Research Awards Named in Honour of Cancer Advocate
CANCER CARE N.S.--Research Awards Named in Honour of Cancer Advocate
Cancer Care Nova Scotia's student research awards were recently named the Norah Stephen Oncology Scholar Awards in honour of retiring board member Norah Stephen. A cancer survivor and advocate, she has been a dedicated volunteer with the Nova Scotia cancer system for almost 30 years.
Ms. Stephen's history with the cancer system began in 1974 when she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. With a positive attitude, a strong will to live and 15 years of chemotherapy, she proved doctors wrong and beat ovarian cancer. Since then, she has successfully fought breast cancer and has continued to positively impact the cancer system.
She has provided one-on-one support to patients and has spoken to medical students about how doctors can better support their cancer patients. As well, she has provided strategic direction and vision to both Cancer Care Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation as a board member of both organizations since their inception.
"Norah has been a wonderful asset to the cancer system as a whole and an inspiration to our board, in particular," said Jack Keith, board chair, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "Through the Norah Stephen Oncology Scholar Awards, we hope to instill in the hearts and minds of future cancer professionals her dedication, perseverance and quest for knowledge."
Ten awards will be granted each spring. Five will be dedicated to cancer-related research projects including basic science, cancer informatics, epidemiology, outcomes and socio-behavioural research. The remaining five awards will be dedicated to clinical training and experience projects. Each award, worth $5,000, covers stipend support for the student for up to 14 weeks.
Interested candidates and their supervisors are invited to complete an application outlining the project or practical experience directly related to the study of cancer. They must submit it to Cancer Care Nova Scotia along with their academic transcripts, a copy of their resume and the supervisor's resume by Feb. 14, 2003.
The Norah Stephen Oncology Scholar Awards are funded by Cancer Care Nova Scotia to foster an interest in the field of cancer among undergraduate and graduate students.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health-care system through prevention, screening, education and research.