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HealthTap – Get health + Give healthJuly 21, 2015
HealthTap is the world’slargest, most trusted digital health hub providing 24/7 immediate access to personalized, high-quality information and virtual medical care from 71,000 U.S. doctors. “Get health + Give health” is HealthTap’s newest initiative, letting anyone who purchases a virtual consultation to select a charity to receive a virtual consult for free. The HealthTap virtual consult is a window into clinical screenings that can provide a patient with preventative resources that were previously unattainable. Early detection and preventative care makes up the core of what we do, and HealthTap is providing a new outlet to further this objective. The fight against cancer is not a soloist’s battle. Our partnership and collaboration with HealthTap is an exciting honor that will propel our fundamental goals into the coming months ahead. |
It Takes Two (Wheels) to TangoJuly 15, 2015 The Canary Foundation visits dozens of cycling events around the Bay Area yearlong. We’re hard to miss with our big yellow tent, eye-catching posters, and stylish staff (What can I say? We look good in polos!). On Sunday, May 3rd, our big yellow tent was stationed at the 1st annual Silicon Valley Bike Festival at History Park in San Jose, CA. It was a glorious day filled with bikes, entertainment, vendors, and most importantly, awesome people! As the crowds pedaled their way around the various booths and vendors, one woman in particular found the Canary Foundation’s booth to be an awe-inspiring kick-starter of cycling passion. On this sunny afternoon in San Jose, the Canary Team got to meet Amanda Lowrey. It turns out that Amanda didn’t own a bike. Her husband was a hard-core cyclist, and her friends all liked to ride, but here she was, bike-less, at an all-day festival solely promoting the greatness of two-wheeled bipedal locomotion. Later that night, Amanda reflected upon all the people in her life that had been affected by cancer: her father, her grandfather, and various numbers of friend’s parents who had passed away from the disease. She thought to herself how absurd the lack of research in early detection and preventative action was, and how the structure of funding was disproportionality skewed. The thought rang so true in her mind that she decided to do what any sane person without a bicycle would do: sign up for a 75-mile cycling challenge! The old proverb of “crawling before you walk” decided to defenestrate itself altogether; Amanda was now team captain for an activity she had done less than a handful of times. This new cycling venture was not approached on a blind curve, however. Checking out Amanda’s background would show she was one to reckon with in lower body strength. Amanda started dancing at the age of 6, and by college, she had mastered ballet, modern jazz, swing, afro-Cuban modern, and salsa. Currently, she dances with a company called Salsamania based out of Oakland, CA. Saying she knows how to move her feet well would be the understatement of the century, which brings us right back to the main attraction: the bike.
In her honest words, Amanda didn’t know what gears were, nonetheless how or when to shift them. She had to learn the proper mechanics the hard way up Mt. Eden when she toppled over, stuck in the highest gear. The good news was that she didn’t make that mistake twice! Since that minor hiccup, Amanda has been enjoying the time spent with her husband, and her avid cycling friends, all the while training and raising money for a great cause in the process. On June 13th, Amanda joined us on our Captain’s Appreciation Ride, where we went for a total of 30 miles from the Canary Center, up Mt Eden, and back. Amanda felt completely comfortable at our pace while she tackled Mt. Eden once more, this time shifting gracefully without a single tumble.
Amanda’s story goes to show that even the most novice participants can accomplish wonders with a determined mindset. As a non-profit working on innovating early detection diagnostics for 10 years, we here at the Canary Foundation can truly relate to Amanda’s spirit. Canary knows there is a finish line in sight, but until we get there, we will just have to enjoy seeing Amanda cross hers on September 26th. From all of us here at the Canary Foundation, keep at it, Amanda! |
Three’s CompanyJune 23, 2015
Remission can be a time for unfathomable gratitude, yet staggering uncertainty. Five years had passed since Jim Olwell’s last treatment, and Jim was back to his healthy self again. Like a cycling crusade, Jim was armed with a newfound cause inspiring him to sign up for multiple cancer charity rides throughout Davis and San Jose. Steve Dakin joined Jim in his effort and formed team “Spartan” after De La Salle’s mascot. It was April of 2014 when Jim signed up for his first Canary Challenge bike ride with his wife, Wendy, fellow friend, Steve, and several other friends from Steve’s work. Training for this was smooth sailing until summer rolled around, and Jim’s pace dramatically shifted. Molehills became lung crushers, and long climbs were completely out of the question. Jim knew there was something wrong. In September, Jim went to his doctor to run several blood tests. For two days, Jim had a nosebleed that just wouldn’t quit. Jim’s wife, who is also a nurse, finally convinced Jim to head to the ER where more tests were given. It was Jim’s 56th birthday, September 18th 2014, when Jim found out his cancer remission took a huge backpedal; Jim was now battling against chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Hopes of completing the 100-mile Canary Challenge Century had dwindled down to a wavering 5k walk. On top of this, Jim’s nurse notified him that his blood transfusion would be set to go the morning of the 27th – the day of the Canary Challenge. Jim’s family was determined to get him on his bike one way or another. When the nurse gave the news about Jim’s