For Montreal native Gordon Frank, the fight against cancer is personal. After losing both his mother and younger brother to cancer, he has devoted his energy and resources to supporting genetic cancer research, with a focus on hereditary breast, ovarian, and male cancers. His efforts have found a strong ally in the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation (HBOC), a Montreal-based charity making a nationwide impact.
Now, local businesses are joining his mission, including Location Celefete, a leading event rental company known for helping Montrealers celebrate life’s special moments. For Celefete, this cause hits close to home.
A Montreal Mission with National Reach
The Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation (HBOC) is Canada’s only national organization focused solely on familial breast and ovarian cancers, including those caused by BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genetic mutations. These inherited conditions can also raise the risk of male cancers, such as prostate and pancreatic cancers.
What sets HBOC apart is its grassroots nature; it is run entirely by volunteers. That means 100% of every donation goes directly to education, support, and research programs aimed at saving lives through early detection and awareness.
Visit: https://hboc.ca to learn more or get involved.
Leading the Charge: Dr. Harley Eisman
A key figure behind the foundation’s research efforts is Dr. Harley Eisman, Director of Pediatric Emergency Services at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. While his clinical role focuses on children, his research supports genetic screening programs for families at risk of developing hereditary cancers.
Gordon Frank has personally backed Dr. Eisman’s efforts, stating,
“Genetic screening is the goal, and I’m involved.”
Dr. Eisman’s work provides a clear path forward: help individuals identify their risks before illness appears, and give them the tools to make proactive health decisions.
Meet Dr. Eisman here: https://montrealchildrenshospital.ca/staff/harley-eisman
Location Celefete Stands with the Community
At Location Celefete, the community has always come first. As a proud Montreal company serving everything from weddings and corporate events to backyard BBQs and festivals, Celefete believes that celebrating life includes giving back to protect it.
“When we heard about Gordon Frank’s work with HBOC and Dr. Eisman, we knew we had to get involved,” says the Location Celefete team. “We are in the business of helping people create joyful memories, and this cause helps ensure families get the chance to make many more.”
By supporting HBOC, Celefete joins a growing circle of Montreal businesses who understand that health, awareness, and prevention are just as important as celebration.
Why Hereditary Screening Matters
Many Canadians are unaware that their risk of cancer may be passed down through generations. BRCA gene mutations, for example, can dramatically increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. But early detection changes everything.
- Women with BRCA1 mutations face a 70% chance of developing breast cancer.
- Men with BRCA mutations are more likely to face prostate or pancreatic cancers.
- With early genetic testing, individuals can access targeted monitoring or preventive care.
Help Make a Difference
Location Celefete encourages its clients, partners, and the Montreal community to support the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation and follow the example of advocates like Gordon Frank. Whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every gesture helps move us closer to a future where genetic cancer no longer claims lives silently.
For more information or to contribute to the cause, visit https://hboc.ca.
Because when Montrealers come together, whether for a wedding, a fundraiser, or a cause, we make powerful things happen.