FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – November 19, 2024 – After previously nominating Canada’s Health Minister Mark Holland and watching the thirty-day authorization period lapse, The Heather Cutler Foundation has officially nominated the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl and Minister of Labour, to sponsor its petition to the House of Commons. This petition calls for the establishment of national frameworks to address critical gaps in pancreatic cancer care, ensuring equitable access to testing, treatment, and clinical trials across Canada.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers in the country, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. The Heather Cutler Foundation’s petition outlines actionable steps to address the inequities faced by patients, from inadequate testing protocols to financial and geographical barriers limiting participation in life-saving clinical trials.
Hon. Seamus O’Regan: A Leader for Change
As the Member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl and Minister of Labour, Hon. Seamus O’Regan has demonstrated a commitment to improving healthcare access and equity in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada.
Key Achievements Include:
• $256 Million Healthcare Agreement (2024): An initiative to expand primary care access, enhance mental health services, and modernize health data systems.
• $78 Million Aging with Dignity Agreement (2024): Focused on improving care for seniors through enhanced home and community services, a geriatric fellowship at Memorial University, and culturally appropriate care for Indigenous communities.
• Advocacy for Rural and Indigenous Health: Initiatives to address health disparities in underserved regions, ensuring culturally sensitive care for all communities.
Born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, O’Regan’s career in public service reflects a deep commitment to addressing systemic inequities. His collaborative leadership style and advocacy for accessible healthcare make him an ideal candidate to sponsor this important petition.
About the Petition
The Heather Cutler Foundation’s petition addresses significant barriers to pancreatic cancer care in Canada.
Key recommendations:
• National Testing Guidelines: Establish standardized genetic and somatic testing protocols with government reimbursement to improve early detection and treatment.
• Equitable Clinical Trial Access: Provide financial support for patients and caregivers traveling for trials and develop partnerships with transportation and accommodation providers to reduce costs.
• Expedited Drug Approvals: Set clear timelines for funding negotiations for life-saving treatments like Onivyde, with transparency in decision-making processes.
• Decentralized Clinical Trials: Support Health Canada’s CRAFT framework to expand trial access for patients in rural and underserved regions.
Christopher Cutler, Founder of The Heather Cutler Foundation, explained:
“Pancreatic cancer patients deserve better care and greater opportunities to access life-saving treatments. Seamus O’Regan’s leadership in healthcare reform aligns with the urgency of this issue. His dedication to equity and accessibility makes him an ideal advocate to help us push for systemic change.”
About The Heather Cutler Foundation
The Heather Cutler Foundation is rewriting the playbook on pancreatic cancer advocacy in Canada. Inspired by Heather—a registered nurse who dedicated over 35 years to her community—the foundation is built on her journey from caregiver to patient, revealing the flaws and inequities in Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in smaller provinces.
The foundation is committed to action, not bureaucracy. Heather’s journey highlighted the systemic barriers families face when seeking essential tools like somatic testing and clinical trials—proven methods to improve outcomes. Invisible borders and postal codes in Canada often determine who gets a chance to fight, a reality that the foundation is determined to change.
Accomplishments
Since its founding, The Heather Cutler Foundation has:
• Raised over $14,000 for pancreatic cancer research through campaigns like Craig’s Cause #KickingPancreAS fundraiser.
• Gathered over 800 signatures for its petition calling for cancer care reform.
• Partnered with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition to amplify its advocacy efforts.
With a focus on putting faces—not statistics—forward, the foundation is dedicated to real change for Canadians with pancreatic cancer.
Media Contact
Christopher Cutler
Founder, The Heather Cutler Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (647) 221-6247
