Nearly 140 members of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network – including patients, researchers, clinicians, administrators and donors from across the country – came together in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from September 26 to 27 for our annual Operational Meeting.
Over two days, participants representing 45 centres across nine provinces shared stories, exchanged ideas and reaffirmed our commitment to finish the marathon against cancer that Terry Fox began 45 years ago.
Celebrating progress, charting the future
The meeting opened with a session led by Drs. André Veillette (Network Executive Director) and Jim Woodgett (TFRI President and Scientific Director), who reflected on the Network’s progress since launching in 2021 and outlined ambitious strategies for sustaining and expanding its impact beyond March 2026, when Phase 1 is set to conclude.
“It was inspiring to come together to celebrate the incredible milestones we’ve reached over the last few years, including sequencing over 10,000 cancer genomes for the Gold Cohort and uniting more than 140 research and funding partners,” says Dr. Veillette. “These milestones demonstrate our unique ability to unite the country for the benefit of cancer patients and lay the foundation for future success.”
Over the next two days, speakers explored central aspects of the Network’s work to date, including:
- Placing patients at the heart of everything we do: Members of the Patient Working Group played a vital role in the meeting, leading a session on the innovative Patient Voices in Research Initiative and participating in panels throughout. Their contributions highlighted the central role patients play in shaping Network priorities, a defining feature that sets this initiative apart.
- Data sharing and access: Leaders and experts discussed the opportunities and challenges of sharing data across jurisdictions. A major milestone was also announced: five research teams across the country will now access data from the Gold Cohort for the first time through a new Network pilot program. The Digital Health & Discovery Platform – also led by the Terry Fox Research Institute – presented progress on building a technology platform to accelerate data-driven precision oncology research.
- Looking ahead to Phase 2: Return of Results and Prospective Enrollment: Clinicians and researchers shared their vision on two major initiatives that will take shape in Phase 2: increasing prospective enrollment of new cancer patients into precision oncology trials, and the return of germline results (or inherited mutations) to patients and their family members – efforts that bring precision medicine directly to the clinic.
Reflecting the full Canadian Spectrum
A central theme throughout the meeting was ensuring our work reflects the diversity of the Canadian population.
A powerful keynote by Dr. Nadine Caron – delivered two days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – and a session by the Canadian Spectrum Working Group underscored the Network’s commitment to equity, inclusion and meaningful partnership with Indigenous and racialized communities. These sessions served as both a challenge and a promise: that our research will be representative, and its results will benefit everyone equally.
Honouring Terry’s legacy
Beyond the formal sessions, the meeting included moments of deep reflection and connection.
Elder Lucille Ducharme opened the meeting with a moving prayer, and Darrell Fox shared an emotional account of this year’s National Ride of Hope. During the banquet, Network program managers were recognized for their central role in helping the Network achieve sequence its 10,000th case – a tribute to the collective dedication of those who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure the Network functions properly.
On Saturday morning, attendees joined Darrell Fox for a Terry Fox Run through downtown Winnipeg, a tradition that reminds us of Terry’s vision and the shared effort required to finish it.
Guided by patients
Among the 140 attendees were 24 members of the Patient Working Group, whose presence anchored the meeting in its ultimate purpose. Their lived experience and diverse perspectives reminded us that while data and protocols are essential, the heart of our work is – and always will be – improving lives for cancer patients and their families across Canada.
Finishing It … TOGETHER
To every participant who joined us in Winnipeg – in person or in spirit – thank you. This meeting wasn’t just a check-in; it boosted our energy, sharpened our focus and reaffirmed our commitment to the mission we share.
Together, we’re building a future where every Canadian has access to precision oncology, no matter who they are or where they live. This gathering was a powerful step forward, and it prepared us to take the next steps with renewed purpose.
Terry Fox started this marathon 45 years ago. Together, we can finish it!
Photos
- Event photos: All photos from the event, including photos for the MOHCCN reception at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on Sept. 25th, are available here.