Speakers

Alana Baird, Patient / Nurse

Christine Collins, Executive Director

Christine Collins’ work with Kidney Cancer Canada began after her diagnosis in 2010, committed to giving back to the organization that supported her. She began volunteering at patient education events and in peer support services, and then served as a Director, and as Vice Chair of the Board. In 2020, Christine moved to the frontlines as the Executive Director at Kidney Cancer Canada. From November 2021 to November 2023, Christine was honoured to serve as a Board member of the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC). She continues to support the IKCC in their vision to reduce the global burden of kidney cancer.

Christine’s personal experience combined with her background in education, health, and corporate work, along with her commitment to Kidney Cancer Canada, has enabled her to better serve and support the kidney cancer community. Christine has always advocated that kidney cancer is a global disease and that when we collaborate at that scale, we can not only discover better diagnosis opportunities, treatment options and support, but also a cure.

Follow Christine on Twitter @CCollinsKCC

Marion Cooper is a long-time kidney cancer patient. She was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in 2006 following the birth of her son. She was a volunteer with KCC from 2008 to 2015 having served on the Board with her last position being Vice Chair National and then remaining involved in patient education forums and supporting outreach across the Prairies. Marion is currently the CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association for Manitoba and is a mental health and substance use health leader with a passion for innovation, co-design and community based mental health service transformation. With over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in the public and non-profit health and social services sectors she has worked expansively in population health to advance health equity and address the disparity in mental health funding. She lives in Winnipeg with her husband Greg and son Carter.

Kaiden Jobin is a medical student at the Cumming School of Medicine in Calgary who previously did a master’s degree in neurosciences. His interest in helping to develop this resource stems from his experience when his wife underwent a nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in 2022 and he noted a lack of available resources about the process for patients.

Carolyn Knox is the Senior Director, Access to Care for the Canadian Cancer Society. One of the biggest programs in her portfolio is the Cancer Travel and Accommodation Service (CTAAS), which provides support to those travelling for cancer treatment across BC. As the child of cancer survivors, Carolyn knows the stress that cancer treatment can put on patients and families and is working with partner organizations across Canada to alleviate the stress and financial burden of accessing cancer care.

Courtney Mol is a Registered Nurse employed at The Ottawa Hospital with six years of experience with inpatient Urology Oncology Surgical Care. Currently, in her role as Acting Clinical Care Leader, Courtney oversees the day-to-day coordination of care provided to patients admitted to 7 West at the General Campus. In her previous role as bedside nurse on 7 West, she has gained extensive experience with hands-on care and education to patients and their loved ones affected by kidney cancer.

Dr. Simon Tanguay is Professor and Chair of the Division of Urology at the McGill University Health Center and McGill University. Dr. Tanguay was actively involved in the Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada since its creation and the development of the Canadian Kidney Cancer information system. He was a supporter of Kidney Cancer Canada since its creation. His research interests are focussed on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for kidney cancer.

Dr. Tanguay also served as General Secretary and President of the Société Internationale d’Urologie. This scientific Society has for mission to enable urologists from all countries to apply the highest standards of urological care to their patients. The Society has also an important philanthropic role to help train urologists in developing countries.