About Us

Catriona Geoff Jane Remocker

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.

BRCA wordcloud

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

  • Jane Remocker

    Jane Remocker

    CO-FOUNDER/CO-CHAIR

  • Dr. Beti Thompson

    Dr. Beti Thompson, PhD

    CO-CHAIR

  • Dr. Rona Cheifetz

    Dr. Rona Cheifetz, MD

    BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE/BC CANCER PARTNER

  • Dr. Lesa Dawson

    Dr. Lesa Dawson, MD

    BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE/UBC PARTNER

  • Allison Mindlin

    Allison Mindlin, MSc

    BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE

  • Lanaiah Menzies

    BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE

  • Catriona Remocker

    Catriona Remocker, MPH

    CO-FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR

  • Nikoo Shayegan

    SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

  • Annika Chambers

    COMMITTEE MEMBER/VOLUNTEER

  • Tovah Carr

    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.