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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.