Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation Invests $150,000 in Local Cancer Research

Funding will support five WE-SPARK Health Institute projects focused on cancer prevention, care, and survivorship

Windsor, ON (September 10, 2026) – The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation presented a $150,000 cheque to WE-SPARK Health Institute at today’s media event at the University of Windsor’s Essex Centre of Research (CORe) building. The funding will advance locally led cancer research and strengthen opportunities for researchers, clinicians, and students across Windsor-Essex.

The investment, provided through the Dr. Hakam Abu-Zahra Research Fund, will support five projects selected through WE-SPARK’s 2026 Igniting Discovery Grants competition. The projects address priorities ranging from colorectal and breast cancer prevention to youth engagement, cancer survivorship, and immune recovery following stem cell transplantation.

“This investment is only possible because of donors who believe in advancing cancer research close to home,” said Houida Kassem, Executive Director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. “Their generosity allows local researchers to continue pursuing promising discoveries that could advance cancer care for patients and families in our community.”

“The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation continues to be an extraordinary champion of cancer research in Windsor-Essex, and we are deeply grateful for its leadership and generosity,” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Director, WE-SPARK Health Institute. “Research is the foundation of every breakthrough in cancer care. By investing in discovery today, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation is helping create the knowledge and evidence that will drive better treatments, better patient experiences, and better outcomes tomorrow.”

Projects Receiving Support

• Circadian Nutrition to Prevent Colorectal Cancer – Dr. Phillip Karpowicz, University of Windsor
  The research will examine whether time-restricted eating can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of colorectal cancer, potentially offering a low-cost, non-drug prevention strategy.
• Revealing Hidden Determinants of Cancer Risk – Dr. Lisa Porter, University of Windsor
  This project will study workplace exposures and breast cancer risk among autoworkers, with a focus on young women and post-partum breast cancer.
• Nothing About Us Without Us – Dr. Joanne Tay, University of Windsor
  Young people affected by cancer will help co-design a framework to ensure adolescents and young adults are meaningfully included in regional cancer-care decisions.
• From Oncology to Primary Care – Dr. Vikas Garg, Windsor Regional Hospital
  Researchers will examine why some breast cancer survivors stop taking endocrine therapy and identify ways to strengthen treatment adherence and the transition to primary care.
• Decoding NK Cell Immune Reconstitution Patterns – Dr. Aymen Sayyad, Windsor Regional Hospital
  The team will study immune recovery and cytomegalovirus reactivation following stem cell transplantation to help improve follow-up care, survival and quality of life.

The fifth project is being supported jointly with the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association, which has committed $10,000 toward stem cell-related research.

The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation is WE-SPARK Health Institute’s largest grant supporter in 2026. Its continued investment helps local research teams generate preliminary evidence, build collaborations, and position promising projects for future growth.

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About the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation
The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation serves as the official fundraising arm for the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, fulfilling requests of the Windsor Regional Cancer Program. These requests include the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, patient amenities, and initiatives such as the Patient Assistance Fund and the Dr. Hakam Abu-Zahra Research Fund program, which supports excellent local cancer research. 100% of funds raised stay local and support world-class cancer care close to home. Thanks to tremendous community support, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation has raised over $35 million to date!

About WE-SPARK Health Institute
WE-SPARK Health Institute brings together health research strengths across the University of Windsor, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores HealthCare. Through collaboration, mentorship and capacity-building, WE-SPARK supports health research that responds to the needs of the Windsor-Essex community.

Media Contact
Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation
Linda Najem, Director of Operations
519-254-5577 Ext. 58574
lnajem@windsorcancerfoundation.org