On Wednesday, March 7, we found ourselves among a crowd of top Canadian celebrities, renowned scientists and influencers of varying ages for the black tie Renew the World Gala at the midtown Mercedes-Benz dealership in Toronto. The occasion celebrated the 50th anniversary of the discovery of stem cells by Canadian scientists James Till and Ernest McCulloch, and marked the official launch of the Canadian Stem Cell Foundation, Canada’s national voice and champion for stem cell science. We mingled throughout the evening with the crowd of familiar faces of local news anchors, TV hosts, sports legends, rockers, authors, business notables and the next generation of researchers and scientists. The event was hosted by CBC News Now’s Heather Hiscox and included a cocktail reception, a three-course sit dinner, memorable and moving speeches, and an ensemble performance by top Canadian talent.
For the dinner portion, each elegantly dressed table of ten was seated with one celebrity and one stem cell scientist. With over 50 tables filled, the Renew the World gala raised $1.2 million for ongoing medical research, with all proceeds benefiting the Canadian Stem Cell Foundation. Table hosts included names like Damon Allen, Keshia Chante, Trish Stratus, Kevin O’Leary, Monika Shnarre, and Paul Venoit, who were joined by 50 stem cell scientists that lead stem cell research at more than 25 universities and hospital research institutes across the country. Keeping with the theme of 50, 50 Canadian celebrities lent their voice to the cause to produce a single word each to describe the cause and fight in stem cell research for the 50 Words Web Awareness campaign. Five Toronto-based spoken word poets later incorporated these words into a slam poetry performance.
Throughout the sit-down dinner portion, we learned the history of stem cell research, including medical discoveries made in Canada, the greatest being the proof that blood stem cells exist in bone barrow. We learned of new scientific advancements for stem cell research and how stem cells are remarkable in their unique ability to renew themselves and repair diseased or damaged tissue in the body, potentially providing treatment for cancer, blindness, MS, spinal cord injuries and to heal burn victims. The official launch of the Canadian Stem Cell Foundation was free from pitches, silent auctions and raffles, with the main priority of getting the word out and raising awareness for the cause. The hope for the future is for more research specific to the patient and to expand into other autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s.
The evening featured a legacy video montage to mark the 50th anniversary, which outlined Canada’s groundbreaking contributions in stem cell research and the scientists behind them. We heard stories from Dr. Marla Shapiro, who shared her triumphant and moving story of recovery from breast cancer, as well as from MS patient Jennifer Molson, on how participating in a stem cell research study transformed her disease and resulted in a remarkable improvement in her nervous system and subsequent physical abilities. In fact, we heard 3/4 of the MS patients in the study have stabilized or seen improved conditions.
Stem cell pioneer James Till received a standing ovation as the Guest of Honour, who assured the crowd that the “next generation will do even better.” In addition to a program left at each seat, we were left a book, Dreams and due Diligence: Till and McCulloch’s Stem Cell Discovery and Legacy by Joe Sornberger. Published by the University of Toronto Press October 2011, the book chronicles the story of Till and McCulloch in their history-making research.
A main highlight of the evening was the entertainment. This included a surprise performance of “What a Wonderful World” by Chantal Kreviazuk and a two-song ensemble performance by top Canadian talent like Clifton Murray and Fraser Walters (The Canadian Tenors), Dan Hill, Jarvis Church, Keshia Chante, the Mississauga Youth Theatre and violinist Sophie Serafino. The medley offered a spectacular and memorable close to the event, adding to the feeling of hope and inspiration felt throughout the evening.
Other YP guests included So You Think You Can Dance Canada’s Tre Armstrong, MTV Canada’s Nicole Holness, CP 24’s Melissa Grelo, and Blue Mountain State’s Meghan Heffern, among others.
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