About Us
Who We Are
We are a group of individuals concerned about the effect of the BRCA genes on the Jewish community in British Columbia and creating initiatives that serve both men and women at risk. Founded by Jane and Catriona Remocker, in honour of the late Dr. Geoffrey Remocker, who passed away in 2016, BRCAinBC is made up of passionate community members, medical and health professionals and researchers, experts in genetic cancers, health promotion professionals, and Jewish advocacy professionals. Our work has been supported by a number of generous organizations, institutions and members of the community, including BC Cancer’s Hereditary Cancer Program, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, the Znaimer Family Foundation and the Diamond Family Philanthropic Fund as well as many private citizens and donors.
What We Do
This initiative was born out of the realization that many members of our Jewish community in BC are not aware of the risks of carrying the BRCA genes and the risk of genetically-linked cancers in people of all genders, not just biological females. We hope that our work will improve awareness among community members and health professionals, will educate community members about genetic testing options and will reduce the fears and stigma that can surround genetic testing. We also hope to support improvements in access to genetic testing through the BC for members of the Jewish community and protect carriers from potential negative consequences related to discovering their positive carrier status. Finally, we are committed to gender equality in our work and aim to destigmatize BRCA for male carriers in our community. Ultimately, this group stands for the conviction that knowledge is power when it comes to BRCA.
Meet Our Team
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Jane Remocker
CO-FOUNDER/CO-CHAIR
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Dr. Beti Thompson, PhD
CO-CHAIR
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Dr. Rona Cheifetz, MD
BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE/BC CANCER PARTNER
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Dr. Lesa Dawson, MD
BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE/UBC PARTNER
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Allison Mindlin, MSc
BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE
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Lanaiah Menzies
BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE
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Catriona Remocker, MPH
CO-FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR
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Nikoo Shayegan
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
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Annika Chambers
COMMITTEE MEMBER/VOLUNTEER
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Tovah Carr
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Our Community Partners and Supporters
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
Our current strategic plan outlines the committee’s ongoing activities and work in the community.
Get Involved or Donate!
Do you want to get involved or make a donation to support BRCAinBC?
We are always looking for people who are passionate to support our work in the community. There are opportunities to join our committee, participate in fundraising activities, support and organize community education events, and participate in community advocacy.