By Mallory Clarkson/London Community News

Two local organizations are singing from the same song sheet when it comes to breast cancer research. Representatives from Jeans ‘n Classics Inc. and A Rose in My Book announced Wednesday (Jan. 25) that they will be raising $1 million to support ongoing research at the London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

“We couldn’t be happier,” said Brian Davy, co-chair of A Rose in My Book. “To have the opportunity to partner with Peter Brennan and Jeans ‘n Classics, all to benefit the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF), is a win for everyone.”

Through a partnership with the LHSF, A Rose in My Book has already raised around $500,000 over four years for local cancer research, which was achieved through an annual concert, gala dinner and tournament.

However, through the organization’s collaboration with Jeans ‘n Classics, four concerts will be put on at the London Convention Centre starting in September and ending next May.

After being approached by Brennan, the founder of Jeans ‘n Classics, about the partnership, Davy joked that members of A Rose in My Book thought about it for all of five seconds before jumping on the idea.

Brennan said the idea came after when members of the Jeans ‘n Classics were looking to create a new scenario in London.

“The London audience is really important, really special, they’ve been with us since day one,” he said. Brennan added the group didn’t want to “leave them high and dry” after announcing last year they wouldn’t returning for the upcoming season at Orchestra London.

Brennan said helping contribute to breast cancer research struck a chord within the group.

“It just hit everybody in that very heartfelt sense right form the word go,” he said. “It isn’t the most scientific (thing) — nothing with Jeans ‘n Classics is — it was just a great idea and we pitched it to them and they said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it’.”

As for the million-dollar goal, Brennan said it’s more than possible. He added when there’s a will, there’s a way and breast cancer research is a good cause to chase.

Dr. Alison Allan, a cancer metastasis scientist at LHSC’s Pamela Greenaway Kohlmeier Translational Breast Cancer Unit, said the money is needed because the unique research done at the centre isn’t traditionally funded through government grants.

One unique aspect about the research done at the London facility is what is researched.

“Approximately 90 per cent of breast cancer deaths will occur because of metastasis, not because of the primary tumor,” she said. “But, only about 10 per cent or less of grant funding from government grant agencies goes to support metastasis.”

She added both are North American statistics.

Metastasis is when tumor cells spread to other parts of the body. Allan said the research team is looking at why the cells spread, and how they can be treated and targeted.

The other unique aspect is the approach to research.

“It’s translational research, which is making sure that our scientific work and our scientific ideas are really focused on issues that will help treat and cure patients,” Allan said. “Scientists and clinicians are both very busy and they have very different personalities and they often, historically, have had a very difficult time making that connection.”

Because the type of research done in London doesn’t typically get funded, Allan said money from groups like A Rose in My Book and Jeans ‘n Classics is critical.