Défi Canderel propels GCI research: Celebrating National Philanthropy Day

Behind every breakthrough in cancer research is a story of generosity and purpose. On National Philanthropy Day, the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) proudly recognizes the extraordinary impact of Défi Canderel and the visionary leadership of its founder, Mr. Jonathan Wener.

More than thirty years ago, Mr. Wener transformed personal hardship into a movement for hope. Inspired by his wife Susan’s battle with cancer, and by a doctor’s words that still resonate today, “put money in the hands of researchers”—he launched the Défi Canderel. What began as one man’s determination to make a difference has become a lasting legacy that fuels innovation and empowers the next generation of cancer researchers.

At the GCI, this legacy lives on through the Canderel Graduate Studentship Awards, which support outstanding trainees in the earliest stages of their research careers. These awards provide crucial funding before students secure external grants, allowing them to focus fully on discovery.

Christina Fernandez, a first-year master’s student in biochemistry in Professor José Teodoro’s lab, studies how cells control magnesium—a mineral essential for growth and energy production—and how disruptions in its regulation can drive cancer. Having seen both her grandmothers diagnosed with cancer, Christina is driven by a personal mission to uncover new vulnerabilities that could lead to better therapies.

Tasnuba Tabassum Mourin, a master’s student in biological and biomedical engineering in Professor Guojun Chen’s lab, develops injectable microcubes to improve RNA vaccine delivery. Her research could help reduce the need for booster doses in cancer immunotherapy. Having lost an aunt to lung cancer at only 30, Tasnuba is deeply motivated to advance technologies that bring real relief to patients.

Olivia Zhu, a PhD student in Professor Alain Nepveu’s laboratory, studies the cancer-causing protein MYC and its unexpected role in DNA repair. Now in her third year, she has already contributed to a key publication uncovering new functions of MYC. As an international student, Olivia is especially grateful for the Canderel Award, which allowed her to begin her studies and establish her research path in 2023. 

One thing unites them all: like Mr. Wener and so many philanthropists whose giving is rooted in personal experience, our trainees and researchers are often driven by their own connections to cancer—whether supporting a loved one through treatment, having experienced cancer within their family, or being inspired by the courage of those who fight the disease. This shared sense of purpose fuels both the science and the philanthropy behind it.

On this National Philanthropy Day, the Goodman Cancer Institute extends heartfelt thanks to Mr. Wener, Canderel Inc., and all Défi Canderel participants and donors. Your generosity gives young scientists the freedom to pursue discovery and develop in the cancer research leaders of tomorrow.