Black women in Canada face a 41% higher risk of dying from breast cancer than white women. Dr. Tamara Gafoor, a pediatric ER doctor at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, is leading a new movement. She is a breast cancer survivor who turned her pain into purpose.
Dr. Gafoor went through six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, 20 rounds of radiation, and a year of immunotherapy. She then returned to caring for kids and founded More Than a Cure—known as MTAC. This nonprofit aims to restore dignity in care by helping with bills, transport, and childcare.
A 16‑woman board supports MTAC, making sure help is both practical and personal. They offer cold caps and medication assistance. A Harvest Brunch Launch raised $53,000 for direct aid, including support bras and holiday baskets.
Partners across the country are now helping to spread MTAC’s mission. Marylena Sicari news has brought more attention to MTAC’s work at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
This is just the start of a story about science, community, and determination. It’s a call to make every clinic visit count. And to ensure no woman has to choose between treatment and daily life.
Story overview: a Montreal pediatric ER doctor turns survival into social impact
In April 2022, a Montreal pediatric ER doctor was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had to go through scans alone due to COVID rules. Her story shows how treatment can reveal gaps in public coverage.
She saw the challenges of travel, parking, childcare, and the cost of wigs and cold caps. She decided to create a solution for equity in healthcare and real access to care.
From diagnosis to mission: how a survivor founded MTAC to fill care gaps
After her treatment, she founded More Than a Cure (MTAC). MTAC aims to help women by providing financial aid, education, and a supportive network. It focuses on keeping women’s dignity during their journey.
MTAC helps with costs like transport, parking, meals, and rent. They also offer guidance on wigs and scalp cooling. They encourage early screening and provide easy-to-understand tools for navigating care.
Why this Canadian story matters for equity, dignity, and access
Public programs cover treatments, but many women face daily costs that make care hard to access. MTAC works to improve access and provide culturally aware support. They highlight the higher risk of death for Black women and the need for quick help.
The community drives MTAC’s work, from the Harvest Brunch to outreach on Instagram at @morethanacure. They partner with patients, clinicians, and artists. This keeps the focus on equity in healthcare.
Through patient-first design and steady advocacy, MTAC restores agency while easing financial toxicity for underrepresented women nationwide.
Dr. Tamara Gafoor’s breast cancer journey at the Montreal Children’s Hospital
Dr. Tamara Gafoor is a Montreal native and McGill-trained doctor. She works in the Montreal Children’s Hospital ER and leads the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Resuscitation Program at MUHC. Her battle with breast cancer changed her views on care and resilience.
She shares her story on Instagram as “When To Freak.” Her journey shows how stories can help patients when medicine can’t.
Diagnosis in April 2022 during COVID restrictions and navigating imaging alone
On April 28, 2022, she faced imaging alone due to COVID rules. She was masked and had no one to hold her hand. Despite the silence, she knew the scans were serious.
This moment, away from her usual work, tested her resilience.
Six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, 20 rounds of radiation, and a year of immunotherapy
She went through six chemo sessions, surgery, and 20 radiation treatments. Then, she had a year of immunotherapy. Each step required careful planning with her MUHC team.
She learned to ask for help and take breaks to recover.
Returning to the ER: the emotion of coming back to care for kids
She returned to work on February 13. The first hello from a nurse and the first reassured parent were emotional. Being back in the Montreal Children’s Hospital ER was a mix of tears and calm.
Partner support: Dr. Olumide Adeleye, family, colleagues, and community
Her partner, Dr. Olumide Adeleye, supported her at home. Family and friends kept things steady. Colleagues covered her shifts and checked in after treatments.
The community sent meals, notes, and faith. This support, like the marylena sicari profile of creative solidarity, helped her resilience. It showed what patient-first care looks like at MUHC.
Why More Than a Cure (MTAC) was founded to address inequities in Canada
MTAC started because of the high costs of treatment. Families face bills that public plans don’t cover fully. Financial toxicity Canada is real, felt at the pharmacy and parking gate.
