London philanthropists put $1 million into cancer fighting fecal transplantation
A London couple, already known for giving to the community, has donated to a study into how poop could help fight cancer.
Andy and Helen Spriet have pledged $1 million to ramp up the program at the London Regional Cancer Program.
The trial involves the clinical transplantation of fecal matter from a healthy person into a person battling cancer.
The stool from the healthy donor is processed into a small capsule.
The goal is to improve the gut health of a cancer patient by strengthening their immune systems.
Already, the program has benefited some late-stage melanoma patients.
But thanks to the Spriet donation, research will expand into pancreatic, kidney, and even lung cancers.
Primary researcher, Dr. Saman Maleki, is grateful the million-dollar gift will enable his team to broaden their scientific studies. But, he said extending the lives of cancer patients will be the ultimate measurement.
“If they get to see another child get married, maybe go on vacation. That’s why we do what we do.”
London Health Sciences Foundation President and CEO, John McFarlane agreed and added the funds will ensure London Health Sciences Centre remains at the “forefront of discovery.”
For their part, Andy and Helen shared family ties to cancer as one reason to give.
But the philanthropists also want to support overall community health and what they call promising research.
"We feel we are very fortunate, so we like to share,” expressed Helen.
“Everyone knows cancer, the Big C, is a problem health-wise, and this looks like a really exciting approach to solving some of the problems with cancer,” noted Andy.
“To see positive results so quickly, we’re very enthused and looking forward to more results.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.