Countless men and women have dedicated their lives to fighting back through the Fight To End Cancer.
Founded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day is recognized annually around the globe every February 4th. The objective of World Cancer Day is to save millions of preventable deaths by raising awareness, providing education and calling for national leadership on policies, legislation, investment and innovation related to cancer research, and care.
This year, the theme for World Cancer Day’s campaign is: ‘United by Unique.’
We honour and celebrate the powerful objectives of World Cancer Day’s vision: to recognize the challenges, unite our voices, take meaningful action, and hold those in power accountable.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, United by Unique, we believe that every individual’s unique contribution can make a profound difference in the fight against cancer. Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer—not only for yourself but for your loved ones and the global community.
Now is the time to invest in your health, embrace cancer prevention, advocate for equitable access to care, and commit to a future free of cancer. By uniting our diverse strengths, we can create lasting change and work toward eradicating cancer in our lifetime.
We also celebrate this 2025 World Cancer Day by acknowledging the huge commitment that our twelve fighters have made, and the histories that have inspired each of them to choose to step into the ring as a member of the FTEC2025 fight team.
Currently, 9.7 million people die from cancer every year and the number is expected to rise. This is when 30%-50% of all cancers are preventable.
The FTEC2025 fight team have dedicated six months of their lives to raise thousands of dollars in support of the life-changing research funded by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Their vision is our vision: to save innocent lives by defeating cancer in our lifetime. Please join us in the Fight !
Let’s celebrate World Cancer Day, with the Fight To End Cancer Fight Team by taking a look at some of their incredible stories…
The indomitable South African spirit is built on resilience and unity, a reminder of the power to overcome all odds. Every day, millions around the world wake up to fight cancer, and FTEC2025 gives us the chance to stand with them. Their courage inspires us, and together, we will conquer this disease. With my aunt, uncle, and father recently diagnosed with cancer, I realized the time to join the fight is NOW. This isn’t a distant problem; it’s a call to action for a cancer-free future for my family and yours. Stand in my corner, or join me in the ring, as I raise funds for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation—together, we can all make a difference!
Cancer impacts more than the body—it affects families and futures. In 2016, my mom was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer and given a year to live. Despite immense pain, she showed unwavering strength and caring for others, holding on a couple more months to celebrate my dad’s birthday one last time before passing in March 2017. Her legacy of living fully and fighting fiercely inspires me every day. Now, I want to honour her strength and the millions facing similar battles by taking action to make a difference.
I took up boxing about four years ago to stay fit, but the journey has become much more meaningful. Recently, I lost my mother to brain cancer, and every year, I watch more friends, colleagues, and family members face the same devastating diagnosis. This fight is personal. It’s for my mom, for everyone battling cancer, and for those who have lost their loved ones. I’m fighting to help fund research, raise awareness, and contribute to a future where cancer no longer holds such power over our lives.
I moved to Canada in 2015 and have been fortunate to call it home. My wife’s father, Donnie, passed away after a fierce battle with cancer, and the pain of that loss still lingers. Cancer has touched many families, and sadly, most of us know someone currently fighting this battle. Recently, I learned that a work colleague was diagnosed, which inspired me to step up and show my support. Alongside the FTEC2025 Team, I will dedicate months of training and hard work to this fight, in honor of my father-in-law, my colleague, and everyone who has battled cancer or lost a loved one to it.
As a child, I loved sports but lacked the confidence to pursue competitive opportunities, doubting my ability to make an impact. Earlier this year, I took up boxing as a hobby, which has since become a journey to heal my inner child and step forward for a greater purpose. By participating in this year’s Fight To End Cancer, I’m supporting The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and honouring those affected by cancer. This fight is not just about personal growth but about coming together to make a meaningful difference in cancer research, helping loved ones lost, those battling today, and those who will face this fight tomorrow.
In May 2025, I will step into the ring for the Fight To End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Since joining The Foundation in 2021, I’ve seen firsthand the global impact of the breakthroughs it funds in cancer research and care. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge myself and raise $10,000 for this incredible cause—join me in making a difference!
The Fight To End Cancer is deeply personal to me, my friends, and family, as we’ve all felt the profound impact of losing loved ones to this disease. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and its effects are far-reaching. Supporting this cause means advancing vital research, improving treatments, and raising awareness—crucial steps toward finding cures and making a difference for those affected.
Eight years ago, I lost my brother James to pancreatic cancer. I’m fighting in his honor and for all those affected by cancer—whether through loss, survival, or ongoing battles. After struggling with addiction, I’m now over three years sober and focused on supporting cancer research through Fight To End Cancer. This cause is an opportunity for us to show support for loved ones while prioritizing our own health. I’m dedicating myself to months of training and fundraising, and I ask for your support to help make a difference. Defeat is not an option!
What started as a desire to try something new has become a chance to make a real impact. After beginning my FTEC journey in 2020, the world shut down, and my path was paused. Now, five years later, I’m returning to the ring to finish what I started. Becoming a mom has fueled my passion, and I’m fighting for all those affected by cancer—whether lost, currently fighting, or yet to face it.
This world is full of challenges, and I believe the most powerful way to create change is by leading through example. Too many children are fighting for their lives while their parents struggle to stay strong. My mission is to inspire hope, reminding them that when body, mind, and heart align, no battle is unconquerable. The moment to act is NOW, and I aim to help others recognize the incredible power in this truth.
As a kid, I didn’t fully grasp the impact of a cancer diagnosis on a family until my cousin’s Bar Mitzvah. At 12, I saw my family struggle to balance celebration with worry over my grandmother in the hospital. They tried to shield us from their pain, but now, more than 15 years later, I can only imagine what they endured. We lost her the next day, and the shock and dread I felt when I heard the news still stay with me.
My name is Daniel Garcia, and I am proud to participate in the annual Fight to End Cancer in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. This cause is deeply personal to me—my aunt passed away from cancer in early 2024, and my uncle has been battling it for the past three years. I have seen the impact of cancer on my family, as well as through my work as an Analyst on a research team at Princess Margaret, one of the top five cancer research centers in the world.
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our presenting partners: Grafton Apparel, Landscape Plus Ltd., and our newest partner, APEX Mobile Media.
Since 2014, Grafton Apparel has been a force in the community, contributing over $2 million to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through innovative, year-round initiatives.
Landscape Plus Ltd., under the leadership of Jim Mosher and family, has been instrumental since 2012, helping to raise over $3 million in direct donations. Their dedication honours personal connections to the cause and strengthens our community impact.
Elevating their commitment, APEX Mobile Media, a key sponsor since 2020, has stepped into the role of Presenting Partner for 2025. Their global reach and expertise in mobile advertising are set to amplify FTEC’s mission, bringing the fight against cancer to a worldwide audience. Together, these partnerships embody our collective resolve to knock out cancer in our lifetime.
About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative driven by ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers worldwide. Since our inception in 2012, we have donated nearly $3 million to the cause. Funds raised by FTEC go directly to the GTX Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year, we honour the hard work and dedication of our FTEC family through alternating events: a black-tie charity boxing gala and our newest initiative, The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Our mission is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime. Learn More About The Fight To End Cancer.
About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca
