Join Canadian Club Toronto on April 10 for an insightful conversation on a groundbreaking collaboration that’s set to transform cancer research and treatment in Canada: The Cancer Breakthrough Fund.
While the traditional model of philanthropy in medical research has long been vital, it cannot fully address the complexities of drug development and commercialization. This innovative partnership between the Terry Fox Foundation and Lumira Ventures blends the commitment of philanthropy to support cutting-edge research with the private sector’s expertise in scaling impactful companies. Together, they will create a lasting impact in the fight against cancer. Moderated by Avis Favaro, Health Journalist, this panel will feature:
*For virtual attendees, please note that the live stream will begin at approximately 12:40 pm ET & the link will be provided closer to the event date*
Michael Mazza
Executive Director, Terry Fox Foundation
Michael Mazza is Executive Director at Terry Fox Foundation. Prior to this role he served as an EVP Canadian Cancer Society, CEO of Scarborough Health Network Foundation and CEO of Renascent Foundation. Michael has a deep passion for healthcare philanthropy and is inspired by Terry’s bold vision as much today as in 1980 to achieve a world without cancer through radical collaboration in research and fundraising. Like Terry, Michael believes everybody has a role to play to finish the marathon against cancer, from community-based supporters at Terry Fox Runs to large philanthropists. Michael also believes that current advances in technology and science will drive a renaissance in cancer research that will ensure that we do not have to accept cancer as an inevitable threat, but instead significantly improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for cancer patients and their families.
Suman Rao
Principal, Lumira Ventures
Suman Rao is a Principal at Lumira Ventures, a leading North American venture capital firm, investing in life science companies. Suman joined the firm in 2021 and is actively involved in identifying and leading therapeutic deals within the biotech sector. She also plays a key role in building and managing relationships with strategic partners, both on the co-investing and fundraising side, while also serving as a board observer across various portfolio companies.
Prior to joining Lumira, Suman worked at L.E.K. Consulting in Boston, a global management consulting firm, as a Senior Life Sciences Specialist. She provided strategic advice to biotech and pharma companies on various business matters including growth and commercial opportunities, pipeline expansion and therapeutic area prioritization. Before joining L.E.K., Suman did a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard, with a focus on identifying novel mechanisms to target resistant cancers. Suman has a PhD from the Division of Experimental Medicine and a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry from McGill University.
Peter van der Velden
Managing General Partner, Lumira Ventures
Peter is the Managing General Partner of Lumira Ventures, Canada’s largest and most active dedicated life sciences venture capital investor. A seasoned venture capitalist with over 30 years of experience, Peter has been investing in and building innovative, technology-centric companies since co-founding Lumira Ventures in 2007 through a buyout of MDS Capital Corp. During this tenure the firm has raised five funds, including Fund IV—the largest dedicated life sciences fund ever raised by a Canadian VC manager. Through these funds, Lumira has supported dozens of North American healthcare companies, contributing to 50+ approved therapies, significant cost savings for healthcare systems, and strong returns for investors.
Peter is a past President and Chairman of the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA), where he led the repositioning of the organization and helped shape key federal and provincial initiatives, including the Venture Capital Action Plan to revitalize the venture capital industry in Canada. He has also represented Canada’s venture industry at global venture capital congresses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Peter is a dedicated community volunteer and a frequent lecturer at universities and conferences on venture capital, innovation, and healthcare. He has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s philanthropic strategy, leading initiatives such as Canada’s first donation of Fund Carry to major healthcare foundations, the Double Bottom Line Challenge, which supported over 35 charities and businesses impacted by COVID-19, and the creation of the Lumira Foundation. He also spearheaded a groundbreaking collaboration between a philanthropic foundation and a VC firm to channel more capital into developing transformative therapies for patients. In recognition of his contributions to advancing and promoting the Canadian venture capital industry, he received the Barry Gekiere Lifetime Legacy Award from the CVCA in 2023.
Avis Favaro
Health Journalist
Avis Favaro is an acclaimed medical journalist with decades of experience – as Canada’s longest-serving television medical correspondent. She continues to report on health news, as a freelance contributor to CTV News, and as host of The CHIP – a podcast by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHR). She also conducts media training at Santis Health. Ms. Favaro has been recognized with a multitude of awards for her work over her career. A graduate of Western University with a Masters in Arts, she was also granted an honorary PhD from Mc Master University. In her spare time, there are grandchildren to spoil, and bad games of golf to keep her humble.