In Montreal, MTAC focuses on dignity and quick patient navigation. It offers practical help and human support. This lets women focus on healing. Early donors supported because they see the direct aid.
Financial toxicity in Quebec and beyond: transport, parking, childcare, and medications
Monthly costs can reach $800–$1,000 during active care. Quebec cancer support must cover parking, transport, childcare, nutrition, and drugs not covered by plans. Cold caps, rehab, and supplies are often not covered.
These costs hit hard after long clinic days. MTAC helps so women don’t have to choose between food or rent.
Closing gaps after clinic visits with practical services and human-centred support
MTAC provides rides, fuel cards, and parking support. It also funds cold caps and connects women to physio and counselling. Clear patient navigation helps with appointments, benefits, and language needs.
The approach includes education, advocacy, and wellness. It’s culturally aware and responsive to communities facing higher mortality. It’s amplified by partners and the arts, including the marylena sicari bio.
Making every dollar raised go directly to women in need
Donor trust grew from the Harvest Brunch Launch and careful reporting. MTAC’s model channels each contribution as direct aid to essentials first. It prioritizes speed and clarity.
Funds go to where the gap is sharpest—food, rent, utilities, and medication. It maintains strict oversight for Quebec cancer support and national reach.
| Uncovered Need | Typical Impact on Patients | MTAC Response | Outcome for Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport and Parking | Frequent visits add weekly costs and stress | Vouchers, fuel cards, and hospital parking coverage | Fewer missed appointments; calmer treatment days |
| Childcare During Treatment | Caretaking conflicts with chemo and imaging times | Short‑term childcare support and scheduling help | Reliable attendance and reduced burnout |
| Medications Beyond Plans | High co‑pays or gaps in provincial coverage | Targeted direct aid for essential drugs and supplies | Better adherence and symptom control |
| Cold Caps and Rehab | Identity loss and delayed recovery | Funding for cold caps, physio, and navigation | Improved confidence and faster return to daily life |
| Information Overload | Confusion after clinic visits and missed benefits | Plain‑language patient navigation and follow‑up | Clear steps and timely access to Quebec cancer support |
Addressing the mortality gap for Black women with breast cancer
In Canada, a clear issue exists: Black women face a higher risk of dying from breast cancer. This is due to late diagnosis and barriers in healthcare. MTAC works to ensure equal access to screening, support, and care. They aim to help women get from their first symptom to treatment quickly.
Early action matters. The team pushes for quick doctor visits, fast imaging, and early referrals to surgery. They also provide clear information about treatment options and side effects. This helps women make informed choices without feeling overwhelmed.
Confronting a 41% higher mortality risk with screening, navigation, and culturally aware support
Research shows Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer due to access issues. MTAC tackles this with fair screening reminders, nurse support, and care that respects cultural and personal values.
They help with transportation, childcare, and medication costs to ensure women keep their appointments. Trusted community leaders help women book mammograms and understand their results. They also encourage women to return for necessary treatments without delay.
Early referrals, plain-language education, and equitable access pathways
MTAC makes sure women get quick referrals to surgery and imaging. They also ensure fast contact with primary care after abnormal results. Clear, simple education builds confidence at every step, from biopsy to chemotherapy planning.
They run workshops and offer one-on-one coaching to ensure equal access to care. Stories of advocacy, like those of marylena sicari, show how arts and media can raise awareness. They keep the focus on the needs of Black women with breast cancer.
Outcome-focused support keeps care on track: reminders, travel help, and guides on side effects. This approach aims to close the mortality gap and support Black women with dignity and continuity.
MTAC leadership: a 16‑woman board powering patient-first solutions
Sixteen women lead MTAC with a promise: care always comes first. Their leadership in Canada combines clinical expertise, governance, and personal experience. This ensures every program meets real needs. They connect hospitals, donors, and families across Quebec.
Clinical leaders in breast surgery, emergency care, and family medicine
Dr. Stephanie Wong and Dr. Ipshita (Karen) Prakash lead in breast surgical oncology. They create quick pathways and clear teaching before surgery. This reduces waits and fear for patients.
