Darren Bessette, Laughter 4 Cancer and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada

Darren Bessette is a FRAMOS employee for over 9 years. He is a cancer survivor who has been diagnosed twice with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the first time was in 2016 and again in March 2019. This second relapse was much more difficult as the first round of chemotherapy did not have an impact on the cancer.? A more aggressive approach was offered using a brand-new living drug therapy called CAR-T Cell. This treatment has the potential for a more permanent cure for his cancer.??

In 2018, in between cancer diagnoses, Darren started a fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). They are the leading source of blood cancer information, education and support for patients, survivors, families and healthcare professionals. Their mission and goal are to find a cure for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms while improving the quality of life of everyone affected by blood cancers through funding life-enhancing research and proving educational resources, support and services. Many of the new blood cancer treatments and discoveries are often very beneficial for treatment of other types of solid cancers.??

The Laughter 4 Cancer Foundation was created to host an annual comedy night to raise awareness and funds for this cause. He wanted to come up with a way to help others like him who have gone through or are going through a cancer diagnosis with the goal of working towards a cure so that no one ever has to go through what he went through.??

A comedy night was chosen as the fundraising mechanism for several reasons. First off, everyone loves a good laugh. It helps with healing and reduces stress. Secondly, it accessible to all, specifically those who may have limited movement or energy due to their illness, and/or to patients and caregivers. It is unlike other fundraising activities that require participants to run/walk as part of the fundraising campaign. Finally, it is one evening where people can forget about their problems, stresses and illnesses, and laugh as a group with friends and family, free of any judgement. In addition to ticket sales, funds are also raised with draws and a silent auction.?

In 2022 and again in 2023, the funds raised by the LLSC are going to a trial study happening at The Ottawa Hospital, in Ottawa, Canada, to look into creating CAR-T cell drug therapies in Canada and reducing their costs from $750,000/treatment to $50,000-100,000/treatment. This makes fundraising extra special for Darren.?

Since the inception of the Laughter 4 Cancer annual comedy nights, this foundation has raised almost $57,000 for the LLSC, in just 5 years, which was quite a feat given the pandemic paused the comedy night for 2 years. FRAMOS has been a strong supporter of this cause through generous donations and participation in the event.??

Darren is very active with the LLSC. He is one of the First Connection volunteers for over 4 years. This LLSC program matches patients and caregivers with trained peers who offer firsthand experiences with blood cancers. He has given presentations and podcasts ?English version and French Version ?on his experiences with battling cancer and CAR-T cell therapy, and is part the Executive Leadership Committee for Ottawa’s Light the Night event, a major yearly LLSC fundraising campaign.?

?To learn more about Darren and his comedy night, you can visit the Laughter 4 Cancer website. He is one of the many FRAMOSians who inspire us and make FRAMOS an amazing place to work!??

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