Local Montreal Canadian Cancer Survivors are appearing alongside Will & Grace star Eric McCormack in a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign Stand Up To Cancer Canada. SU2C Canada is partnering with the Canadian Cancer Society to launch a new PSA to raise awareness about innovative cancer research and to encourage Canadians to help change the face of cancer by sharing their own stories. Montrealers Mei Lin Yee and TV personality Nadège St-Phillipe are featured along with Canadian-born Will & Grace star and Stand Up To Cancer Canada Ambassador Eric McCormack in the PSA campaign. Yee, a 55-year-old breast cancer survivor, and St-Phillipe, who was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer at age 36 (she narrates the French radio PSA) are among four Canadian cancer survivors featured in the PSA. (The other two are Sabrina Moreino, 22, of Oshawa, and James Morris, 58, of Alberta.)
“When I heard that Stand Up To Cancer and the Canadian Cancer Society were joining forces in Canada, I knew that this was a great opportunity for patients to share their experiences and help Canadians understand the importance of innovative research,” Yee says. “So, naturally, when I was asked to participate in the campaign, I knew that it was something I had to do. When I learned that fellow Canadian Eric McCormack was involved, this made the opportunity even more exciting for me. I am a huge fan of “Will & Grace” and I know that Eric has also been personally touched by cancer. This meant a lot to me.”
The PSA, Life in the Face of Cancer, highlights the importance of cancer research to get new treatments to patients quickly so they can thrive. One in two Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and cancer is the country’s leading cause of death. About 206,000 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer in 2018 (565 diagnosed every day). McCormack lost both his parents and his father-in-law to cancer. This cause is incredibly close to my heart, and I’m proud to be involved in this effort to raise awareness about cancer treatment options, said the Emmy Award®-winning McCormack. I’m hopeful that progress in cancer research and clinical trials that are available will allow more Canadians to thrive in the face of cancer.
“I’ve always had a curiosity about the human body and state of mind,” St-Phillipe says. “Because of that, I tried all my life to make good decisions regarding my health. I never smoke, I barely drink and red meat was never my first choice. So, please, can someone tell me why I had to face Stage 3 Colorectal cancer? Today, my heart and soul are telling me, it’s to create awareness. Cancer deprived me of conceiving a child. Cancer created pain and sadness. Cancer changes everything. And overcoming cancer gives hope. I am Standing today because of the research, carrying the hope of becoming a mother while embracing life. Let’s Stand Up To Cancer.”
