Member Profile: The Heather Cutler Foundation
Founded in memory of Heather Cutler, The Heather Cutler Foundation is leading a new movement for pancreatic cancer awareness and policy in Canada — one rooted in innovation, inclusion, and tangible action.
The Foundation made history with Canada’s first-ever parliamentary petition focused on pancreatic cancer, and continues to shape national dialogue through the country’s first policy research program with post-secondary students at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2025, the Foundation expanded its reach by launching a national volunteer program and introducing “From Port to Care” travel grants, supporting Canadians living with pancreatic cancer who face travel barriers to care. Looking ahead, the Foundation is preparing Spring 2026 fundraising drives to establish new research grants aimed at diversifying pancreatic cancer research in Canada.
The Foundation was also named a top three finalist in the Cancer Care Track at the NL Health Services Innovation Summit 2025 for its collaborative proposal, CareCircle Connect NL, developed with NLHS social worker Julia Parsons.
At Pride in the Park, the Foundation baked 1,000 rainbow-colored, pancreas-shaped cookies, sparking conversations and raising awareness. Through efforts like this, The Heather Cutler Foundation is bringing pancreatic cancer into public spaces in creative and engaging ways — ensuring Canadians see, understand, and take action on this disease.
