The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation is a registered charity that raises funds to support the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre (in St. John’s) and affiliated cancer programs throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Significant advances have been made over the past ten years for the care of cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, cancer screening programs and an aging population will result in increased incidence rates and will place additional pressure on existing resources.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, more than 2,100 people will be diagnosed annually with an invasive cancer and another 1,000 will be diagnosed with in-situ or borderline cancers.

There has been a slight improvement in survival rates resulting from early detection and better treatment programs over the past 15 years. Thus, there are more people living with cancer.

Since 2001, new patient referrals to cancer centres (Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, Cancer Centre Gander, Cancer Centre Grand Falls- Windsor, Cancer Centre Western Region) increased by 24% annually. In 2007 -2008, the number of new patients grew to 2,227.

Cancer prevalence (the number of people in the province who have a cancer) is estimated to be about 285% higher than the incidence (number of people diagnosed annually), meaning that we have 18,000-20,000 people here living with cancer.

The Cancer Care Foundation (former Fund Development Department – NCTRF) with the support of its dedicated donors and volunteers, has raised more than ten million dollars for cancer treatment centres, treatment equipment and support programs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador (SNL) is the Provincial governing body for competitive swimming in Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the past thirteen years, the Swim for Hope has raised over $900,000.00!! Our goal this year is to raise $120,000. Proceeds from the event will be divided 50/50 (after expenses) between the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation and participating clubs of Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador.

Swim for Hope will take place on Friday, March 19, 2010, and will involve a 12-hour continuous swim relay, where participants collect individual and corporate sponsors. Participants will compete for various prizes, including the top three fundraisers in the province.

This event is fun, requires athletic ability and has phenomenal appeal to the membership of the Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador. Participation in the event involves young people working as a team in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry against time constraints and other competing teams. On March 19, 2010 the swimmers of SNL will take to the water for 12 hours to raise funds in support of cancer patients and their families in our province.

Q: What is Swim for Hope?

A: Swim for Hope is a 12-hour continuous swim relay where participants collect individual and corporate sponsors.

Q: What is the purpose of Swim for Hope?

A: The purpose of this event is to raise money for the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre and the swim clubs who are members of Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador (SNL). The members of SNL want to make a contribution to the community while creating awareness of the sport of competitive swimming in our community. This special event provides a fun, challenging, competitive community event which involves the swimmers of eleven provincial swim clubs.

Q: Where does the money go?

A: Proceeds received will be divided 50/50 between the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation and each swim club involved.

Q: What is the Community Challenge and how can our company become involved?

A: What a wonderful way to give back to your community, make new friends and have fun outside of the workplace! You can obtain information on the community challenge from any swimmer or by contacting the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation or Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador.

Q: What does the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation raise money for?

A: The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation raises funds for the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John’s with regional programs in St. Anthony, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander and Labrador City. All contributions to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation remain in our province and are uses to enhance regional programs close to the patient’s home, develop a patient and family support fund, support treatment programs and services, and purchase state-of-the-art cancer treatment equipment.

Q: Is the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation a registered charity?

A: Yes. Our charitable business number is 86250 7977 RR0001

Q: Will I receive a charitable income tax receipt for my gift?

A: Yes, tax receipts will be provided for gifts of $10.00 or greater providing that we are supplied with your complete mailing address.

Q: What is Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador?

A: Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador is the Provincial governing body for competitive swimming in our province. . The work of SNL includes: registering swimmers both provincially and nationally, training of officials, hosting training camps, hosting of provincial championships, sanctioning competitions in the province and overseeing the programs of the Canada Games and the Newfoundland and Labrador Games

Q: Who should I make my cheque payable to?

A: Please make your cheque payable to "Swim for Hope" and mail it to:
Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation
300 Prince Philip Drive
St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6

Q: Can I make a gift by telephone?

A: Yes. Please call (709) 777-7589 or toll free 1-877-999-7589. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Q: Can I donate online?

A: Yes. You can donate online by clicking here.