Video: Mining sector raises $11M for glioblastoma research at Daffodil ball

The mining sector helped raise $10.85 million Saturday to launch a five-year pan-Canadian glioblastoma research program, lifting the Daffodil Ball’s 29-year total to $38.85 million.

Adam Lundin spoke in honour of his father, Lukas Lundin, founder of the Lundin Group, who died in July 2022 at age 64 from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.

“When Dad was sick, it was tragic but we turned that tragedy into purpose,” Lundin said at the event, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre. “He said, ‘Let’s start a fund.’ We travelled the world to find the best people to help him and others who face this disease.”

The Lundin Cancer Fund’s (LCF) Summit Society members each pledged $100,000 or more to kick-start the fund. “These transformational donors share a conviction that any obstacle can be conquered,” Caroline Peng, LCF’s senior director of development, said.

Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE, TSX: WPM) hosted the gala for the 14th year. This event was in partnership with the LCF and the Canadian Cancer Society. It attracted 850 guests, including many from mining companies. These include Lundin Gold (TSX: LUG; US-OTC: LUGDF), Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX, NYSE: AEM), Pan American Silver (TSX, NYSE: PAAS), Lucara Diamond (TSX: LUC) and National Bank Financial.

Guests bid on a $42,000 bracelet featuring a Lucara diamond from the Karowe mine in Botswana and every Gifts of Hope donation was matched by the LCF.

Research focus

More than 1,000 Canadians will receive a glioblastoma diagnosis this year and five-year survival remains below 5%, Wheaton’s president and CEO Randy Smallwood said.

“We signed on to support this five-year research program as we stand united in our commitment to change the narrative of glioblastoma,” he said.

Mining leaders have supported the Daffodil Ball “for many many years,” Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, told The Northern Miner. It helped drive five-year survival following a cancer diagnosis from about 25% in 1938 to 64% today.

“Support from the mining industry is critical to improve those survival rates,” she said. She also highlighted Agnico Eagle’s 10-year program to deliver cancer information in northern Ontario.

Funds will go to the LCF–Canadian Cancer Society Glioblastoma Research Program. This is Canada’s biggest initiative dedicated to the deadliest type of brain cancer.

Watch a video of the event below.