Dr. Debra Heilpern brings family and sports medicine to safe return plans. Dr. Audrey Dadoun helps parents in pediatric emergency care. She makes transitions from clinic to home smoother.
Wellness, media, and event experts driving fundraising and awareness
Val Desjardins leads in fatigue management during chemo. Jennifer Campbell of Diary of a Social Gal boosts communications. Her stories attract donors and highlight community successes.
Brittany Shiller designs clear patient materials. Her work builds trust and supports fundraising events. This ensures ongoing support for women.
Community advisors and executive volunteers aligning programs with real needs
Community advisors gather feedback on transport, wigs, and cold caps. They share this with the board. Executive volunteers improve operations and governance. This ensures funding reaches women quickly and efficiently.
Madelaine Kojakian and Vanessa Strzelecki plan impactful events. Katia Piccolino at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal enhances donor engagement. Public figures like Marylena Sicari help spread the word and keep messages clear.
| Leader | Focus Area | Key Contribution | Impact on Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephanie Wong | Breast surgical oncology | Rapid surgical pathways and pre-op education | Shorter waits and better decision confidence |
| Dr. Ipshita (Karen) Prakash | Breast surgical oncology | Integrated consults with plain-language plans | Lower stress before and after surgery |
| Dr. Debra Heilpern | Family & sports medicine | Return-to-activity guidance post-treatment | Safe movement and reduced fatigue |
| Dr. Audrey Dadoun | Paediatric emergency | Care navigation for parents in treatment | Smoother clinic-to-home transitions |
| Val Desjardins | Wellness | Strength and fatigue management | Energy gains during chemo |
| Jennifer Campbell | Media & storytelling | Donor-ready narratives and features | Higher visibility for fundraising events |
| Brittany Shiller | Inclusive design | Clear, accessible patient materials | Better understanding of options |
| Madelaine Kojakian | Event strategy | High-impact campaign planning | Reliable revenue for direct aid |
| Vanessa Strzelecki | Event strategy | Donor experience and retention | Year-round giving momentum |
| Katia Piccolino | Hospitality partnerships | Premium venues and stewardship | Stronger donor relationships |
| Community advisors | Patient feedback | Real-time insight on barriers | Programs matched to lived needs |
| Executive volunteers | Operations & governance | Transparent processes and oversight | Faster, accountable support |
Together, this board leadership Canada approach links clinical precision with community care so every voice shapes the next step forward.
What MTAC provides: financial aid, education, wigs, cold caps, and wellness
More Than a Cure makes care practical and human. It offers direct financial aid, education, and appearance support. It also has tailored wellness programs. This way, people can focus on healing, not bills.
Essentials covered: food, rent, utilities, childcare, transport, and medication support
Grants help with food, rent, utilities, and medications when paycheques shrink. Transit and parking costs are eased so treatment stays on track.
Parents can access emergency childcare during infusion days. Seasonal grocery cards and holiday baskets reduce stress when budgets are tight.
Identity-preserving options: custom wigs and scalp‑cooling guidance
MTAC connects patients to expert fittings for custom wigs Canada providers offer, with coaching for day‑to‑day care. Guidance on cold caps helps people weigh benefits, costs, and clinic logistics.
By protecting appearance through cold caps and wigs, many feel ready for work, school runs, or family photos with renewed confidence.
Free workshops on breast exams, chemo and surgery prep, and self‑advocacy
Clear, plain‑language breast cancer workshops cover breast self‑exams, chemotherapy and surgery prep, and how to speak up in appointments. Caregivers can join from home, making learning easier.
Sessions include checklists, questions to ask the team, and tips for organizing test results.
Personalized wellness to improve outcomes and reduce stress
Registered experts guide strength, mobility, sleep, and fatigue plans timed to treatment cycles. These wellness programs include breathwork, gentle movement, and nutrition support that fits real life.
MTAC also backs research on equitable screening and designs kid‑friendly resources for families. Community voices, including support from marylena sicari actress and arts partners, help keep services accessible.
