Kelowna couple’s latest donation a ‘historical’ $1.5M gift for cancer care

Ken and Gloria Sargent are no strangers to philanthropy and they love to support Kelowna healthcare.

The local couple made a significant contribution to help bring a PET/CT scanner to the city in 2020 and helped support the BC Cancer Foundation’s recent $6.1-million fundraiser to establish a Systemic Therapy Suite at BC Cancer - Kelowna.

Today, the BC Cancer Foundation announced a “historical gift” from the couple, as they’re donating $1.5 million to launch BC Cancer - Kelowna’s first ever Surgical Oncology Research Program.

“Over the years, we have watched BC Cancer - Kelowna grow into a centre of excellence, driving global advancements and providing exemplary care,” says a statement from Ken and Gloria.

“It fills us with hope for the future, knowing that generations to come will continue to benefit from world-class care and research, right here at home.”

Sarah Roth, president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, said that the couple’s gift will “have a profound and lasting impact” on cancer care throughout BC.

Surgical oncologists are highly-trained specialized surgeons trained to diagnose, stage and remove cancerous tumours.

While cancer surgery has traditionally meant radical organ removal, which can lead to long, challenging recoveries and life-altering outcomes, today’s researchers are pioneering less invasine methods.

That includes more precise techniques and multidisciplinary approaches that better integrate surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation to improve patient outcomes.

“Cancer care has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Where there were once limited options, patients now have numerous potential treatments,” explains Dr. Chris Baliski, BC Cancer’s regional surgical oncology lead.

“Thanks to the Sargents’ generosity, our new research program will allow us to ensure patients are receiving the best treatment – or combination of treatments – at the right time.”

In recognition of their ongoing contributions to local healthcare, including today’s transformational donation, BC Cancer - Kelowna announced a new name for its Molecular Imaging and Therapy Suite.

It will now be called the Ken and Gloria Sargent Molecular Imaging and Therapy Suite.