Illuminations raises $300,000

We are so proud to announce that Illuminations presented by RBC Wealth Management raised $300,000 for our Foundation, in support of women’s health research.

The Fairmont Waterfront was a brand new, bigger venue for us. We’ve consistently sold out for the past 19 years, so this year we expanded our capacity. We were able to welcome over 450 guests. It was our largest event to date.

We were reminded that Illuminations represents so much more than simply raising funds.

It was a room of Vancouverites  – both women and men – who actively chose to put down their phones and really listen to women’s stories. It was a room full of people who were passionate about the issues affecting women’s health in our city, across BC and globally.

Needless to say, the energy was infectious.

We were so grateful to open the program with remarks from the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

From there, Dr. Lori Brotto spoke about how critical research is in relation to women’s health.

Our Media Partner, CTV produced an incredible patient feature: Karen Firus’ impactful story about her own experience living with Chronic Fatigue:

Our own leader, Genesa Greening, bravely shared her personal journey with Fibromyalgia:

“Because we don’t know much about Fibromyalgia, I’ve had to manage my health completely outside of the healthcare system through trial and error with diet, exercise, alternative therapies, and enforced balance. I have a new normal. But I have the means and ability to do my own research. All too often, women are suffering in silence” – Genesa Greening

The event closed with our keynote, Amanda Lindhout, and her compelling speech about her struggle for physical and mental survival while being held captive by extremists in Somalia for 15 months.

We are so honoured to host events like Illuminations, that give women of all backgrounds a platform to share their story.

Last year, we dedicated the most amount of funds in our history to the Women’s Health Research Institute. Thanks to Illuminations, we’ll be able to increase that investment even further in 2019.

We’re dedicated to filling in the gaps of information that continue to exist for doctors, the public and, most importantly… women.

Take a look at photos from the event.

Were you unable to make it? Check out our other upcoming events.