Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope for Breast Cancer Hits New Highs this Year
Published Monday, October 27, 2025
Message from Dr. Stephen Adams
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
I've been to a few Tbaytel Luncheons of Hope over the years. Every year, it's an incredibly special – and incredibly moving – event.
But this year's sold-out Luncheon jumped to a whole new level. A large part of that was certainly thanks to Keynote Speaker Jeanne Beker. The fashion icon and former VJ enthralled the room with her inspiring life story of being the child of holocaust survivors, to her own breast cancer journey. This intimate “fireside chat” with breast cancer survivor Mary-Jean Cormier of CBC Thunder Bay was truly captivating. Jeanne shared her powerful story that resonated deeply with attendees. I could see the mix of good and bad memories on the faces of so many in the room, the fear and hope, the despair and jubilation as they listened.
That swirl of emotions is what makes the Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope so poignant. Cancer often brings out opposite emotions at the same time. I had a conversation that afternoon with someone who talked about a loved one going through a cancer ordeal. Maybe it was the event that brought those old feelings to the surface, but I could feel those raw emotions through the story, even though it happened 20 years ago with the best outcome possible.
The afternoon featured a great slate of purely fun moments, too. The Lewk Clothing Fashion Show added a whole new element to the Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope. It was nothing I'd seen before! A dozen or so breast cancer survivors and patients walked the runway while the two Lewk Clothing owners described their outfits. The emphasis of course was on fostering a positive image, and it was great to see everyone on and off the runway enjoying the show. The day rounded out with the Bling Blitz and the Travel Blitz, a pop-up coffee shop, and more booths than I've ever seen at the event before. Kim Francis did an amazing job as MC, keeping everything rolling.
Another reason the Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope keeps getting better and better after 32 years: the Health Sciences Foundation staff. A huge shout-out to everyone who helped bring it together.
One last thing to mention this month: I'm working closely with the Board of Directors to finalize next year's grants. As I teased last month, we will likely be making a significant contribution to healthcare in Northwestern Ontario this year. The official announcement comes in November – it will be history in the making!
Dr. Stephen Adams