Scalp cooling in Canada: how cold cap therapy helps preserve identity
In clinics from Montreal to Vancouver, people are using scalp cooling to prevent hair loss during chemo. They feel more like themselves at work and home. Getting the right information early makes a big difference.
Confidence matters. Keeping hair helps people feel in control of their story. MTAC offers tips, helps with equipment, and encourages early referrals for cooling.
How it works: cooling follicles to reduce chemo‑related hair loss
Cold caps cool the scalp to near minus 30°C before, during, and after chemo. This cold stops tiny blood vessels, reducing chemo’s reach to hair follicles. Follicles are more likely to stay in the growth phase.
Used for decades in Europe, cold cap therapy is becoming more common in Canada. It helps prevent hair loss without changing the cancer treatment.
Dr. Gafoor’s experience retaining about 80% of her hair
Dr. Tamara Gafoor used scalp cooling and kept about 80% of her hair during treatment. This helped her feel confident and comfortable at work and with her family. Her experience motivates her to make access fair for others.
Her story inspires others. Community voices, including marylena sicari films, help make smart choices for protecting identity.
Access barriers, costs, and the role of early surgical oncology guidance
Barriers include rental fees, deposit costs, and limited clinic inventories. Awareness is uneven, and some patients learn about caps after their second cycle. Early referrals allow time to prepare and schedule caps with chemo.
MTAC works to cover costs and trains volunteers. Early planning improves hair loss prevention and lets patients focus on their care.
| Aspect | What Patients Need | Why It Matters | MTAC and Clinical Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing | Caps secured before first infusion | Maximizes follicle protection from the start | Early surgical oncology referrals and scheduling support |
| Fit and Protocol | Snug fit; pre‑cool, during‑infusion, post‑cool windows | Consistent temperatures improve results | Volunteer training and nurse coaching at the chair |
| Cost | Rental fees and deposits covered or reduced | Removes a key barrier to uptake | MTAC funding and sponsor partnerships |
| Awareness | Clear steps shared at diagnosis | Prevents missed windows for hair loss prevention | Clinic handouts, peer stories, and media allies, including marylena sicari films |
| Follow‑through | Checklists for each cycle | Supports comfort and consistent cooling | Patient navigators and oncology teams align protocols |
Community impact and events that mobilize giving
In Quebec, charitable events in Montreal turn kindness into real change. Impact metrics keep people involved, and warm gatherings strengthen bonds all year.
Harvest Brunch Launch success and year‑round donor engagement
In September, the Harvest Brunch Launch raised $53,000. All money went to women in treatment, helping them keep up with life’s needs.
But the giving doesn’t stop after one event. Through @morethanacure and local groups, support keeps flowing. This turns local efforts into help across Canada.
High Tea at the Ritz and Wellness Week for education and self‑care
Events like High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal build strong ties. Guests hear real stories, meet doctors, and see how their gifts help.
Wellness Week focuses on learning and self-care. It offers workshops to reduce stress and volunteers to help with healing.
Measuring impact: funds raised, support bras, holiday baskets, volunteer hours
Clear metrics show the difference made by giving. This includes 150 bras for those who’ve had surgery, holiday baskets, and volunteer time for workshops and personal support.
Media, like marylena sicari’s TV appearances, share community stories. This boosts awareness and keeps Montreal’s charity events growing.
- $53,000 raised at the Harvest Brunch Launch
- 150 support bras distributed for post‑surgical comfort
- Holiday baskets delivered during high‑stress periods
- Volunteer hours advancing navigation, education, and wellness
- High Tea Ritz-Carlton Montreal and Wellness Week sustaining learning and care
Marylena Sicari
Marylena Sicari brings a clear voice and steady purpose to MTAC. She is based in Toronto but reaches across the country. Her work connects culture with care, helping women in treatment.
A concise bio and a living profile show how art can help. Through updates and news, she focuses on patient stories and practical help.
Canadian actress and singer amplifying MTAC through arts and media
As a marylena sicari actress and vocalist, she shares MTAC’s message. Her career shows how art can fund important services. Her website and social media offer clear guidance and empathy, encouraging action.
