More than 800 people gathered for A Brilliant Night on October 18 at Le Salon Richmond for the third edition of this chic cocktail dinatoire. Attendees were touched and dazzled by mesmerizing dance numbers and innovative multi-media presentations, while they sipped on champagne and enjoyed gastronomic delights donated by some of Montreal’s finest dining establishments.
It was a brilliant effort that surpassed all expectations, and when all was tallied, the total raised was an incredible $1.223 million! Costs for the event were kept extremely low thanks to those who generously donated time, goods and services and we are proud that 90 per cent of the proceeds will be donated directly to brain cancer research at The Neuro!
These funds support the Brain Tumour Program where researchers are developing individualized brain cancer treatment programs for each patient. Known as precision medicine, this treatment approach for brain cancer allows doctors to tailor treatment to patients' biological characteristics.
Ten years ago, the average survival rate for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) – the most aggressive form of brain cancer – was less than one year. Thanks to recent advances, it is now more than 20 months, with many patients living beyond five years. However, we still have a long way to go to reduce the suffering of patients and their families caused by this disease.
During A Brilliant Night, Chief of Neurosurgery Dr. Kevin Petrecca announced some exciting new research findings. “Now we know many of the changes that occur in brain cells to cause this cancer. And we are now, in a more enlightened way, developing therapeutic strategies to treat this cancer,” he said. “There is absolutely no way this work could have happened over the past three years without the financial support of A Brilliant Night.”
“We owe the success of this event to all the people who, by their presence and participation, accept to be touched by this cause and recognize the importance of fundamental research,” says Marie-Claude Lacroix, an event organizer who lost her 27-year old son Francis to brain cancer in 2010. “Moreover, the teamwork between the scientific researchers and the organizing committee allowed guests to learn more about the progress they are helping create with their generous donations and sponsorships. Thanks to everyone involved!”
A Brilliant Night would like to thank its sponsors BMO, Desjardins, Metro, Agropur, Alre Properties, Apotex, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, CGI, Construction CAL, Fednav, Logistec, Maple Leaf Foods, Normandin Beaudry, Paysafe, Powercorp, Rossy Family Foundation, Transcontinental, Bell, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Jarislowsky Fraser and Vigilant.
