Meet Ashley Aitken, Keynote Speaker for the Bullseye Chase the Case
Published Monday, March 9, 2026
Bullseye Chase the Case keynote speaker Ashley Aitken, cuddled with one of her children, Addison, rocking a new hairstyle after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2024.
Bullseye Chase the Case presented by Doane Grant Thornton is one of the Health Sciences Foundation's newest Signature Events. Now in its second year, Chase the Case is a refreshed format that Thunder Bay is already familiar with – a cross between “Deal or No Deal” and Netflix's new “What's in the Box”.
The event has a fundraising goal of $55,000 this year and all of the money raised is going to support breast cancer through the Northern Cancer Fund. Ashley Aitken, a breast cancer survivor herself, will tell her story as keynote speaker for the evening. By the time Ashley gets up to speak at the event in April, it will be about 16 months since she first felt a lump on her left breast.
“I still can't wrap my head around that title: breast cancer survivor,” Ashley said.
As a Nurse Practitioner, Ashley knew she wasn't at high risk for breast cancer, particularly given her lack of family history and young age. Her youngest son turned four the day before her diagnosis.
“The diagnosis was such a surprise – especially since I did all the things to protect myself.”
Ashley was most worried about the impact it would have on her family. “Telling my two older kids I had breast cancer was the hardest thing I've ever had to do,” Ashley said.
“We're so honoured that Ashley agreed to speak at the Bullseye Chase the Case,” said Haley Werbowetski, Events Manager at the Health Sciences Foundation. “People like Ashley are the reason we have fundraising events like this. It's so special for someone to stand up and say, ‘Yes, here's how the Cancer Centre helped me, and why it's so important to help others.' Ashley is such a strong, incredible woman and an inspiration to us all.”
The evening's main live auction features 20 of the best prize packages in town, hidden inside 20 silver cases. Packages range from concert and comedy tickets to home renovations and more, all valued around $1,000. There will also be the coveted Golden Case with a very special prize that will be revealed on social media.
Other favourite on-site fundraisers include carnival-style games, a silent auction, and the Bling Blitz where one lucky winner will go home with a pair of diamond earrings worth $1,000!
And, of course, what's a night out without dinner? The evening also features a delicious four-course meal.
Grab some friends and get your tickets early for this fun and exciting event! Tickets are $125 for a regular ticket including the four-course dinner and a seat at the live auction. VIP Tickets are $150 which includes a table usher, access to a dedicated drink ticket station and bar, and prominent seating by the stage.
Bullseye Chase the Case presented by Doane Grant Thornton goes live Thursday, April 16 at 6pm at the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre. For more information and to buy tickets, visit:
healthsciencesfoundation.ca/case
Article By: Graham Strong