Jack Poole was a health care visionary. An extraordinary leader and community builder, he understood the power of philanthropy and its ability to dramatically improve the health and well-being of British Columbians.

Since Jack’s passing in 2009 from pancreatic cancer, his wife Darlene continues to carry out his vision of using philanthropy to inspire change. The Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation has donated an extraordinary $3 million to help fight pancreatic cancer, a devastating disease with a 6% survival rate.

This generous lead donation established Pancreas Centre BC at VGH, in partnership with the BC Cancer Agency and UBC. The Centre is a unique collaboration, working to improve early detection and treatment, increase survival rates and provide hope for patients and families.

“It’s imperative that we continue to push for breakthroughs that can help others,” says Darlene.

Jack and Darlene’s philanthropy and public service have had a profound difference in other areas as well.  With their help, the Vancouver Prostate Centre is breaking new ground in prostate cancer care and research, and Western Canada received its first surgical robot system for prostate, gynecologic and heart surgeries at VGH (affectionately named Jack the Robot, in his honour).

The Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation makes a lasting difference to the lives of British Columbians, and is a great example of how donations improve health care and save lives.

“The survival rates from pancreatic cancer are very, very low. So many of us admire Darlene’s single-minded commitment to changing that statistic. It’s a wonderful tribute to Jack’s memory and their partnership as community leaders.”
– Barbara Grantham, President & CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

Why is pancreatic cancer so deadly? What can we do about it?

More than 600 British Columbians are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year. 75% of patients die within a year of diagnosis. In 2012, pancreatic cancer killed an estimated 4,300 people in Canada alone.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, and tragically it’s also one of the least funded. There is a huge unmet need for research in prevention, early detection and screening, as well as effective treatments and management. By developing new chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other innovative treatment strategies, more lives can be saved.

Pancreas Centre BC at VGH is in a unique position to lead this effort. Through a partnership with VGH, UBC and the BC Cancer Agency, the Centre is able to draw together clinical, scientific and multi-disciplinary leaders to advance pancreatic cancer care and research.  Together, they are pursuing better ways of screening, treating and preventing pancreatic cancer.