Driven by her passion for oral health and community engagement, TCC member Brenda Currie founded Taste of Life: An Evening to Conquer Oral Cancer five years ago. The highly anticipated gala, held annually at the Club, draws a crowd and raises much-needed funds and awareness about the disease.
Can you please share a bit about yourself and your background?
[BC] I am a devoted wife, dedicated mother of five, long-time Dental Hygienist, and passionate oral cancer advocate. I grew up on Vancouver Island and moved to Vancouver to go to UBC where I received a Diploma in Dental Hygiene in 1976. I then returned to UBC in early 2000, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Dental Science, followed by three years in PhD studies, focusing on oral cancer screening and access to care in vulnerable populations. I am involved in the community and sit on a number of not-for-profit boards related to my profession.
What would you say is your biggest professional success to date?
[BC] The establishment of the oral cancer fundraiser, Taste for Life, which has increased the dialogue and awareness about oral cancer and helped to fund groundbreaking research that will change oral cancer outcomes. Taste for Life is now in its fifth year.
Can you tell us a bit more about your involvement with Taste for Life: An Evening to Conquer Oral Cancer?
[BC] I am the Chair and founder of Taste for Life: An Evening to Conquer Oral Cancer. This fundraiser was initiated by myself and my family four years ago in an effort to help the BC Oral Cancer Prevention Program (BC OCPP) at the BC Cancer Agency, which had lost much of its external support due to funding cuts. The BC OCPP is the research group under which I completed my graduate studies.
We have a small but dedicated team of individuals who have worked very hard over the past four years to raise the profile of oral cancer through Taste for Life. Initially, the funds raised were dedicated to oral cancer research, but last year and this year, the funds raised are being used to support the new Next Generation Oral Cancer Clinic Community Clinic at UBC. This is a novel and important clinic that will manage patients with a personalized approach to ensure that high-risk oral cancer patients will receive the appropriate procedures they need and those at lower risk will be spared the unnecessary aggressive treatment.
We are very grateful to be the host venue for, Taste for Life: An Evening to Conquer Oral Cancer. What do you enjoy most about holding events at TCC?
[BC] Terminal City Club provides a stately and intimate environment to host an event in. The TCC staff are very professional, accommodating, and extremely easy to work with. They go above and beyond to ensure the success of your event.
Why did you become a member of TCC?
[BC] Our son Neil Currie was the first member of the Club and my husband Jim had been to the Club for numerous events and meals. When Neil suggested we join it did not take much convincing once we had a tour of the TCC facilities and realized the many advantages and opportunities that being a member provided.
What have you enjoyed the most about the Club?
[BC] As a woman, I feel very at home and comfortable at the TCC. I enjoy the fact that I can hold business meetings in the various venues at the Club and it feels like I am having the meeting in a safe and professional environment. The staff at the Club make a point of getting to know us as members and always treat us like family.
How do you spend your time when you need to relax?
[BC]My husband and I love to travel, golf, and spend time with our family, friends, and two boxer dogs.
What would you say to someone considering joining TCC?
[BC]“What are you waiting for?” We love being members of the TCC and truly enjoy the facilities, benefits of membership, networking opportunities, and friendships we have developed as a result of being members.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your fellow members?
[BC] Make sure you maintain a work/life balance. Work hard at something you enjoy doing, love your family, play hard, and give back to the community. ■
For more information on Taste for life, please visit conqueroralcancer.com