blood transfusion, Wendy took the nurse aside and worked her magic to advance the transfusion to Friday the 26th instead; singlehandedly saving the day that Jim was training for all year. This was thrilling news to hear, even in Jim’s uncertain condition. On the morning of the Canary Challenge, Jim was shocked when he was presented with yellow “Team Jim” t-shirts, and a tandem bike from a Los Altos bike shop: a collaborative and loving scheme from Wendy and Steve to secure Jim’s wish to ride the Challenge. The generous gesture brought Jim to tears. When the Canary Challenge began, Steve took the backend of the tandem for the ride, becoming Jim’s workhorse for the whole day. Even Wendy, who would typically never be one to ride for enjoyment, rode along side Jim and Steve in support of her husband. When the three of them crossed the finish line, the Canary team was there to congratulate Jim, and ask him why he rides. Jim’s emotions left him speechless, with nothing but tears flowing from his cheek. To us, that was the best answer we could have gotten. Here at the Canary Foundation, we are always striving to provide a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer. That is why it brings us great pride when some of our most stoic and unwavering riders let us hear about it. In Jim Olwell’s own words: “There are many great rides benefitting many great causes. As long as I can ride, I will find a ride that benefits cancer research. I will ride the Canary as long as I can balance on a bike. I do hope to be able to complete the 100-mile someday (though the 8000+ feet of climbing is daunting), though I would rather ride – and finish – with my friends and wife. Then enjoy a meal and beer with them!!”. We hope so, too, Jim. We hope so, too. |
You at Heart: The Canary MissionJune 8, 2015 In light of recent controversy surrounding the distribution of funding for a handful of cancer foundations, we at the Canary Foundation feel compelled to reiterate our responsibility and foundational credo. The Canary Foundation was founded with one ultimate goal in mind: to establish safer, more accurate, and more cost effective ways of diagnosing cancer early. This objective purpose is what wakes us up in the morning, roasts our coffee, rolls up our sleeves, and puts our heads down to work. We are a small team of dedicated people with the spirit of a scrappy startup, but the prowess of non-profit industry veterans. We empathize, first hand, with the tragedies of cancer, as well as with the fortitude that comes from overcoming it. We know that every dollar, dime, and nickel we receive was raised by hard-working individuals who put in good faith that their financial efforts are going towards a cause that is bigger than themselves. We believe that as an established cancer foundation, it is not what we say, but what we do that should earn the hope and trust of the community. We recognize and acknowledge this, praise and honor it. That is why we strive towards earning your respect by accomplishing our goals in the most responsible ways possible.
The Canary Foundation is disrupting the current model of dollars invested to revolutionize the outcomes and save lives. We can’t take credit for this alone, however. With our partnerships and collaborations with Stanford Medicine and the Canary Center at Stanford, we have developed new imaging technology and biomarker identification methods which have enabled science to peer into cells, tissue, and tumors in ways never before possible.
Fraudulent cancer foundations break our hearts as much as anyone else’s, but it is perseverance through adversity that defines us at Canary, which is what prides us in the work we have accomplished thus far. Although we have many steps to take towards our fundamental goal, it is an optimistic vision no less, that fuels our mission along the way. To all of our donors, volunteers, scientists, readers, and supporters, thank you, and best wishes as we continue with our work moving forward. Sincerely, The Canary Team
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Showing Cancer the BirdMay 19, 2015
Diana Handy grew up loving animals. This she attributes to her mother who raised Diana on a healthy dose of nature and the outdoors. When Diana was a young girl, she used to gaze upon the bird feeder, nestled in the magnolia tree of her front yard, with an awe-inspiring curiosity of the birds that perched upon it. It was there that Diana’s mother helped Diana identify birds for the first time; thus nurturing Diana into the nature loving, bird watching enthusiast she is today! |
Photofantasm Soundgarden + Canary FoundationMay 18, 2015
The heart of this book is a section devoted to the loving memory of an extraordinary friend and Soundgarden fan who courageously fought cancer. |
Stanford Research Uses Tumor-activatable Minicircles for Early Detection of CancerMarch 10, 2015 New work from the Gambhir Lab published in PNAS uses a unique strategy to force tumor cells (if they exist) to produce a blood biomarker that would otherwise not be present. This approach holds significant promise as a new way to tackle the early detection of cancer because it is not dependent on molecules that cancer cells naturally shed that enter the blood. |
Canary Center at Stanford Internship ProgramJanuary 22, 2015 As part of our efforts to train the next generation of scientists, we offer a paid and unpaid summer internship program. Canary Center interns will work in faculty labs for a 10-week internship in our state-of-the-art research facility. Each participant will be matched with a faculty, postdoctoral scholar, or senior scientist mentor who will help them craft a research project. The successful applicant can expect to work in a dynamic lab environment on challenging projects that involve a broad range of research techniques. The program also includes a series of weekly seminars on early cancer detection research, conducting scientific research, careers in science and the chance to interact with other interns. The program culminates with a research symposium, where students present individual talks or posters on their summer projects in front of their peers, faculty and lab mentors. Click here to view more information about the internship and to apply |
Progress to PatientsJanuary 8, 2015 Canary’s 10 year journey from tests to clinical trialPlease join us on March 26 for a luncheon to hear from a panel of scientists, moderated by founder Don Listwin about what has progressed in 10 years of early cancer detection research and where we are going. You will also learn about our advancements from Sanjiv (Sam) Gambhir, MD, PhD, Chair of Radiology and Director of the Canary Center at Stanford. |
Annual FundOctober 24, 2014 We never want cancer to be suspected in a loved one, but when it is, we want to know it will be found before it has spread. Cancer early detection tools have not caught up to the fast-paced technology of our smart phones. Your involvement is at the heart of Canary Foundation’s research progress in early detection. We are pleased to share the latest news below and ask that you make a gift to Canary Foundation in the upcoming giving season. Our first piece of news is that the FDA has approved clinical trial use of microbubbles – a technology Canary had been early to invest in – for enhanced ultrasound imaging. This monumental milestone opens the door to move this safe, inexpensive and ubiquitous technology forward to improve diagnosis of prostate, ovarian, breast, pancreatic and other cancers. Our Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS) has enrolled more than 1000 men, producing tens of thousands of critical tissue and fluid samples while offering participants an alternative to immediate surgery after diagnosis. Also, PASS has attracted millions in government dollars, including a recent grant to help PASS work directly with industry partners, exponentially advancing Canary’s strategy to bridge academic research and the marketplace. Our partnership with Stanford University- the Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection – has grown since the move to Stanford’s Technology and Innovation Park. With better space, infrastructure and equipment, the center has attracted top faculty members such as Utkan Demirci, coming from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Demirci has a special background in real-time diagnostics using hand-held and other devices. Our lung team is participating in M.D. Anderson’s moonshot program (named after the U.S.’s determination to put a man on the moon) with a drive to end to cancer. Dr. Sanjiv Gambhir will lead the Stanford site in a multi-institutional clinical trial to improve lung cancer diagnostics by pairing CT scans with a blood test. Finally, we continue to conduct important biomarker discovery research in our breast and pancreatic cancer programs. Better tests in the doctor’s office will save lives. With your help, we have been picking up the pace to develop urgently needed tools. Please help us keep this momentum by making the best gift possible. |
The Canary Foundation is absolutely thrilled to be a beneficiary featured in the 
Amanda went to her local bike shop and purchased herself her first road bike and clipless pedals soon after signing herself up for the Canary Challenge. Her first ride on the trail went without a hitch, and at a respectable 25 miles, she was showing her new bike how to tango! Her next few rides, however, were more trial by fire.
Two months out from the Canary Challenge 2015, and Amanda is making some serious headway in her training log. In just a few weeks Amanda has gone from newbie to weekend warrior, putting in 30-mile rides or more, every weekend with her team. Amanda plans on upping her game week by week to get her fully in shape for those hilly climbs on the 75-mile course. At her pace, she should have nothing to worry about! On the fundraising side of things, Amanda has passed the minimum donation, and is almost halfway to her ultimate goal of $1000. She has even branched off and started helping her teammates out with networking and donations to make sure that everyone is on track. In just a few months, Amanda has truly earned her stripes as Team Captain, as well as earned her badge as a hard-core cyclist.
Jim Olwell knows a thing or two about pacing yourself. He might not be the racingtype, or even a weekend warrior per se, but Jim’s cycling credentials would leave other carbon-fibered newbies in the dust. For starters, Jim has biked to work for the past 17 years of his 34-year teaching career at De La Salle High School; putting in a mind-boggling number of miles, one can only imagine. Jim has also toured up and down the Pacific Coast on multiple occasions too – going his own pace no less – which means more time to soak in the view! Even in his college days you could have seen Jim riding to class or throughout downtown Davis: one of the nation’s friendliest cycling communities. Jim’s relationship with his bike was a match made in cycling heaven, but what the road didn’t foresee, however, was Jim’s diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2007; a diagnosis that would bring Jim’s cycling days to a brake-screeching halt. In July of 2008, after Jim’s rehabilitation, Jim and his wife, Wendy, went to cheer on their beloved friend, Steve Dakin, at a cancer charity ride in San Jose. This inspiring day would soon pave the way for Jim’s cycling rebound, as well as mentally prepare himself for the bumpy road ahead.
Since our inception in 2004, the Canary Foundation has been dedicated to a policy of honest transparency. Each year we publish an 
Here at the Canary Foundation, one could say that we have an inherent fondness towards birds. So when Diana Handy approached us with an idea to put on an all-day bird watch to raise money for early detection cancer research, it certainly didn’t ruffle our feathers.
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