FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HAMILTON — Aug. 25, 2026 — Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF) is set to host its second annual Breakthrough Bash, an exciting fundraising event bringing together more than 400 community members, local business and health care supporters for an unforgettable evening in support of personalized medicine research at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). Personalized medicine represents the future of health care, using an individual’s unique genetics, biology, lifestyle and environment to guide more precise prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Taking place on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Breakthrough Bash promises an unforgettable evening of discovery, connection and celebration. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, interactive experiences, a one-of-a-kind silent auction, exceptional food and an opportunity to connect with people and learn what is driving the future of health care in our region.
The evening will feature an exclusive culinary experience with Top Chef Canada winner, Erica Karbelnik and Top Chef Canada finalist, Josh Karbelnik. Together, they will host a live culinary station where guests can watch culinary artistry in action, interact with the chefs, take photos and enjoy the unique, immersive dining experience.
“Breakthrough Bash is about bringing people together for an evening of connection, inspiration and impact,” says Anissa Hilborn, chief executive officer of HHSF. “Every guest who joins is helping advance personalized medicine research, innovative technologies and exceptional patient care.”
Last year, Breakthrough Bash raised over $640,000 to advance cancer research. These funds have supported Breakthrough Awards for six HHS clinician-researchers to accelerate promising cancer studies and an international visiting fellowship in cancer research.
“HHS is one of Canada’s top five research hospitals,” continues Anissa. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, researchers and clinicians are advancing discoveries that transform how we prevent, diagnose and treat illness, bringing better care and outcomes to patients across every HHS site.”
The Breakthrough Bash Silent Auction returns this August, offering an exciting lineup of exclusive packages, experiences and unique items available for public bidding. Open to everyone, the online auction offers a meaningful way to make an impact. Visit Breakthrough Bash – Silent Auction to learn more and place your bids.
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About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation:
Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation provides vital funding to enable the best possible patient care. We inspire and motivate gifts that fund medical equipment and patient amenities, innovative research initiatives, essential redevelopment of clinical care spaces and the education and training of health care providers.
As a registered charitable organization, we proudly support patients and families across south-central Ontario, and from outside the region, who receive specialized care at Hamilton Health Sciences including Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, McMaster Children’s Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital. The associated programs at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, McMaster University Medical Centre and Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre are also included.