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The Never Alone Foundation will be holding its 4th annual Luncheon Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Canad Inns Polo Park (1405 St. Matthews Avenue). Two-time Canadian curling champion, former world curling champion and cancer survivor Kerry Burtnyk will be speaking at the luncheon. Burtnyk, who survived a battle with a rare form of scalp cancer, will be on "It is an honour to be the guest speaker at this year's Never Alone "Organizations like the Never Alone Foundation are crucial in the continuing A Manitoba resident, Burtnyk won the 1981 Brier as the youngest skip in "In 2008 I was able to reach the national stage and play in the Tim Horton's Lyle Bauer, the founder of the Never Alone Foundation, is excited to have The luncheon will also feature the presentation of the 2009 Difference Maker The Never Alone Foundation was launched in February of 2005 during the CFL The foundation spearheads several fund-raising initiatives including the Tickets for the Never Alone Luncheon on April 8, 2009 are $85 each while  2008 - More than 600 people gathered together Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at Canad Inns Polo Park in Winnipeg to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer as part of the third annual NEVER ALONE LUNCHEON.This year’s luncheon raised approximately $30,000 for the Never Alone Foundation. CancerCare Manitoba is the main beneficiary of the foundation, which was conceived of by Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer following his own diagnosis with throat cancer in late-2004. Bauer kicked things off Tuesday by thanking everyone in attendance for their support. A capacity crowd stood in unison when Bauer asked everyone who had been directly or indirectly affected by cancer to stand up. “This is a great day in the fight against cancer and I do mean fight,†Bauer told the crowd. Manitoba Premier Gary Doer thanked everyone in attendance for their efforts and applauded the work of the foundation. “The Never Alone Foundation has given a voice and dignity to so many families in dealing with the challenges of cancer,†he said. Gene Dunn, a member of the foundation’s board of directors, said 2007 was one of the busiest and most successful years in the brief history of the Never Alone Foundation. He said events such as the Never Alone Foundation Social, the Shoot for the Cure charity basketball game and new sponsorship packages were all tremendously successful. One of the highlights of the afternoon was headline speaker Anthony Calvillo. The Montreal Alouettes quarterback and former Grey Cup MVP told the audience about his own family’s experience with cancer. His wife, Alexia Kontolemos, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour between her lungs late last year. She has made remarkable progress in her battle with the disease since that time. “I hope I get the same applause when I come back in July,†he said following a long round of applause by those in attendance.  Calvillo said he was ‘devastated’ when we found out about Alexia’s diagnosis last October, a week after the birth of their second daughter.“I got on the phone right away and told my coaches and the team that I was done for the year. There were so many questions at that point I felt I needed to be at home. I was fortunate that the team and my teammates understood. There was no way mentally I could have handled being on the field.†Calvillo said he was overwhelmed by the support he and his wife received following her diagnosis. More than 2,000 fans from across the country wrote e-mails to pass along their support. He also thanked Bauer for his support during his family’s crisis. The luncheon was also an opportunity to present the foundation’s 2008 Difference Makers Awards. This year’s winners included: University of Manitoba Mini University Program (Community)
CancerCare Manitoba is the sole beneficiary of the Never Alone program, which was conceived of by Blue Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer. Bauer was inspired to assist cancer victims and their families by his own experience with the disease. Bauer was diagnosed with throat cancer in late-2004.
“What I learned during the next few months was that this could not have been further from the truth. From the onset I was inundated with support from past cancer patients, medical service providers and of course friends and family. What my experience did was open my eyes to the fact, regardless of circumstances, people rise to the occasion to support you in your fight.†The help Bauer received during his own fight inspired him to lend his support, and that of the Winnipeg Football Club, to help others in their struggle with cancer. The Never Alone name was a natural choice for the name of the program. Blue wristbands serve as a visual reminder that no one is ever alone when it comes to fighting cancer. The wristbands sell for $5 each with all proceeds going to CancerCare Manitoba to assist the non-profit agency in its research and education efforts throughout the province of Manitoba. To date, the Never Alone program has raised more than $100,000 for the fight against cancer. That includes the sale of more than 10,000 Never Alone wristbands at various locations throughout Manitoba including Canada Safeway stores, Canad Inns hotels and Ticketmaster. Another Never Alone initiative was the first-ever Never Alone Social, held Aug. 26 at Canad Inns Stadium. Thousands of Bomber faithful packed the stadium to watch the Blue & Gold take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium on the Jumbotron. The evening also including entertainment by several local bands and a fireworks display following the game. The success of the program led to the creation of the Never Alone Foundation. The foundation is spearheading several fund-raising initiatives for CancerCare Manitoba including the on-going sale of the Never Alone wristbands, a Never Alone Luncheon and the Never Alone Social to assist in cancer education and awareness, research and patient support services. For more information on the Never Alone program contact the Bomber office at (204) 784-2583.
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The Todd Davison Memorial Scholarship was presented in honour of the late Todd Davison. It recognizes a high school athlete who has risen above personal challenges while displaying leadership and team skills. 
“When I was first diagnosed with cancer I can tell you that in spite of family and friends, I had never felt so alone and unsure of what the future would bring,†recalled Bauer, who has since successfully fought the disease.