Montreal female chefs dish unique recipes in fundraiser for women’s cancer research

The McGill University Health Centre’s Program for Women’s Cancer Research has partnered with Quebec female chefs to fundraise to advance the treatment of women’s cancer research in radiation oncology.

Guests were featured with a six-course gastronomic experience crafted by six Montreal female chefs with all proceeds coming from sales of their unique recipe ‘bookazine‘ called Recettes de Femmes Recipes, along with La Roche-Posay’s Women Chefs Rise.

“It underlines the important work that women do,” says Chef Sayaka Prefontaine. “[And] it does it in a new way because it’s actually written down and documented.”

“I’m glad that we’re actually raising funds for such a cause because it’s been a long time coming,” she said.

The book features recipes from medical professionals, cancer survivors, and 15 Quebec women chefs including Josée di Stasio, Geneviève O’Gleman, Dyan Solomon, Isabelle Deschamps Plante, Fisun Ercan, Geneviève Everell, Helena Loureiro, and Lesley Chesterman.

The annual fundraiser previously raised up to $150,000 with hopes of matching that this year. Dr. Joanne Alfieri, who organized the event and works as a radiation oncologist, says historically this subject has been underfunded.

“Everybody has a story of someone they know with breast cancer or uterine cancer, cervical cancer, because our research program covers breast and gynecological cancers,” Alfieri said. “Everybody knows somebody, either themselves or a mother or an aunt or a friend, and when we approached female chefs, a lot of them were very supportive.”

Over 9,000 Canadian women die from one of these cancers every year, with the centre aiming to curb that. The Program for Women’s Cancer Research was founded by both Alfieri and Dr. Tarek Hijal with the Cancer Centre treating over 750 new patients per year diagnosed with either breast or gynecological cancers.

“Radiation therapy gets a lot less airplay and a lot less funding because we’re not dealing with pharmaceuticals, drugs, etc,” Alfieri said. “[So] our research program really relies on philanthropy.”

Dr. Alfieri’s work in gynecological malignancies includes the creation of an MRI-guided brachytherapy program at the MUHC, allowing high doses of radiation to be delivered with precision from inside the diseased organ, sparing precious surrounding healthy tissues and minimizing side effects.

Daiva Jaugelys, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February, is among some of the survivors whose story is reflected in the book. She says she is currently on the road to recovery and believes events like this are vital.

“I believe that food plays a very key role in our health, we have to do the best that we can,” she said.

“[And] if you can keep your food healthy, tasty, and interesting, then of course this is a very valuable tool to help.”