Eric McCormack Sees A Cure For Cancer In Our Lifetime

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:07:11 -0000

Actor Eric McCormack – best known for his lead role in Will And Grace – was in his home province of Ontario recently to promote Canada’s largest funder of cancer research, the Canadian Cancer Society, and its annual Relay For Life overnight walkathon in June that aims to raise $50 million for research to eradicate cancer.

The relay is a unique fundraising event, and last year more than 200,000 people all across Canada walked, ran and strolled around tracks illuminated by nearly half a million luminary candles for 12 hours from dusk till dawn. It raised $47 million to be used for research on all types of cancers, support programs for cancer victims and families, and advocating for public policies that prevent cancer.

Even though he lost his mother to bladder cancer after beating breast cancer decades ago, and despite that his father has been fighting prostate cancer on and off for years, McCormack is convinced that cancer, like Polio, can be a thing of the past.

“Everyone has a cancer story,” says McCormack. “It’s way too common and I think it almost feels like it’s always going to be here. We have to think of cancer as something we can eliminate in our lifetime.”

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Canada. In its many forms, it will kill over 70,000 Canadians this year.

“My mom was of that generation that didn’t talk about things openly,” said McCormack. “We have to be that generation that fights it together. This is personal; not just for me – for everybody.”

Elton's Oscar Party Raises $5.1m

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:50:42 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Sunday night saw the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 16th annual Academy Awards viewing party, which this year raised $5.1 million thanks to its spectacular guest list.

The Pacific Design Center venue saw even more of Hollywood’s glitterati than anticipated, boasting the attendance of “Best Actress” award winner Marion Cotillard and “Best Supporting Actor” nominee Tom Wilkinson. Further top names present included Amy Adams, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, Sean Penn, Patricia Clarkson, Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford, Josh Groban, Faye Dunaway, Sean Combs, Seal and Heidi Klum, Prince, Kate Beckinsale, Billy Joel, Courtney Love, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Petra Nemcova, Jeremy Piven, Roberto Cavalli, Minnie Driver, Simon Cowell and Herbie Hancock.

The gala was co-hosted by Elton’s partner David Furnish, and included dinner, a musical performance by Elton himself and a live auction.

Sharon Stone acted as auctioneer, and Elton offered to remove his trousers if it would raise more money. Stone added that she wouldn’t follow suit.

Yet more stars seen at the event included Natasha Henstridge, Larry King, Eric McCormack, Jason Lewis, Jonny Lee Miller, Brett Ratner, Jason Reitman, Rupert Murdoch, Jennifer Coolidge, Russell Simmons, Cheryl Tiegs, John Waters and Ziyi Zhang.

Since its inception in 1992, Elton’s foundation has raised more than $125 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries.

Look To The Stars News: Eric McCormack

Eric McCormack Sees A Cure For Cancer In Our Lifetime

Related past articles

Elton's Oscar Party Raises $5.1m

Related past articles