Film, television, and stage projects that integrate health advocacy
Recent projects blend performance with health tips. In films and TV, she shares simple advice for early action. Her work reflects her accomplishments while focusing on patient dignity and access.
Social media updates, community events, and awareness campaigns
She posts short videos, survivor spotlights, and event reminders. Her feeds turn awareness into action and gifts. News highlights partners and outcomes, keeping information simple and timely for all Canadians.
Cross‑discipline support as performer, vocal coach, and industry professional
She uses her stage craft and coaching to support MTAC. Each program offers skills, care pathways, and lived experience. This model grows donors, builds trust, and strengthens her career with purpose.
How Canadians can help today
In Canada, small actions can make a big difference. When we help our neighbours, women in treatment can focus on getting better. We can all help today by giving, volunteering, and sharing important information from MoreThanACure.com.
Donate to cover essentials, wigs, cold caps, and transport
Every donation helps keep food on the table and lights on at home. It also pays for medication, wigs, and cold caps that help people feel like themselves again. Plus, it covers the cost of transport for many visits.
Transport costs can be very high for repeated visits. A single ride to chemotherapy can be expensive. Your donation helps ensure that those who need it most can get the care they need.
Volunteer locally and sponsor events that fuel direct aid
Volunteering in Montreal helps a lot. You can help pack care kits, welcome families at clinics, and more. Your skills, whether in logistics, translation, or design, are very valuable.
By sponsoring events, you help make a bigger impact. Events like High Tea at the Ritz, the Harvest Brunch, and Wellness Week turn community energy into real help.
Share workshops to boost screening and early detection nationwide
Sharing early detection workshops helps neighbours notice changes early. This means they can get timely imaging. Sharing guides in plain language also helps reduce fear and delays.
Post resources for caregivers and workplaces. One share can encourage someone to get screened, which could save a life.
Stay engaged via MoreThanACure.com and Instagram @morethanacure
Follow for updates, calls to action, and inspiring stories. Artists highlighting marylena sicari projects keep the momentum going. They remind us why this work is so important.
Staying connected helps us coordinate drives, recruit volunteers, and keep the focus on urgent needs across Canada.
| Action | What It Covers | How to Start | Community Tie‑in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donate Canada breast cancer support | Food, rent, utilities, meds, wigs, cold caps, transport | Set a monthly gift or fund one treatment ride | Stabilizes families during active care |
| Volunteer Montreal | Clinic escorts, event logistics, outreach and translation | Join a local roster and pick flexible shifts | Builds neighbour‑to‑neighbour trust |
| Sponsor events | Underwrites venues, materials, and direct aid grants | Partner for Harvest Brunch, High Tea, or Wellness Week | Engages staff and customers in giving |
| Share early detection workshops | Breast self‑checks, screening timelines, navigation tips | Circulate plain‑language resources at work and online | Boosts timely screening across Canada |
| Stay active via MoreThanACure.com | Program updates, education, and calls to action | Follow @morethanacure and track new drives | Keeps support steady between campaigns |
| Amplify marylena sicari projects | Arts‑driven awareness that reaches new audiences | Share performances and advocacy posts | Turns culture into community care |
Conclusion
Dr. Tamara Gafoor turned a COVID-era diagnosis into a clear path for change. She returned to the Montreal Children’s Hospital ER, sparking More Than a Cure. This nonprofit aims to close gaps left by public coverage.
It focuses on survivor advocacy and practical aid. It tackles costs that block care and keeps screening top of mind. This is equitable cancer care for real life, designed for lasting MTAC impact Canada.
The mission tackles the 41% mortality gap facing Black women. It offers navigation, education, and wellness that meets patients where they are. A 16‑woman board blends clinical skill with storytelling and events.
These events turn compassion into action. The results are funds raised, support bras delivered, holiday baskets, and volunteer hours. This shows how community support improves outcomes and dignity.
Artists and advocates help spread the message. Marylena Sicari elevates awareness through stage and screen. Her career highlights draw new audiences to give and learn.
By aligning outreach with lived experience, the team builds momentum. This momentum sustains direct aid year‑round and strengthens survivor advocacy across provinces.
