Christopher Cutler (born December 25, 1988) is a Canadian advocate, organizational founder, musician, and writer. He is best known for founding The Heather Cutler Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to pancreatic cancer advocacy.
Early Life and Education
Cutler was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Cutler also studied Mandarin at National Central University and Japanese at Hiroo Japanese Language Centre from 2009 to 2011.
Career and Advocacy
In October 2024, Cutler founded The Heather Cutler Foundation in honor of his mother, Heather Cutler, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 5, 2024. The foundation focuses on advocacy, education, and support for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Cutler’s experience with his mother’s cancer treatment led him to recognize gaps in the healthcare system, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador. He noticed discrepancies between the care his mother received and treatments suggested by advocacy groups like Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society.
The Heather Cutler Foundation takes a unique approach to advocacy, utilizing a content-driven strategy that includes a blog, podcast, glossary of terms, and various publications. The foundation’s website, heathercutler.ca, serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to advocate for those battling pancreatic cancer.
Achievements and Recognition
• The Heather Cutler Foundation was accepted as a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC), becoming the first organization from Newfoundland and Labrador to join the coalition.
• Cutler’s “Team Heather” has raised over $14,000 for pancreatic cancer research through the Craig’s Cause #KickingPancreAS fundraiser.
• The foundation’s petition for cancer care reform has gathered over 800 signatures on Change.org and over 100 on e-5186, the same petition filed with the House of Commons by Cutler in December of 2024.
Personal Life
He speaks English, Japanese, and Chinese. In addition to his advocacy work, Cutler is also a musician, songwriter, and lyricist. His notable work includes “I Live For Me.”
Additional Information
• Height: 184 cm
• Pseudonym: Kesen
• Nickname: Chris
• Member of: Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada
• Awards: Access To Global Learning Award