post-acute care, Nursing, Allied Health, and Patient Experience — alongside representatives from Ontario Health atHome, Community Support Services, and patient partners — participated in Home First Leader Retreats. These sessions launched a collective effort to embed the philosophy into daily practice.
In parallel, TeamUHN members joined task forces to co-design tools, workflows and resources for a UHN Home First toolkit. They also organized training sessions to prepare for structured frontline education.
From June to Aug. 2025, the project team delivered online and in-person education to frontline staff across sites. Training focused on early identification of complex discharges, shared accountability, and patient-first communication during transitions.
The Home First initiative, co-led by Brenda Kenefick, Director, Capacity, Access and Patient Flow, Charlene Reynolds, Clinical Director, Mental Health and Allied Health, and Zelia Souter, Clinical Director, Complex Continuing Care/Rehabilitation, brought together contributors from UHN’s clinical, digital, and patient engagement teams to ensure a collaborative approach.
The impact is already visible. Length of stay metrics are improving, and discharge planning begins earlier. The work continues, but the foundation is strong and momentum is building.
Specialized Dementia Unit improves patient care with new renovations
Toronto Rehab's Specialized Dementia Unit (SDU) team, along with researchers, community stakeholders and the UHN Foundation, have reached a milestone in the redesign of the unit: The renovation of the first of two existing shower rooms, providing a more dignified space for patients to receive care.
The new room enhances comfort and safety with calming decor, warm lighting and foldable seating. The original room remains in use and will be renovated using the same design principles.
The design process incorporated best practices identified by researchers from the Kite Research Institute and was funded by the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI). It also included insights from OCAD University students.
Input from patients, a community advisory committee and unit staff also helped shape both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Contributions came from a wide range of disciplines, including occupational therapy, social work, advanced practice, architecture, housekeeping, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and facilities management.
This milestone is just the beginning. Future phases of the renovation will focus on the second shower room, improving unit lighting and redesigning the kitchen and dining areas, continuing the journey toward a more dementia-friendly environment.