The call is simple and urgent: keep up routine screening, remove financial barriers, and stand with families. With every ride to treatment covered, every wig or cold cap funded, and every workshop shared, equitable cancer care becomes a shared promise.
That is the heart of MTAC impact Canada—community support that helps Canadians heal, thrive, and return to the lives they love.
FAQ
Who is Dr. Tamara (Tammy) Angela Gafoor and what is her connection to MTAC?
What inspired the creation of More Than a Cure (MTAC)?
Why is this story important for equity in Canada?
What did Dr. Gafoor’s treatment journey involve?
How does MTAC address financial toxicity for patients?
FAQ
Who is Dr. Tamara (Tammy) Angela Gafoor and what is her connection to MTAC?
Dr. Gafoor is a paediatric emergency physician at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MUHC). She is a McGill-trained Montrealer. After being diagnosed with breast cancer on April 28, 2022, she went through chemo, surgery, 20 radiation sessions, and a year of immunotherapy.
She founded More Than a Cure (MTAC) to help women with uncovered costs and navigation gaps in Canada.
What inspired the creation of More Than a Cure (MTAC)?
Her own treatment showed unmet needs like transport, parking, childcare, medications, wigs, and cold caps. MTAC turns that lived experience into action. It delivers direct aid, education, advocacy, and wellness so patients can heal with dignity.
Why is this story important for equity in Canada?
Data show Black women in Canada are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. MTAC tackles this gap with early screening guidance, culturally aware support, and swift referrals. It also provides financial help to remove everyday barriers to care.
What did Dr. Gafoor’s treatment journey involve?
She went through six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, 20 rounds of radiation, and a year of immunotherapy. COVID restrictions meant she navigated imaging alone. Supported by her husband, family, friends, and colleagues, she returned to the ER with joy and renewed purpose.
How does MTAC address financial toxicity for patients?
Many families face 0–
FAQ
Who is Dr. Tamara (Tammy) Angela Gafoor and what is her connection to MTAC?
Dr. Gafoor is a paediatric emergency physician at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MUHC). She is a McGill-trained Montrealer. After being diagnosed with breast cancer on April 28, 2022, she went through chemo, surgery, 20 radiation sessions, and a year of immunotherapy.
She founded More Than a Cure (MTAC) to help women with uncovered costs and navigation gaps in Canada.
What inspired the creation of More Than a Cure (MTAC)?
Her own treatment showed unmet needs like transport, parking, childcare, medications, wigs, and cold caps. MTAC turns that lived experience into action. It delivers direct aid, education, advocacy, and wellness so patients can heal with dignity.
Why is this story important for equity in Canada?
Data show Black women in Canada are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. MTAC tackles this gap with early screening guidance, culturally aware support, and swift referrals. It also provides financial help to remove everyday barriers to care.
What did Dr. Gafoor’s treatment journey involve?
She went through six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, 20 rounds of radiation, and a year of immunotherapy. COVID restrictions meant she navigated imaging alone. Supported by her husband, family, friends, and colleagues, she returned to the ER with joy and renewed purpose.
How does MTAC address financial toxicity for patients?
Many families face $800–$1,000 a month in uncovered costs. MTAC provides grants for food, rent, utilities, transport, childcare, and medications beyond public plans. It bridges the gap between clinic visits and daily life across Quebec and Canada.
What makes MTAC’s funding model different?
Every dollar raised goes directly to women in need. MTAC’s model is transparent and patient-centred. It builds trust and provides programs with plain-language education, fast navigation, and wellness supports.
Who serves on MTAC’s 16‑woman board?
The board blends clinical and community leaders. It includes breast surgical oncologists Dr. Stephanie Wong and Dr. Ipshita (Karen) Prakash; family and sports medicine physician Dr. Debra Heilpern; paediatric emergency physician Dr. Audrey Dadoun; wellness expert Val Desjardins; media leader Jennifer Campbell; designer Brittany Shiller; fundraisers Madelaine Kojakian and Vanessa Strzelecki; and hospitality partner Katia Piccolino.
