Heather Cutler Foundation
 | |
| Founded | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Christopher Cutler |
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Headquarters | Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
Key people | Christopher Cutler (President & Executive Director) |
| Website | https://heathercutler.ca/ |
The Heather Cutler Foundation (HCF) is a Canadian non‑profit organization that advocates for improved pancreatic cancer care, awareness, and policy reform across Canada. The foundation supports individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer, advances public education on the disease, and promotes equitable access to clinical trials and healthcare resources. It is based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador.
History
The organization was established in 2024 in memory of Heather Cutler, a registered nurse with over thirty‑five years of professional experience who died from pancreatic cancer. Her experiences as a patient highlighted systemic disparities in access to diagnostics, treatment options, and clinical trials, particularly in smaller Canadian provinces.
The foundation was incorporated on October 11, 2024, under the Canada Not‑for‑profit Corporations Act, with its purpose set out to support those affected by pancreatic cancer through education, advocacy, community engagement, and efforts to reduce geographic disparities in care.
Activities and Initiatives
Since its founding, the Heather Cutler Foundation has engaged in multiple activities aimed at advancing pancreatic cancer awareness and policy reform in Canada. In 2025, the organization filed its first e‑petition to the House of Commons of Canada advocating for pancreatic cancer to be designated a national health priority, for expanded access to clinical trials, and for the removal of geographic and financial barriers to care[1]. This e‑petition (e‑6492) was the first congressional petition in Canada focused exclusively on pancreatic cancer to receive an official response.
The foundation produces educational resources, including podcasts and online content designed to support Canadians living with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers in navigating healthcare systems and advocating for themselves. It also launched a national audit initiative, We Are Canada Too – A National Audit of Canada’s Response to Pancreatic Cancer, to examine regional variations in access to cancer care and contribute to national policy discussions.
In 2025, the foundation formally announced its first patient travel relief grant program, Port to Care, providing financial assistance to Canadians living with pancreatic cancer who must travel to urban centres for treatment. It also announced the From Coast to Cure fundraising initiative, aimed at supporting future research grants focused on early detection and inclusive clinical trial access for underserved populations.
Recognition and Awards
At the NL Health Innovation Summit 2025, the foundation collaborated with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services on CareCircle Connect NL, a proposal designed to bridge gaps in rural and psychosocial cancer care. The initiative was named one of the top three finalists in the Cancer Care Track, resulting in funding to support its implementation.
The foundation also received recognition for its innovative approaches to advocacy and digital engagement during its participation in health innovation forums and networks, contributing to provincial discussions on patient‑centred care.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The Heather Cutler Foundation is a member of several national and international coalitions aimed at improving cancer care outcomes. It is listed as a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition[2] (WPCC), a global network of organizations working on pancreatic cancer awareness and policy.
In 2025, the foundation joined the Cancer Action Now Alliance, a Canadian coalition of cancer advocacy organizations that collaborates on policy reform, equitable access to treatments, and coordinated national efforts to improve cancer care.
References
External links
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References
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