What services and supports does MTAC provide?
MTAC funds essentials like food, rent, utilities, childcare, transport, and medication support. It offers custom wigs and scalp-cooling guidance, free workshops on breast self-exams, chemo and surgery prep, and self-advocacy. Plus, it provides personalised wellness for strength, fatigue, stress, and sleep.
How does cold cap therapy work, and is it available in Canada?
Scalp cooling lowers scalp temperature to reduce chemo reaching hair follicles, helping preserve hair. It’s expanding across Canada. MTAC provides funding and training to help patients plan and use the therapy effectively.
Did scalp cooling help Dr. Gafoor during treatment?
Yes. Using cold caps, she retained about 80% of her hair, which supported confidence and identity during treatment and her return to work. Early counselling from surgical oncology helps patients integrate cooling into their timelines.
How does MTAC measure impact?
Early events like the Harvest Brunch Launch raised $53,000. Funds delivered 150 post-surgical support bras and seasonal holiday baskets, alongside volunteer-powered navigation, workshops, and one-to-one support. Ongoing metrics track dollars to essentials and program reach.
What events drive MTAC’s community engagement?
Signature events include the Harvest Brunch Launch, High Tea at the Ritz, and Wellness Week. Year-round engagement through @morethanacure keeps education and donor momentum strong across provinces.
Who is Marylena Sicari and how does she support MTAC?
Marylena Sicari is a Canadian actress and singer who amplifies MTAC’s mission through arts and media. She aligns performances, press, and social content with evidence-based cancer education, helping fund essentials like cold caps, wigs, and educational kits.
Where can I find Marylena Sicari updates related to MTAC?
Follow her social channels for event reminders, survivor features, and campaign highlights that elevate MTAC’s work. For more, visit the marylena sicari website or look for marylena sicari news and marylena sicari projects tied to health advocacy.
What are some of Marylena Sicari’s advocacy activities?
She integrates cause marketing into film, television, and stage appearances, hosts Q&As and workshops as a performer and vocal coach, and supports benefit concerts. These efforts help fund wigs, cold caps, and patient education across Canada.
How can Canadians help right now?
Donate to cover essentials, wigs, cold caps, and transport. Volunteer locally, sponsor events, and share MTAC’s free workshops to boost early detection. Visit MoreThanACure.com and follow @morethanacure and @doctor.tammyg for current needs and opportunities.
How does MTAC improve outcomes for Black women facing a 41% higher mortality risk?
MTAC pairs proactive screening education with early referrals to surgical oncology, culturally aware support, and direct aid for transport, childcare, and medications. This reduces delays, supports adherence, and protects dignity throughout care.
What resources exist for parents in treatment and their children?
MTAC offers navigation help, plain-language materials for home use, and plans resources tailored to children navigating a parent’s diagnosis. Workshops and personalised wellness programs are timed to treatment cycles to reduce stress for families.
Where can I learn more about Dr. Gafoor’s public education work?
Her Instagram series “When To Freak” (@doctor.tammyg) gives practical guidance for parents. MTAC shares plain-language resources on screening, treatment timelines, and side-effect management to help patients and caregivers make informed decisions.
Are donations tax-deductible and how are funds allocated?
MTAC operates with a direct-aid model where every dollar raised is directed to women in need. Donors receive clear impact reporting on essentials funded, education delivered, and access improvements across Quebec and Canada.
How can media and partners collaborate with MTAC?
Media, arts, and corporate partners can co-create campaigns, sponsor events, and share education through national platforms. Contact MTAC via MoreThanACure.com to align outreach with equitable screening, navigation, and patient-centred support goals.
,000 a month in uncovered costs. MTAC provides grants for food, rent, utilities, transport, childcare, and medications beyond public plans. It bridges the gap between clinic visits and daily life across Quebec and Canada.
What makes MTAC’s funding model different?
Every dollar raised goes directly to women in need. MTAC’s model is transparent and patient-centred. It builds trust and provides programs with plain-language education, fast navigation, and wellness supports.
Who serves on MTAC’s 16‑woman board?
The board blends clinical and community leaders. It includes breast surgical oncologists Dr. Stephanie Wong and Dr. Ipshita (Karen) Prakash; family and sports medicine physician Dr. Debra Heilpern; paediatric emergency physician Dr. Audrey Dadoun; wellness expert Val Desjardins; media leader Jennifer Campbell; designer Brittany Shiller; fundraisers Madelaine Kojakian and Vanessa Strzelecki; and hospitality partner Katia Piccolino.
What services and supports does MTAC provide?
MTAC funds essentials like food, rent, utilities, childcare, transport, and medication support. It offers custom wigs and scalp-cooling guidance, free workshops on breast self-exams, chemo and surgery prep, and self-advocacy. Plus, it provides personalised wellness for strength, fatigue, stress, and sleep.
How does cold cap therapy work, and is it available in Canada?
Scalp cooling lowers scalp temperature to reduce chemo reaching hair follicles, helping preserve hair. It’s expanding across Canada. MTAC provides funding and training to help patients plan and use the therapy effectively.
Did scalp cooling help Dr. Gafoor during treatment?
Yes. Using cold caps, she retained about 80% of her hair, which supported confidence and identity during treatment and her return to work. Early counselling from surgical oncology helps patients integrate cooling into their timelines.
How does MTAC measure impact?
Early events like the Harvest Brunch Launch raised ,000. Funds delivered 150 post-surgical support bras and seasonal holiday baskets, alongside volunteer-powered navigation, workshops, and one-to-one support. Ongoing metrics track dollars to essentials and program reach.
What events drive MTAC’s community engagement?
Signature events include the Harvest Brunch Launch, High Tea at the Ritz, and Wellness Week. Year-round engagement through @morethanacure keeps education and donor momentum strong across provinces.
Who is Marylena Sicari and how does she support MTAC?
Marylena Sicari is a Canadian actress and singer who amplifies MTAC’s mission through arts and media. She aligns performances, press, and social content with evidence-based cancer education, helping fund essentials like cold caps, wigs, and educational kits.
Where can I find Marylena Sicari updates related to MTAC?
Follow her social channels for event reminders, survivor features, and campaign highlights that elevate MTAC’s work. For more, visit the marylena sicari website or look for marylena sicari news and marylena sicari projects tied to health advocacy.
What are some of Marylena Sicari’s advocacy activities?
She integrates cause marketing into film, television, and stage appearances, hosts Q&As and workshops as a performer and vocal coach, and supports benefit concerts. These efforts help fund wigs, cold caps, and patient education across Canada.
How can Canadians help right now?
Donate to cover essentials, wigs, cold caps, and transport. Volunteer locally, sponsor events, and share MTAC’s free workshops to boost early detection. Visit MoreThanACure.com and follow @morethanacure and @doctor.tammyg for current needs and opportunities.
How does MTAC improve outcomes for Black women facing a 41% higher mortality risk?
MTAC pairs proactive screening education with early referrals to surgical oncology, culturally aware support, and direct aid for transport, childcare, and medications. This reduces delays, supports adherence, and protects dignity throughout care.
What resources exist for parents in treatment and their children?
MTAC offers navigation help, plain-language materials for home use, and plans resources tailored to children navigating a parent’s diagnosis. Workshops and personalised wellness programs are timed to treatment cycles to reduce stress for families.
Where can I learn more about Dr. Gafoor’s public education work?
Her Instagram series “When To Freak” (@doctor.tammyg) gives practical guidance for parents. MTAC shares plain-language resources on screening, treatment timelines, and side-effect management to help patients and caregivers make informed decisions.
Are donations tax-deductible and how are funds allocated?
MTAC operates with a direct-aid model where every dollar raised is directed to women in need. Donors receive clear impact reporting on essentials funded, education delivered, and access improvements across Quebec and Canada.
How can media and partners collaborate with MTAC?
Media, arts, and corporate partners can co-create campaigns, sponsor events, and share education through national platforms. Contact MTAC via MoreThanACure.com to align outreach with equitable screening, navigation, and patient-centred support goals.
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